Health · Healthcare & Policy · 24 mins ago
California will bar under-18s from buying some supplements without a prescription
California will restrict sales of some supplements and weight-loss pills to adults starting January 1, 2027.
The rule covers products such as creatine and weight-loss pills sold without a doctor’s visit.
Buyers must be 18 or older, or have a prescription, and sellers must check their age.
Sellers who fail to check can be fined $500 under a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.
The law aims to protect young people; researchers have linked some weight-loss products to possible eating disorders and signs of depression.
The restriction applies to products not approved by the FDA, and there is debate over creatine’s benefits and possible side effects.
California will require buyers to be at least 18 to purchase certain dietary supplements without a prescription, starting January 1, 2027.
The restriction covers products such as creatine and over-the-counter weight-loss pills.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law in late September.
Businesses that sell the products without checking buyers’ ages face a $500 fine.
Supporters say the law is intended to protect minors, while some industry groups warn it could create confusion about legal products.
- Who
- California buyers under 18, and sellers of certain supplements.
- What
- Buyers under 18 will need a prescription to purchase certain supplements.
- When
- Starting January 1, 2027.
- Where
- California.
- Why
- The law’s sponsor says it is intended to protect minors from potentially harmful products.
Supporters of the restriction
American Herbal Products Association
Purpose of the law
Supporters of the restriction
Supporters say the law is meant to protect minors.
American Herbal Products Association
The association is concerned the law could cause confusion about products that remain legal.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law.
The age restriction is scheduled to take effect.
- Minimum age
- 18
- Effective date
- January 1, 2027
- Fine for sellers
- $500
- Products covered
- Certain dietary supplements, including creatine and over-the-counter weight-loss pills
- Prescription exception
- Buyers under 18 may purchase covered products with a prescription