Michigan has felony laws and restrictions for obtaining ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to produce methamphetamine. Federal regulations have reduced the manufacture of the drug all over the U.S., but this drug continues to be produced in significant quantities in small laboratories.
Laws for methamphetamine production
Methamphetamine is a recreational drug that is easily produced in private laboratories using over-the-counter ingredients. Pseudoephedrine is a common ingredient in cold medicine that is used in meth production.
The Combat Methamphetamine Epidemic Act was passed in 2005 to require the maintenance of purchase logs for the sales of pseudoephedrine at pharmacies and retail stores. Retailers are required to check the photo ID and reduce the number of purchases of each buyer.
Criminal penalties
Obtaining ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to produce methamphetamine is a felony drug crime. The punishment includes a fine up to $10,000 and a prison sentence up to 10 years. Attempting to obtain these drugs is a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and an imprisonment up to one year. Other consequences are included with convictions for felony drug crimes. Your driver’s license may be suspended, and your car or home may be seized or foreclosed.
Additional charges, such as trespassing or theft, increase the severity of the fine or imprisonment sentence. The penalties increase for operating a meth lab near a public or private building or in front of children.
Interfering with the production of meth
The U.S. and Mexico have strengthened their laws on the sale of pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and over-the-counter ingredients that are used in methamphetamine production. In addition, there are state felony drug crimes in place to punish drug manufacturers.