Why, then, is the DEA pushing for easier online access to these drugs? And who is lobbying the DEA to do this, when it clearly will only make the DEA’s job harder?
When it comes to policy matters, it is always helpful to follow the money trail to understand the actions of federal agencies and bureacrats. Pharmaceutical companies (Barr Pharmaceuticals), large employers (Wal-mart), prescribing software makers (Allscripts Healthcare Solutions) and electronic prescription networks have lobbied for and/or supported the electronic prescribing of controlled substances.
It appears that the State of California considers Viagra and Cialis “controlled substances” when the pharmaceuticals are not accompanied by a valid prescription! Court documents reveal that two of the charges against IFBB Pro Bodybuilder Hidetada Yamagishi involve Viagra and Cialis (emphasis added):
Count 7: On or about December 8, 2007, in the County of Los Angeles, the crime of possession of a controlled substance, in violation of business & professions code section 4060, a Misdemeanor, was committed by Hidetada Yamagishi, who did knowingly and unlawfully possess VIAGRA, a controlled substance without a prescription.
Count 8: On or about December 8, 2007, in the County of Los Angeles, the crime of possession of a controlled substance, in violation of business & professions code section 4060, a Misdemeanor, was committed by Hidetada Yamagishi, who did knowingly and unlawfully possess CIALIS, a controlled substance without a prescription.
Granted, they are misdemeanor charges. But who would have considered Viagra and Cialis controlled substances. Do they meet any of the traditional criteria for controlled substances under the law?
