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Methamphetamine or "crystal meth" is a synthetic stimulant drug which creates a sense of euphoria and is highly addictive. Methamphetamine hydrochloride is a white crystalline solid, illicitly distributed as very pure crystals termed glass, ice or crystal, or as a very impure powder termed crank or speed In many instances, these substances when found on the street are diluted or cut with inert substances like baby laxatives or Vitamin B12. Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1919 in Japan.
Production
Methamphetamine is chemically similar to and can be synthesized from pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, or ephedrine hydrochloride, a commonly available decongestant with no strong euphoric effects. There are many different recipes for conversion which can be found on the internet, although these sources are not usually trustworthy, and most experienced cookers learned from either chemistry classes or other cookers in person. The synthesis process involves dangerous chemicals which are generally used by people without laboratory training. This results in highly dangerous situations which can be environmental hazards, as the byproducts of production are highly toxic and are often dumped in unsafe places.
Methamphetamine can also be made from Phenylacetone, which is currently a DEA List I chemical.
Chemistry
Methamphetamine's chemical name is (S)-N,a-Dimethylbenzene-ethanamine; d-N-methylamphetamine, its chemical formula C10H15N, and its molecular weight 149.24
Methamphetamine's molecule is structurally similar to methcathinone. The reduction of ephedrine will produce methamphetamine.
Yaba
Yaba are methamphetamine tablets, often colored and candy flavored. Yaba means "crazy drug" in the Thai language and is popular in East Asia and Southeast Asia, where the drug is produced.
Military use
Methamphetamine is often given to fighting troops and pilots during wartime by their government. During the second world war, it was widely used by Germany and its allies under the name Pervitin. It has been recently discovered that Hitler was a methamphetamine user by IV Injection.
Legality
Methamphetamine is classified as a Schedule II substance by the DEA in the United States Schedule II drugs can be prescribed, but only for up to 30 days at a time. A written script must be presented to the pharmacist, and refills are not allowed. While there is technically no difference between the laws regarding methamphetamine and other controlled stimulants, most psychiatrists are averse to prescribing it due to its status in society. Further, there is some anecdotal evidence that the DEA audits such prescriptions on a far more regular basis than similar drugs.
Medical uses
Methamphetamine is usually prescribed as a treatment for narcolepsy, obesity attention deficit hyperactive disorder, and attention deficit disorder and supplied as 5mg methamphetamine hydrochloride tablets under the brand name Desoxyn.
Effects
In the short term, methamphetamine can cause insomnia, high body temperature, elevated blood pressure, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, skin rashes, euphoria, restlessness, and dilated pupils. The long term effects of methamphetamine can include liver and kidney damage, depression, altered brain chemistry, weight loss, and in some cases, methamphetamine psychosis, which is nearly identical to paranoid schizophrenia.
The drug is insoluble in water, and probably makes its way out of the body trans-dermally; many users have been found with crystallisation on their skin.
Street Names
Methamphetamine has many street names. "Nazi Dope" generally refers to methamphetamine made with anhydrous ammonia, since it is rumored that this was the way the Nazis made it in the World War Two. "Crystal Meth" is the crystalline form of methamphetamine. In it's purest form, it is commonly referred to as "Glass," or "Ice." This is because it appears to be broken shards of glass, or crushed ice.