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H 2481

An Act prohibiting the sale of dextromethorphan to minors

194th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by David Linsky

Massachusetts bill restricts over-the-counter dextromethorphan sales to minors to prevent substance abuse while maintaining access through adult purchase and parental authorization.

Hearing rescheduled to 07/14/2025 from 01:00 PM-06:05 PM in A-1 and Virtual Hearing updated to New End Time
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Bill Summary · H 2481

Legislative bill overview

H 2481 would prohibit the sale of dextromethorphan (DXM), a common cough suppressant found in over-the-counter cold medicines, to individuals under 18 years old in Massachusetts. The bill restricts retail access to this medication for minors, similar to age-restriction models used for other products.

Why is this important

DXM abuse among adolescents has been documented as a public health concern, with misuse potentially causing neurological effects, overdose, and other serious health complications. This legislation attempts to reduce youth access to a substance that can be easily obtained and misused when taken in large quantities beyond therapeutic doses. The measure balances public health protection with maintaining access for legitimate medical use by adults and supervised use by minors through parental or medical channels.

Potential points of contention

  • Access and parental authority: Parents and caregivers seeking DXM-containing products for their children's cold symptoms would need to purchase items themselves, potentially limiting parental discretion in medication management
  • Enforcement challenges: Retail compliance and enforcement across diverse pharmacy and convenience store settings may prove inconsistent, and age-verification systems add operational burden
  • Medical efficacy debate: Some argue DXM's therapeutic effectiveness for cough suppression doesn't justify restricting access, especially given the prevalence of combination cold medicines containing this ingredient

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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