I think selling the stuff "behind the counter" where a pharmacist has to dispense it is more than sufficient. Whyintheheck should folks who have a cold have to strain the already-burdened health care system??

There is a new (actually old chemistry, but more expensive to make) compound that is being used now. This drug cannot be converted into meth without extensive chemistry knowledge. The pseudoephedrine reaction is one step, and this is why there's a problem.

When the new chemical (I'm spacing the name right now) comes out it'll probably be easier to get cold and allergy meds again.

One nitpick I have with Oregon's law: the active ingredient in Claratin is of a different chemical class and cannot be converted to meth.