State Fair fun

Tonight on Fresh Air, Terri Gross interviewed Frank Owen, the author of a new book on meth. I find meth fascinating (and not just because of the fabulous “Life….Or Meth” billboard on Snelling). I only caught part of the segment, so I did not get my most burning question answered: it seems like there was a huge meth craze in the mid-80s, a relatively long lull, and then another big craze starting in the late 90s-early 00s. Just what happened in between? Am I imagining the lull?

However, Mr. Owen did share an interesting tidbit that may be related to my question. Apparently the meth of yesteryear (which year exactly is unclear despite some half-hearted internet searches) was produced from phenyl-2-propanone (P2P). This complicated process required sophisticated lab equipment and a certain amount of expertise. Since moderately ineffective government intervention is the cornerstone of any good drug story, the federal government launched a successful ban of P2P, prompting the endlessly creative illicit drug manufacturers to change tactics—devising a much more potent form of meth made from everyday medicines in simple home laboratories.

So how does this relate to the Great Minnesota Get-Together? Why, because it is home to the meth information booth of course. Sponsored by county attorneys, the meth booth provides loads of information about meth addiction and the illegal meth trade. There are even former addicts roaming around to answer your own burning questions. I dragged a few friends there last year, but they refused to go inside. Their loss, because it was truly fascinating. Especially when a former addict explained to me the variations of meth you can find in different parts of the state.

Long story short, I plan to read Mr. Owen’s book and report back on what I learn. But in the meantime, visit the meth booth at the State Fair. It’s right next to the sweet corn--you can’t miss it.

(photo courtesy of MN County Attorneys Association)