Miscellaneous
Sudafed is a popular medicine in relieving head colds and congestion. However, Sudafed, and similar drugs, contain pseudoephedrine which can be used to make methamphetamine. In 2000, US pharmacies pulled medicines containing pseudoephedrine off the shelves and moved it behind the counter and started requiring customers to register when purchasing the medicine. This registration was meant to restrict the amount of pseudoephedrine a single person can purchase. Did this move decrease meth use? Find out in this episode! Referenced in this episode: United States Government Accountability Office reportNational Association of State Controlled Substances Authorities report "Impact of State Laws Regulating Pseudoephedrine on Methamphetamine Production and Abuse"According to the CDC report "Drug Overdose Deaths in the United States, 1999–2015"Business Insider graphic "Drug Offences by Substance per State"Matrix Global Advisors study "Understanding the True Causes of the U.S. Methamphetamine Problem"US Customs and Border Patrol Enforcement Statistics FY 2019Meth Seizures by Port by The New York Times