In 1885, ephedrine, the active alkaloid present in ephedra, was discovered and studied. It was recognized to be similar to epinephrine and was a precursor to the development of amphetamine-type stimulants like methamphetamine.

Methamphetamine was first synthesized in Japan by chemist Nagai Nagayoshi in 1887.

In 1893, Japanese scientist Nagai Nagayoshi first synthesised methamphetamine from ephedrine. This marked the initial creation of methamphetamine as a distinct substance from amphetamine.

In 1919, methamphetamine was developed in Japan as a more potent and easily manufacturable drug compared to amphetamine. The crystalline powder form made it suitable for injection.

In 1932, American pharmaceutical company Smith, Kline, and French introduced Benzedrine as an amphetamine inhaler for asthma and nasal congestion, later manufactured in pill form for narcolepsy.

Ephedrine is discovered to produce methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, which is twice as potent as amphetamine and can be made from household products.

In 1986, the DEA attempted to regulate both ephedrine and pseudoephedrine to control meth production. However, the pharmaceutical industry opposed the legislation, leading to a compromise.

In 1993, a law was passed that mandated sellers of ephedrine pills to register with the DEA. This was a response to the shift of meth cooks to using unregulated pseudoephedrine pills.

In 1994, Bill C., a recovering crystal meth addict, founded Crystal Meth Anonymous (CMA) as a 12-Step program for individuals struggling with crystal meth addiction. CMA provides support and fellowship for those in recovery.

In 1996, a law was passed that required sellers of pseudoephedrine pills to register with the DEA. This was another attempt to regulate the ingredients used by meth cooks.

A report on Methamphetamine by the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime in 1998.

Canada adopts a licensing system to curb pseudoephedrine imports to U.S. meth labs, leading to a decrease in super labs in California.

In 2004, Oklahoma passed a law that mandated customers buying products containing pseudoephedrine to show identification and sign a register. This was aimed at controlling the sale of pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth production.

On September 27, 2005, Interpol released a report specifically focusing on Methamphetamine, highlighting its production, distribution, and impact on global law enforcement.

In 2006, the U.N. World Drug Report identified meth as the most abused drug globally, with 26 million people addicted to it. This highlighted the severity of the methamphetamine epidemic.

In May 2006, the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs recommended to the Home Secretary to raise the classification of methamphetamine from Class B to Class A under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. This reclassification took effect in 2007.

In 2009, the Mexican government prohibited the import of pseudoephedrine, leading to a decrease in meth availability in Mexico. However, this resulted in an increase in meth production in California.

Mississippi becomes the second state to make pseudoephedrine products prescription-only, resulting in a drop in meth lab seizures and related crime.

By 2012, the use of prescription stimulants like Adderall and Ritalin had increased significantly, particularly among young adults. Misuse of these drugs can lead to addiction.

Indiana experiences a peak of 83 meth lab busts in a single year, indicating a significant issue with meth production and distribution.

According to SAMHSA, 1.4 million Americans over 12 years old reported using meth in 2016. The report also highlighted the stable use of meth among adolescents and adults between 2002 and 2014.

The results of the study conducted by Dr. Beth Han and her team were published in JAMA Psychiatry on September 22, 2021. The study shed light on the trends in methamphetamine use and overdose deaths, providing valuable insights for developing prevention and treatment strategies.

Between 2015 and 2019, risky patterns of methamphetamine use and the diversity of people who used methamphetamine in the U.S. increased. The study highlights the reasons behind the rise in methamphetamine overdose deaths and proposes prevention and treatment strategies.