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Methamphetamine Abuse and Pseudoephedrine

CHPA understands the scope and complexity of the methamphetamine problem and has been at the forefront of educational and legislative initiatives to prevent the diversion of legitimate precursor chemicals to the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine, also known as "meth," is an illegal and highly addictive drug. Pseudoephedrine, a safe, effective, and widely-used over-the-counter decongestant, can be used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Legislative Initiatives

The federal Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA), which went into effect September 30, 2006, mandates that pseudoephedrine products be kept behind the retail sales counter, imposes sales limits on products containing pseudoephedrine, and requires that retailers keep sales logbooks. CHPA was pleased to lend its support to this initiative.

CHPA supports a nationwide electronic system as a tool to enforce purchase limits by preventing the illegal purchase of products containing PSE. The system empowers retailers to block illegal sales that attempt to exceed daily and monthly gram limits. To date, 26 states have enacted laws to implement real-time, stop-sale systems.

Educational Efforts to Prevent Meth Abuse 

In addition to sales and placement restrictions, CHPA has developed an anti-smurfing educational program for the retail setting in targeted states. This initiative educates potential “smurfers”—those who buy pseudoephedrine and sell the product to another to manufacture methamphetamine—on the consequences of making an illegal purchase. CHPA tested a range of anti-smurfing messages and posters, and the research affirmed that these materials successfully educate potential smurfers about the consequence of illegal purchases.

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Contact Information

For more information about the association’s federal and state legislative activities, contact:

John Gay
Vice President Government Affairs

Travis Gibbons
Associate Director, Federal Government Affairs

Carlos Gutiérrez
Senior Director and Head of State Government Affairs

Lindsay Morris
Senior Director and Head of Federal Government Affairs

For information about the association’s educational activities to prevent methamphetamine abuse, contact:

Emily Skor
Vice President, Communications & Alliance Development

Elizabeth A. Funderburk
Senior Director, Communications & Public Affairs

Jenni Terry
Manager, Communications