EDISON – On Wednesday, September 3rd Senator Barbara Buono will hold a press conference to discuss legislation that she and Senator Tom Kean Jr. will introduce this fall. The bill would prohibit the sale of any product containing Dextromethorphan to anyone under the age of 18 years old. It targets recreational abusers of the over-the-counter drug that is commonly found in over 100 common cough and cold remedies.
“The abuse of Dextromethorphan is a growing problem in New Jersey and across the United States,” said Senator Buono (D-18). “Because the drugs are so readily available to kids, abuse can be easily hidden from even the most involved parent.”
The legislation was inspired by Senator Buono’s constituent Ashley, a student at Edison High School who, after being convinced to use the drug recreationally, suffered severe adverse effects that put her in the emergency room. The press conference, which will be held at Edison High School, will serve as an introduction to the legislation and will give Ashley a chance to tell her story in order to raise awareness about the dangers of abusing the drug.
“Raising awareness and preventing the abuse of over-the-counter drugs is absolutely essential to the health and well-being of our children,” said Senator Tom Kean Jr (R-21). “This bill will prevent kids from abusing this dangerous and potentially fatal drug.”
What: Senator Buono press conference on Buono-Kean Dextromethorphan legislation
Who: Senator Barbara Buono, Ashley Angalet & her mother Sheila Angalet, Partnership for a Drug Free NJ, NJ Prevention Network, National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence of Middlesex County
When: Wednesday September 3rd at 11:00AM
Where: Edison High School, 50 Boulevard of Eagles, Edison, NJ 08817
Media are invited to attend