DEA Assessment:

Methamphetamine remains a serious threat throughout Kentucky and continues to be available, especially in the rural areas of the Commonwealth.

Though methamphetamine manufacturing activity in Kentucky has decreased, the supply of methamphetamine is supported by an increase in the distribution of ice methamphetamine by Mexican drug trafficking organizations. (1)

Methamphetamine Use among High School Students:

4.9% of students reported using methamphetamine one or more times during their life. (2)

Drug Offenses:

In 2006 there were 103 meth-related arrests; 25.8% of the total drug-related arrests in KY. (1)

There was 9.0 kg of methamphetamine seized in 2010. (3)

Lab Incidents:

There were 1,049 lab incidents in 2010. (4)

There were 131 children endangered by meth labs, and 2 children injured in 2010. (5)

Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Abuse: (6)

1,027 treatment admissions for methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse in 2010;

4.6% of all drug abuse treatment admissions.

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

Legislation:

Has PSE Tracking Law (7)

POS Restriction: Quantity (8)

SB45

1(b) Any material, compound, mixture, or preparation which contains any quantity of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, or their salts, isomers, or salts of isomers.

(2) (a) Except when dispensed directly by a practitioner to an ultimate user, a controlled substance included in Schedules III, IV, and V, which is a prescription drug, shall not be dispensed without a written, electronic, or oral prescription by a practitioner. The prescription shall not be filled or refilled more than six (6) months after the date issued or be refilled more than five (5) times, unless renewed by the practitioner and a new prescription, written, electronic, or oral shall be required. (b) Paragraph (a) of this subsection to the contrary notwithstanding, no practitioner shall dispense any drug, drug product, or combination of drug products containing more than nine (9) grams of ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, or phenylpropanolamine, or their salts, isomers, or salts of isomers to an ultimate user within a thirty (30) day period; and (c) No prescription containing a drug, drug product or combination of drug products identified in paragraph (b) of this subsection shall be refilled prior to the expiration of thirty (30) days from the date of the previous prescription.

On March 9, 2011, this bill was returned to the “rules” committee and is not expected to pass. (9)

1. ONDCP: State of Kentucky: Profile of Drug Indicators. http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/ky/ky.pdf
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Youth Online: High School YRBS. Available: http://apps.nccd.cdc.gov/YouthOnline/App/Default.aspx
3. National Meth Center; State Resources. Available: http://www.nationalmethcenter.org/STATES.html
4. 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
5. MethResources.gov; State Resources. Available:   http://www.methresources.gov/Index.html
6. Treatment Admissions Data. Available: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/webt/tedsweb/tab_year.choose_year_web_table?state=KY
7. PSE Tracking Law. Available: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/map-meth-by-state/
8. Point of Sale Restrictions. Available: http://www.justice.gov/ndic/pubs38/38661/app-b.htm#TableB5
9. Senate Bill 45. Available: http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/KY/SB45