RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - Additional penalties for people who make methamphetamine in North Carolina or possess a key ingredient in making it have been approved by a House committee.

A House judiciary panel voted Wednesday in support of the measure recommended by a study group that looked at how to prevent the spread of the highly addictive drug, produced with volatile chemicals that can lead to explosions.

The measure would make it a felony for someone to possess a product with pseudoephedrine - often cold medicines - if the person has been convicted previously of making meth. These cold medicines remain behind drug store counters and its sales are monitored.

People who make meth where a child or disabled or elder adult live also could see their sentences increased by up to four years.