AUGUSTA, Maine (AP) A state law making an overdose-reversing drug available without a prescription is becoming reality thanks to a compromise between Maine Board of Pharmacy and Republican Gov. Paul LePage.
LePage directed a senior policy adviser to sign off Thursday after the board lifted the age limit of obtaining naxolone. This week, LePage said the age limit should be lifted from 18 to 21, the same as the new limit for tobacco purchases.
Lawmakers approved the bill in 2016 but it had been in rule-making limbo.
Democratic House Speaker Sara Gideon accused the governor and board of contradicting lawmakers and added that “addiction knows no age.”
LePage has opposed widespread distribution of naloxone, known as Narcan. He argues the life-saving drug is a crutch that keeps people using drugs.
