California Ephedra Ban Imminent

SACRAMENTO, Calif.--On Sept. 11, the California Senate passed a bill (SB 582) to bar sales of ephedra-containing supplements. The bill passed 26-13, with all Democrats and one Republican voting for it, and is now on its way to Gov. Gray Davis' office where it will be--based on Davis' previous statements--signed into law.

"After four long years, I'm pleased that we're so close to getting this modern day snake oil off of store shelves," said Sen. Jackie Speier (D-San Francisco), the bill's sponsor. "The sooner we act, the more lives we'll save and the more strokes and heart attacks we'll avoid."

Davis has until Oct. 12 to sign or veto the bill. If signed, the legislation will become effective on Jan. 1, 2004.