A sharp increase in overdoses tied to dextromethorphan (DXM), an active ingredient found in more than 100 over-the-counter cold medicines, has led two New Jersey lawmakers to propose a bill that would require cashiers to verify a shopper's age before selling the product in retail stores.
Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono and Republican state Sen. Tom Kean Jr. have introduced the legislation. Sen. Buono told The Associated Press, "DXM abuse can have lasting and potentially fatal consequences for teenagers who misuse this legal, inexpensive and easily accessible substance in order to achieve a high."
The practice of carding consumers looking to buy medicines containing DXM, said Sen Buono, puts "common sense limitations" on the sale of the products.
According to New Jersey's Poison Information and Education System, teenagers treated for DXM exposure has grown from 70 in 2000 to 205 last year. There have been 107 cases in the state so far in 2008.
According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, 10 percent of teenagers have intentionally abused cough/cold medicines to get high.
A number of retail chains, including some already operating in New Jersey such as Costco, CVS, Rite Aid, Stop & Shop, Target, Walgreens and Walmart, already card consumers under 18 who attempt to purchase products containing DXM.
Discussion Questions: Is DXM abuse becoming prevalent enough that legislation is required to try and prevent teens from obtaining products containing the ingredient? Is this something that can be handled just as well or better on a voluntary basis by retailers?