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," "speed," "crank," or "ice," is an illegal and highly addictive drug. While the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) notes that a majority of the meth used in this country is produced in "super labs" in Mexico and California, production of methamphetamine in small, toxic labs across the country has decreased significantly since enactment of the Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act (CMEA). Through implementation of sales and product placement restrictions on OTC medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE), this federal legislation significantly impacted the illegal diversion of pseudoephedrine to methamphetamine. CHPA and its member companies were pleased to lend support to CMEA, which went into effect September 30, 2006.
In addition to sales and placement restrictions, experts report that reducing the demand for this addictive drug is critical to any anti-meth effort. CHPA was pleased to assist in the development of an innovative program with the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and DEA to help communicate the health consequences of meth use to young people, thereby reducing its demand.
CHPA is continuing to provide technical assistance to those states or communities interested in implementing Meth Watch programs and making available a national web site and resource center. CHPA created a model Meth Watch program for states to help curtail sales of pseudoephedrine products for illicit purposes and to promote cooperation between retailers and law enforcement.
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