Drugs Research Team
Andrews University,
Institute for Prevention of Addictions
8408 Westwood
Berrien Springs, Michigan 49104-0211
Telephone: 269.471.3558
Facsimile: 269.471.6611
http://www.andrews.edu
Duane McBride, PhD, Principal Investigator, Andrews University
Jamie Chriqui, PhD, Co-Principal Investigator, The MayaTech Corporation
Jean O’Conner, JD, Co-Investigator, The MayaTech Corporation
Curt VanderWaal, PhD, Co-Investigator, Andrews University
Yvonne Terry-McElrath, Co-Investigator, University of Michigan
Controlling Methamphetamine Precursors: From Policy to Practice is funded
by the National
Institute of Justice through June 2007.
Background
Data suggest that there has been an increase in the number and geographical
distribution of clandestine labs which is related to significant health
risks for communities, families, and children. This has resulted in a
large number of states attempting to control/restrict access to precursor
chemicals used to make methamphetamine in these labs.
Project Objectives
1) To identify, analyze and report on methamphetamine precursor
laws in each of the 50 states plus D.C. as of October 1, 2005. This will
provide a comprehensive comparative map of what each state has done to
date to address this crucial issue.
2) To assess the continuum of state precursor
restrictions (i.e., from strong to weak restrictions) across the states
based on the detailed analysis of the state laws.
3) To examine the perceived relationship
between the laws in
selected states (sampling along the restrictiveness continuum) from the
perspective of law enforcement personnel and others professionals (such
as pharmacists) at the state and community level. Perceived relationships
will include perceptions of fewer precursor chemicals available, fewer
clandestine labs, fewer precursor chemicals at those labs, fewer drug
endangered children encountered in the labs, and perceived changes, if
any, in precursor and methamphetamine sources (from other states or countries).
3) To explore the association between the
restrictiveness of the precursor laws and reductions in methamphetamine-related
lab seizures, smaller amounts of precursors at those labs, fewer drug
endangered children, etc.
Summary
This study will be one of the first to provide a national comparison of
recent state laws developed to control methamphetamine precursors; assess
the relative continuum of precursor controls at the state level; examine
the perceptions of relevant professionals in key states as to the perceived
effectiveness of precursor laws; and to explore the relationship between
the restrictiveness of state laws and changes in the extent of clandestine
labs, precursor chemicals found at those labs, and drug endangered children.
