I keep hearing about the golden age of meth. When it was “real.” When there were still “good” dealers out there. When any man could hit a few stores and be able to cook their own product.
Is it just impossible for these small, local labs to exist now? If so, is it due to being unable to procure precursors? Not profitable now due to low prices of cartel product?
Looking for answers from people that have been in this for at least two decades and seen both sides of the coin.

Bonus questions: Has the game always been filled with shitty people? I know getting ripped off is part of the game, but I’ve never seen it more rampant than in the meth community. Is it the drug doing this? Or the stragglers leftover? Possibly cartel influence? It would make sense that all the negativity that comes with the community comes down the line from the cartel running it. I just know of recent times though.

Appreciate any wisdom given. Heavy emphasis on wisdom. I would like to a true and well analyzed answer to my question/s.
M