Under the measure, pseudoephedrine-based drugs would be listed as Schedule V substances that can be sold only at licensed pharmacies. A photo identification and signature would be required to buy the products. In addition, the bill limits the amount of pseudoephedrine tablets purchased over a 30-day period to no more than nine grams, or the equivalent of 12 boxes of cold pills.

The bill is aimed at curbing meth manufacturing, which, according to law-enforcement officials, has reached epidemic proportions in the state.

"Oklahoma was first in the nation last year in the number of per-capita methamphetamine lab seizures," said Sen. Dick Wilkerson (D-Atwood). "This is an addiction-driven problem that is like a cancer eating away at communities across the state. We need to do everything we can to stop meth in its tracks."

The legislation, the first of its kind in the nation, goes back to the Oklahoma House of Representatives for approval of Senate amendments before being sent to Gov. Brad Henry.

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