CONCORD, N.H. -- Gov. Craig Benson officially outlined his plan to allow New Hampshire residents to but cheaper prescription drugs from Canada, deflecting criticism that the plan is unsafe and illegal.

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Pharmacists Attack Plan

Federal law prohibits buying Canadian drugs, but the governor is taking advantage of new federal legislation that allows for exceptions to that rule. Benson said he sent a letter to Health and Human Services director Tommy Thompson asking for permission to buy prescription medications in Canada.

If the waiver is granted, New Hampshire could buy drugs for its Medicaid recipients and get approval for New Hampshire residents to make purchases though the Internet. Benson said many prescription drugs are three times more expensive in the United States.

"They can charge more and have higher prices in the U.S. because American consumers can afford to pay higher prices," Benson said. "I find that reprehensible."

While the governor said his plan is a way to avoid price gouging, critics said it can be unsafe. Tuesday, pharmacists from New Hampshire and Canada said the plan would not only cut business for local pharmacies, it could open up consumers to poorly produced, dangerous drugs.

"When you get cheap drugs, you might not get the medicine your doctor asked you to get," New Hampshire pharmacist Rick Potter said.

The governor and his staff said the plan would use certified pharmacies and require careful checks before purchases are made.

"I don't think he's going to do anything that would jeopardize health," state Department of Health and Human Services commissioner John Stephen said. "Our department is continuing to work with him."

Officials said it could take several weeks before the federal government makes a decision on the waiver request. If the answer is no, Benson indicated that he would go ahead with his plan anyway.