Meth Time Line

Jan 18, 1887: Amphetamine was originally synthesized at Universität Berlin by Romanian chemist Lazar Edeleanu (1861-1941) and originally called phenylisopropylamine. It was then forgotten for the next 4 decades.

1919: Methamphetamine is synthesized by Japanese scientist A. Ogata.

1930: Amphetamine was found to raise blood pressure.

1932: Amphetamine is marketed as 'benzedrine' by Smith, Kline & French, in an over-the-counter inhaler to treat congestion.

1935: Amphetamine's stimulant effect is recognized and doctors successfully utilize it to treat narcolepsy.

1937: Amphetamine is authorized by the American Medical Association for sale in tablet form. It is sold by prescription for the treatment of narcolepsy and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder).

World War II: Both Amphetamine and Methamphetamine are largely administered to soldiers to help improve performance. This led to addiction issues in Japan after the war.

1940: Methamphetamine is marketed under the brand name "Methedrine" by Burroughs Wellcome.

1942: Dextro-amphetamine and methamphetamine are readily available.

1950 – 1953: U.S. administers amphetamine to soldiers in Korea.

1954: Height of the Japanese amphetamine epidemic. There are approximated to be more than 2 million amphetamine users in a population of 88.5 million.

1959: Original report of IV injection of contents from Benzedrine inhalers.

1963: Illegal speed manufacture starts when the Attorney General of California asks that injectable ampoules be removed from the market.

1960's: Meth consumption increases in the United States.

1970: Amphetamine is regulated under schedule II in the U.S. with the passage of the 'U.S. Drug Abuse Regulation and Control Act of 1970'. This makes it illicit to possess without a prescription.

Oct 27, 1970: The Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act is approved. Part II of this is the Controlled Substance Act (CSA) which defines a scheduling system for drugs. It places the majority of the known hallucinogens (LSD, psilocybin, psilocin, mescaline, peyote, cannabis, & MDA) in Schedule I. It classifies coca, cocaine and injectable methamphetamine in Schedule II. Other amphetamines and stimulants, such as non-injectable methamphetamine are under Schedule III.

Jul 7, 1971: Amphetamine and Methamphetamine (non-injectable) are now classified under Schedule II.

Late 1980's: Smoked Meth gains in popularity.

1996: U.S. Congress passes the Methamphetamine Control Act establishing new regulations over key ingredients and reinforcing criminal penalties for possession, distribution and production.

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