Needle Sales

The legislature overrode the Governor’s veto last month and passed a new law (St.2006, c.172) allowing the sale of hypodermic needles without a prescription beginning September 18. According to the New Bedford Standard-Times, “Massachusetts becomes the 48th state in the nation to decriminalize the possession of hypodermic needles, which supporters say will reduce the spread of AIDS and hepatitis C. Only New Jersey and Delaware still require a prescription to buy and possess hypodermic needles.”