More drug war stupidity (it never stops!)
I mentioned that Oregon politicos were pondering requiring prescriptions for cough medicine to prevent the meth epidemic (EPIDEMIC, AARRGGHH!). Well, they did it:
Oregonians just got “safer” today (and don’t worry, YOU’RE next!) with the passage of a new law to make “certain cough medicines” (“certain”, as in the ones that actually WORK that have pseudoephedrine in them) available by prescription ONLY. This should stop the meth labs and the meth pushers in their tracks, if only it were true that criminals obeyed laws.
Armed robbery of pharmacies in Oregon just became more appealing. Other states shall follow. Can’t I just get a note from my mommy?
August 18th, 2005 at 10:29 am
Why the hell would they need to rob pharmacies? They’ll just do what they did in Utah: Either start importing pure ephedrine from Mexico, or simply skip the manufacturing step and import the finished product.
The game “Whack-a-Mole” comes to mind.
August 18th, 2005 at 11:34 am
“Either start importing pure ephedrine from Mexico, or simply skip the manufacturing step and import the finished product.”
exactly, from what i have read most meth comes from a few super producers. For those super producers to get enough supplies to produce meth they had to import the stuff from mexico.
Of course this opens up a new market, the illeagal sale of leagal drugs to normal people who just don’t want to go though the hassle of getting it at the store or have a beef against the goverment.
August 18th, 2005 at 11:47 am
What about the uninsured or the poor that can’t afford to go to the doctor to get a prescription for cough medicine. I suppose if your doctor is nice they’ll call it in for you….
August 18th, 2005 at 3:28 pm
Apparently no one beleives that Meth producers can drive to Vancouver WA and buy Ephedra there.
Idiots.
August 18th, 2005 at 6:03 pm
It’s kinda hilarious, because this is exactly the same thing that happens when the government regulates or restricts any industry: The small, “Beavis and Butthead” producers, who make it for themselves and their friends, are forced out of the market. But since the demand still exists, the void is filled by big-time out-of-state manufacturers who have alot more resources, guns, cash, AND incentive to use violent means to protect their investments.
So, yeah, you have fewer labs, but there’s more meth on the street, it’s higher quality, and it’s cheaper.