Law Banning Sale of Ephedra Products Introduced in New York City

NEW YORK - New York City lawmakers recently introduced legislation that, if passed, would ban over-the-counter sales of ephedra-containing products in the city. City Council Minority Leader James Oddo (R-Staten Island), Councilwoman Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan), and Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum sponsored the bill that would impose a $1,000 fine on the unauthorized sale of the herbal stimulant, reported the Associated Press. Oddo stated that ephedra should be regulated because it is a drug, not a dietary supplement. In addition, the City Councilman described ephedra as 'speed.' Physicians would still be allowed to prescribe ephedra to patients suffering …