What is the age requirement to purchase dextromethorphan?

The age requirement to purchase dextromethorphan is that an individual must be 18 years old or an emancipated minor. This regulation is in place to help prevent misuse of the substance, which is often abused for its psychoactive effects, particularly among teenagers and younger individuals. By establishing a minimum age limit, lawmakers aim to minimize the availability of products containing dextromethorphan to those who are most likely to misuse them, encouraging responsible purchase behavior among adults.

An emancipation status provides minors with legal independence, allowing them to make purchases and decisions typically reserved for adults, which is why this category is included in the regulation. This allows for flexibility while still maintaining a safeguard against potential abuse by younger non-emancipated individuals.