AUGUSTA - On Monday, Gov. Janet Mills signed into law LD 1615, sponsored by Rep. Mo Terry, D-Gorham, which would expand Mainers' access to safe, nonprescription medications like Advil and DayQuil.
In 2019, the Legislature passed a measure permitting the sale of nonprescription drugs in vending machines. That bill, now law, allows no more than 12 different drugs to be sold in a single location. LD 1615 would remove that cap.
"Eliminating this arbitrary and unnecessary limit will allow students, people who work long hours and residents of rural areas to access medicine when they need it," said Terry. "It will also provide more opportunities for companies across the state who want to sell their products where there isn't enough business to afford a brick-and-mortar store."
Under current law, over-the-counter medications permitted for sale in vending machines do not include any that require consultation with a pharmacist or doctor, or that would require a photo ID.0
The new law will go into effect 90 days after the current session of the Legislature adjourns.
Terry, who represents part of Gorham, is serving her fourth term in the Maine House and serves as the House Majority Leader. She is a chef and small business owner with more than 25 years of experience in the food service industry.
Contact:
Brian Lee [Terry], c. 305-965-2744