As we begin 2017, some new laws go into effect in Florida after Governor Rick Scott signed them into law last year. One of these laws aims to curb drug abuse by minors by restricting minors from purchasing cough syrups.
SB 938 Prevents Minors from Buying Certain Cough Syrups
This law prohibits the sale of drugs containing dextromethorphan to persons younger than 18 and prohibits persons younger than 18 from purchasing such drugs.
Under the new law, retail stores do not have to change product displays to prevent customers from obtaining the items from the store floor, but the law requires retailers to check I.D. before completing the sale if the customer appears to be between the ages of 18 and 25, or younger.
What medications does this affect?
Dextromethorpan is a synthetic compound common in many over-the-counter cough medicines. It can cause loss of motor control and hallucinations, including distortions of space and color and even audible hallucinations. In 2014, the American Association of Poison Control Centers reported six deaths due to the use of dextromethorpan. Some common over-the-counter medications that contain this compound include:
- Alka-Seltzer Plus
- Dimetapp
- Mucinex DM
- Pediacare
- Robitussin
- Theraflu
- Tylenol Cough & Cold
- Vicks DayQuil and NyQuil
What are the penalties for violating the new law?
Parties that sell dextromethorphan-containing drugs to minors as well as minors that purchase such drugs may face a civil citation of up to $100 for violating this new law. An employee or representative of a manufacturer, distributor, or retailer who sells the drug to a minor is subject to a written warning.
Goldman Wetzel Stays Current on All New Criminal Law Changes
If there are charges against you for committing a crime in Florida, it is important that you have the help of a criminal defense attorney. A drug defense lawyer at Goldman Wetzel helps residents of the St. Petersburg and Tampa area exercise their rights and build a defense against criminal charges.
If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, call 727-828-3900 to set up a consultation about the charges and to discuss what comes next.