SB 366: Controlled Substances and Pharmacists and Pharmacies; ivermectin as an over-the-counter medication in this state; provide

Right now, ivermectin, a drug used to treat parasites, head lice, and rosacea, is classified in Georgia law as a dangerous drug, meaning it generally cannot be sold without a prescription. Senate Bill 366 changes that by removing ivermectin from the specific dangerous drug listings in Georgia's controlled substances law (O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71). The bill then adds a brand new section to Georgia's pharmacy law (O.C.G.A. § 26-4-7) that defines ivermectin and defines what counts as an over-the-counter medication (one that can be sold and bought without a prescription or a consultation with a pharmacist or other healthcare provider). It then states plainly that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased over the counter in Georgia, overriding any other law that would say otherwise. The bill repeals any conflicting laws but does not include a specific effective date beyond the standard process for bills signed into law.

• Removes ivermectin from two specific paragraphs of Georgia's dangerous drug definition in O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71, eliminating its classification there.
• Creates a new Code section, O.C.G.A. § 26-4-7, that defines ivermectin and defines the term 'over-the-counter medication.'
• Declares that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased as an over-the-counter medication in Georgia, regardless of any other conflicting law.
• Repeals any other Georgia laws that conflict with allowing ivermectin to be sold without a prescription.

Georgia pharmacies and retailers that sell medication, pharmacists, consumers who want to buy ivermectin for conditions like parasitic worms, head lice, or rosacea, and healthcare providers who currently prescribe or oversee ivermectin use.

If enacted, Georgians would be able to walk into a store and buy ivermectin without seeing a doctor or pharmacist first, similar to buying aspirin or allergy medicine. This changes how the drug is accessed and removes the current requirement for professional oversight before purchase or use.

• Section 1 repeals paragraph (506.8) of subsection (b) and paragraph (12.1) of subsection (c) of O.C.G.A. § 16-13-71, removing ivermectin from the dangerous drug classification.
• Section 2 adds new Code section 26-4-7, defining 'ivermectin' as an antiparasitic drug used in both veterinary and human medicine, and defining 'over-the-counter medication.'
• Section 2 also states that ivermectin suitable for human use may be sold or purchased over the counter in Georgia, notwithstanding any contrary law.
• Section 3 repeals all other laws that conflict with the Act.

1. 2025-03-28Senate Read and Referred (Senado)
2. 2025-03-27Senate Hopper (Senado)

• Colton Moore (R, SD-053)Patrocinador principal
• Greg Dolezal (R, SD-027)
• Matt Brass (R, SD-006)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)
• Sam Watson (R, SD-011)
• Russ Goodman (R, SD-008)
• Carden Summers (R, SD-013)
• Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
• Lee Anderson (R, SD-024)
• Brandon Beach (R, SD-021)
• Blake Tillery (R, SD-019)
• Chuck Payne (R, SD-054)
• Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
• Clint Dixon (R, SD-045)

• ivermectin
• over-the-counter medication
• pharmacy law
• controlled substances
• drug access