As a pharmacist being forced to become the local pseudoephedrine police, have you ever wondered why individual American States, instead of the Federal Government, have been burdened with combating the meth epidemic? Have you ever thought that perhaps big pharma had something to do with it? No way, right?
"The Meth Epidemic" follow-up tells the story of two potential solutions to the meth crisis and examines why neither was fully tried. It'll probably lessen your faith in our political leaders.
In the updated May 2011 film, FRONTLINE continues its investigation, this time focusing on how new policies in both the U.S. and Mexico have changed the cooking process in America — from the stockpiling of cold medicines by "super smurfs" to a new and dangerous method of meth cooking called "shake and bake."
In addition, after FRONTLINE'S original broadcast of the meth epidemic, the State of Oregon has passed new legislation to make pseudoephedrine prescription-only. State officials say the measure has all but eradicated meth abuse there. Are other states poised to follow suit?
Here's chapter 1/4 of "The Meth Epidemic" follow-up. Chapters 2-4 tell the real story.
[Original video link removed by source]
I've found this site that keeps track of all things "meth" - Meth Lab Homes.
ReplyDeleteAccording to it's author, "this blog is my effort to protect innocent people from becoming casualties of the war on meth."
I find it quite the public service. If you like to stay informed of State pseudoephedrine laws, it's a handy site that stays current and consolidates pseudoephedrine law news throughout the country, and MUCH more.
Where the hell are these kids learning about meth?
ReplyDeleteI thought you might like this Joel Pett editorial cartoon from the Lexington-Herald Reader CP -
ReplyDeleteHere's sad commentary about our political leaders -
ReplyDeleteAccording to a NPR report, Tennessee led the nation with more than 2,000 meth lab busts last year. But new federal cleanup rules and the reluctance of state legislators to pass stiffer anti-meth laws are hampering police.
It's sad because the Feds, according to Frontline, sided with the pharmaceutical industry and wouldn't intervene on behalf of law enforcement to easily put a stop to meth production in the US.
But if what NPR says is true, then the Feds are now seemingly intervening on behalf of meth production, making it harder for States to fight the meth epidemic.
FRANKFORT, Ky. - Drug companies that produce cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine — a main ingredient in methamphetamine — don't want Kentucky to require a prescription for the drugs.
ReplyDeleteDrug companies urge no prescription for cold meds
Mexican Army Finds 15 Tons of Pure Methamphetamine
ReplyDeleteThe historic seizure of 15 tons of pure methamphetamine in western Mexico, equal to half of all meth seizures worldwide in 2009, feeds growing speculation that the country could become a world platform for meth production, not just a supplier to the United States.