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Delaware Lawmakers Approve Age Restrictions on Cough Medicine

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DOVER, Del. (AP) - The state Senate has given final legislative approval to a bill banning sales of a popular cough suppressant to anyone under 18 in Delaware unless they have a prescription.

The Senate voted unanimously Tuesday to pass the legislation, which seeks to limit over-the-counter sales of dextromethorphan, or DXM, to minors.

The measure, which cleared the House unanimously last month, is aimed at youngsters who abuse DXM to get high.

Any business that sold dextromethorphan in violation of the legislation would receive a warning letter from the Office of Controlled Substances for the first violation. A second violation would result in a fine of up to $150, which could range up to $250 for third or subsequent violations.

The bill now goes to Gov.  Jack Markell for his consideration.

Don Rush is the News Director at Delmarva Public Media. An award-winning journalist, Don reports major local issues of the day, from sea level rise, to urban development, to the changing demographics of Delmarva.