DEA Assessment:

Methamphetamine is one of the most widely abused controlled substances in the state and its availability is high. In the past, powder methamphetamine was more common; however, seizures show a switch to the more addictive and potent form of methamphetamine referred to as “ice” or “crystal.”  (1)

Drug Offenses:

In 2006 there were 83 meth-related arrests made; 61% of all drug cases in OR. (1)

There was 12.1 kg of methamphetamine seized in 2010. (2)

Lab Incidents:

There were 9 lab incidents in 2010. (3)

There were 4 children endangered by meth labs in 2010. (4)

Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Abuse: (5)

6,450 treatment admissions for methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse in 2009;

12.9% of all drug abuse treatment admissions.

For additional percentages giving the breakdown of age at admission, race, ethnicity, and sex please Click Here

Legislation:

Results of Oregon Law

Oregon’s prescription-only law has resulted in fewer meth lab incidents in that state. In 2004, according to the El Paso Intelligence Center National (EPIC) Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System, Oregon had approximately 400 lab incidents. In 2008, Oregon had just 20 lab incidents, and most were dump sites found near the borders of adjacent states. Meth-related arrests in Oregon have significantly decreased as well. At the end of 2009, Oregon law enforcement officials made approximately half as many arrests for methamphetamine manufacturing as in late 2006.7 In addition, there have been few consumer complaints regarding the prescription requirement. (6)

1. ONDCP: State of Oregon: Profile of Drug Indicators. http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/or/or.pdf
2. National Meth Center; State Resources. Available: http://www.nationalmethcenter.org/STATES.html
3. Total of All Meth Clandestine Laboratory Incidents Including Labs, Dumpsite, Chem/Glass/Equipment. Available: http://www.justice.gov/dea/concern/meth_lab_maps/2010.jpg
4. MethResources.gov; State Resources. Available:   http://www.methresources.gov/Index.html
5. Treatment Admissions Data. Available: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/tedsweb/tab_year.choose_year_web_table?t_state=OR
6. The Results of Oregon’s Law, White House Policy. Available: http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/publications/pdf/Pseudoephedrine.pdf