OKLAHOMA CITY – With last month’s federal approval of powdered alcohol, called Palcohol, Oklahoma is the latest state legislature preparing to ban the substance before the manufacturer can get it on store shelves.

Five states have already banned it, and at least 47 bills addressing powdered alcohol have been introduced in 28 states, including Oklahoma, as of mid-March, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Critics say there is potential for abuse, especially by youths. Some say consumers will try to snort it, sprinkle it on food, sneak it into venues that don’t allow alcohol, or mix it into alcohol instead of water, as intended.

Oklahoma State Senator Dan Newberry introduced S.B. 720, which would make powdered alcohol illegal for anyone to use, buy, sell or possess. It would also make it illegal for bars or restaurants to use powdered alcohol as an alcoholic beverage. The bill was approved last month and is now awaiting action in the Oklahoma House. If approved as written, the Oklahoma law would go into effect November 1.

However, Palcohol’s manufacturer expects it to be available by this summer, leaving a potential window where, even if outlawed in Oklahoma, the product could be sold there. Newberry said he’ll consider adding an emergency clause to his bill, allowing it to become effective immediately upon the signature of the governor or at a specified date. Oklahoma’s Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission could also deny distributors approval to carry the product until the law took effect.