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Are methamphetamine precursor control laws effective tools to fight the methamphetamine epidemic?
James Nonnemaker1, Mark Engelen, Daniel Shive
1RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709-2194, USA. jnonnemaker@rti.org
Health Economics
|March 25, 2011
Summary
Methamphetamine precursor laws show mixed results in curbing illegal drug production and use. While some evidence indicates reduced domestic manufacturing, other findings suggest increased drug purity and availability.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Criminology
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Methamphetamine use has significantly increased in the U.S. over the past decade.
- This rise has prompted various legislative actions to combat the problem.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of methamphetamine precursor laws on domestic production, availability, and consequences of use.
- To examine trends following the federal Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act (MAPA) and California's stricter laws.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of indicators of methamphetamine supply and use.
- Comparison of trends across different legislative strengths (federal MAPA vs. California's law).
Main Results:
- Evidence suggests legislative efforts impacted domestic methamphetamine production.
- However, findings also indicate decreased prices, increased purity, and more treatment episodes.
Conclusions:
- Legislative effectiveness in controlling methamphetamine production and use is mixed.
- Outcomes vary based on law strength, comparison groups, and specific indicators measured.
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