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Methamphetamine Production in Tennessee

Meth Production

January 2013

Authors: Susan Mattson and Shiri Anderson

Full Report

The illicit production of methamphetamine is a serious public health, safety, and fiscal issue in Tennessee. Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug that can be easily produced by individuals with certain over-the-counter cold and allergy medications (pharmacy precursors) and everyday household products and chemicals. The dangers and associated costs of methamphetamine go beyond the effects on the health and productivity of the drug abuser. The explosiveness and toxicity of the labs and dumpsites of waste materials pose significant dangers and costs to families of those making methamphetamine, the community, law enforcement personnel, and workers who clean up the contaminated properties. As directed by Public Chapter 292 (2011), this report presents information on the effectiveness of public policies in Tennessee and other states intended to control access to the key pharmacy precursors. The information included in this report is for policymakers’ consideration in addressing the problems associated with methamphetamine production.