A number of states have proposed tightening controls on cold and allergy products that contain pseudoephedrine, a chemical used in manufacturing the illicit drug methamphetamine (commonly referred to as meth, speed or crank). Most, if not all of the state bills follow the example of a first-of-its-kind law passed last year by the Oklahoma legislature. According to the Des Moines Register, two dozen states legislatures -- including Iowa, Oregon, Kansas, Minnesota, Texas, and Georgia -- have introduced similar bills that would require products like Sudafed and Claritin-D to be placed behind pharmacy counters, call for photo identification and/or signature, and limit quantities purchased.

Texas’s proposed law would ban all pseudoephedrine products unless sold in liquid form, since its liquid form cannot be used in methamphetamine production. Iowa’s bill would require pharmacies to create a log of all individuals who purchase non-prescription medications like Sudafed.

In Minnesota a bill would require locks on anhydrous ammonia, also used in the production of meth. In addition, Minnesota may seek to investigate whether the state can sue large bulk distributors of pseudoephedrine. Lastly, the state's proposal includes a review of best practices for treating meth abuse.