In many regions, ephedrine is "behind-the-counter" (BTC), meaning it is legal to buy without a prescription but requires a consultation with a pharmacist and identity verification.
Legal Requirements for the Sale and Purchase of Drug ... - FDA
Ephedrine is heavily regulated worldwide due to its potential for misuse and its role as a precursor for methamphetamine. While it was once common in over-the-counter (OTC) weight loss supplements, those products are now largely banned in the United States and elsewhere.
