California Assembly OKs Bill to Let Pharmacies Sell Needles Without Prescriptions

On Tuesday, California's Assembly approved (41-31) a bill that would allow pharmacies to sell up to 30 hypodermic needles to an adult without a prescription. The legislation, which aims to reduce needle-sharing by drug addicts, covers pharmacies that agree to participate with state and local health officials in evaluating the program. It would be phased out at the end of 2007 unless extended by lawmakers. Assemblymember Joe Nation (D-San Rafael) said the bill is modeled after laws already in effect in 44 other states. Assemblymember Jay La Suer (R-La Mesa) said the bill sends a "terrible message" that it's "OK to use drugs as long as you have a clean needle." The measure, SB774, now goes back to the Senate for consideration of Assembly amendments.

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