Illinois Senate Bill 102, which prohibits anyone from giving a minor supplements that contain ephedra, unanimously passed through the chamber by a vote of 58-0-0. The measure is sponsored by Sen. John Cullerton, D-Chicago.
In 2003, Illinois became the first state to regulate the sale of products containing ephedra when legislation sponsored by then-state Sen. Barack Obama passed through the General Assembly. The measure, now known as Public Act 93-8, was subsequently signed into law by the governor.
Cullerton said ‘ [t] here is nothing in the current law dealing with the transfer… or giving of any of these dangerous supplements to minors.’
SB102 also makes it illegal to ‘sell, transfer, or furnish’ supplements containing certain steroids, such as androstenediones, to minors. The legislation does not restrict the use of ephedrine or androstenediones in doctor-prescribed medications. Ephedrine is a key ingredient in the manufacture of crystal meth.
The measure moves to the House.