DEA Assessment:

Methamphetamine is one of the most pronounced drug threats in West Virginia.

Clandestine methamphetamine laboratory activity in West Virginia decreased because of state and Federal laws regulating the sale of precursor chemicals. In the past, methamphetamine manufacturing was believed to be

Primarily focused in the Panhandle region of the state, but has since expanded to include other areas of northern West Virginia as well as some southeastern sites. (1)

Methamphetamine Use among High School Students:

6.5% of students reported using methamphetamine one or more times during their life. (2)

Drug Offenses:

In 2006 there were 33 meth-related arrests; 8.3% of all drug cases in WV. (1)

There was 0.3 kg of methamphetamine seized in 2010. (3)

Lab Incidents:

There were 44 lab incidents in 2010. (4)

There were 6 children endangered by meth labs in 2010. (5)

Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Abuse: (6)

68 treatment admissions for methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse in 2009;

1.1% 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)

HB 2946 and SB 440

A BILL to amend and reenact §60A-10-7 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to the Methamphetamine Laboratory Eradication Act and requiring a prescription dispensing of drug products that contain as an active ingredient containing ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine and other chemical precursors of methamphetamine.

After numerous hearings and an amendment, HB 2946 was rejected by the Senate on March 20, 2011. SB 440 was last heard on February, 24, 2011, and appears to be dead also. (8)

West Virginians would need a prescription to buy a handful of over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines containing ingredients used to make methamphetamines under legislation approved by the House of Delegates on Wednesday.

The bill would require a doctor visit to obtain medications that contain ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, phenylpropanolamine and other drugs used to make methamphetamine. It also would limit the amount a person could have.

The measure passed 77-23, with broad support from both Republicans and Democrats. (9)

1. ONDCP: State of West Virginia: Profile of Drug Indicators. http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/statelocal/wv/wv.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?t_state=WV
7. PSE Tracking Law. Available: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/meth/map-meth-by-state/
8. House Bill 2946. Available: http://e-lobbyist.com/gaits/WV/HB2946
9. Available: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9LNPLJ80.htm