Relationship between State Methamphetamine Precursor Laws and Trends in Small Toxic Lab (STL) Seizures (Executive Summary)

• NCJ Number: 223466
• Author(s): Duane C. McBride; Yvonne M. Terry-McElrath; Jamie F. Chriqui; Jean C. O'Connor; Curtis J. VanderWaal
• Date Published: March 2008
• Length: 13 pages
• Grant Number(s): 2005-IJ-CX-0028
• Agencies: NIJ-Sponsored
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)

Annotation

This report provides a summary of an analysis on the differences within States pre- and post-methamphetamine precursor law implementation in terms of trends in small toxic lab (STL) seizures related to specific State policies and the differences between States in terms of trends in STL seizures related to State policy variance regarding the precursor restrictions.

Abstract

The analyses suggest that both State and Federal policies operate independently. That is, in almost all of the analytical models, Federal laws focusing on non-liquid pseudoephedrine quantity limits and requiring clerk intervention for the purchase of methamphetamine precursor chemicals significantly related to a reduction in small toxic lab (STL) seizures after controlling for State policy. In addition, many State policies significantly related to reduction in STL seizures after controlling for Federal policies. The findings strongly imply that both State and Federal policy matter. In summation, the data suggest that a comprehensive Federal and State approach that includes designated regulatory agencies that can enforce precursor laws focusing on quantity controls and clerk intervention are crucial policy elements in efforts to reduce the harms associated with STL manufacturing of methamphetamine. States and the Federal Government have undertaken major efforts to restrict access to over the counter medications and other products that contain methamphetamine chemical precursors used in STLs. In this study, the precursor policy examined focused on ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. An analysis examined the differences within States pre- and post-methamphetamine precursor law implementation in terms of trends in STL seizures related to specific State policies, and examined the differences between States in terms of trends in STL seizures related to State policy variance regarding the precursor restrictions. References