Ephedra Banned in Illinois 38626

Ephedra Banned in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.A bill that bans the sale of any productcontaining ephedra or ephedrine alkaloids in the state of Illinois was passed bythe states House by a vote of 117 to 0 and signed into law by Gov. RodBlagojevich. Blagojevich had been the one to urge the states legislature topass the ban.

The Ephedra Prohibition Act, sponsored by Rep. Sara Feigenholtz (D-12th District) and Sen. Barack Obama (D-13th District), bans the sale of alldietary supplements containing ephedra or ephedrine alkaloids to purchasers,regardless of age. This would not affect products that have been approved assafe and effective under FDAs Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Violating this lawthe first time would be classified as a misdemeanor, and violators could befined up to $5,000 and be subject to one year in prison. For subsequentviolations, the act would be considered a Class 3 felony, subject to five yearsin prison or a fine of up to $20,000.