Ohio legislators are being asked to fight back against illegal drugs through measures similar to those being used in many other states, including neighboring West Virginia.
In both states, purchasers of over-the-counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine are required to sign pharmacy log books. That is because the cold and allergy medicines' active ingredient can be used to manufacture illegal methamphetamines.
Recognizing the need to further limit access to pseudoephedrine, West Virginia lawmakers earlier this month approved a bill requiring pharmacies to join a national online tracking system. It would allow drugstores - and law enforcement agencies - to identify those who frequently purchase the drugs in question.
A bill introduced a few days ago in the Ohio House of Representatives includes similar requirements.
Certainly, it may result in some minor inconvenience to law-abiding drug purchasers - but certainly not to the extent of proposals that medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine be available only by prescription.
Are more effective controls needed? You be the judge: The number of drug overdose deaths in Ohio hit a record - 1,544 - in 2010. Lawmakers should adopt the proposal.