He used phosphorus and iodine to reduce the ephedrine into a crystallized form, creating the world’s first crystal meth.Ĭrystal Meth and Other Types Of Methamphetamine Methamphetamine was difficult to make until 1919, when another Japanese chemist-Akira Ogata-streamlined the process. In 1885, Nagai Nagayoshi-a Japanese chemist studying in Germany-identified the active chemical in ephedra, a stimulant called ephedrine. Scientists first developed amphetamine-type stimulants-including methamphetamine-as a manmade alternative to the ephedra plant.Įphedra is a type of shrub whose extract has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 5,000 years. After the war, meth use increased dramatically, even after it was outlawed by the United States in 1970. During World War II, the Allies and Axis powers both used the drug to keep troops awake. Methamphetamine was used early on as a medical treatment for narcolepsy, asthma and as a weight-loss drug. A Japanese chemist first synthesized methamphetamine-also called meth, crank, crystal meth or speed-from another stimulant in 1893.
