Meth Timeline 

1887: A German scientist synthesizes amphetamine for the first time.

1919: A more potent derivative -- methamphetamine -- is synthesized in Japan. Neither drug has a practical application.

1920s: Western scientists discover the benefits of ephedra, a shrub-like evergreen used in traditional Chinese remedies, most commonly as a decongestant.

1927: Demand for ephedra soars, sparking a search for a synthetic substitute for its active ingredients, ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Researcher Gordon Alles experiments with methamphetamine and discovers its suitability.

1930s: Amphetamine is sold in the U.S. under the trade name Benzedrine as an over-the-counter inhaler for asthma and nasal congestion. Non-sufferers discover the stimulant properties and begin abusing it.

Second World War: Axis and Allied countries administer amphetamines to soldiers to counter battle fatigue. After the war, Japan's leftover military stockpiles of meth make their way into the civilian population and create widespread addiction.

1950s and 60s: Amphetamine-based drugs become a popular treatment for a wide range of conditions. Prescription tablets are dispensed for obesity and depression.

1967: 31 million prescriptions are written in the U.S. Non-medical use and abuse grows. Students take "speed" to cram all night for exams, long-haul truckers take it to prolong their hours behind the wheel and athletes use it for a competitive edge.

Early 1970s: The last non-prescription inhaler containing amphetamine is taken off the market as governments also curtail meth's prescription availability because of its addictive qualities and questionable benefits. By this time, its popularity as a street drug spawns speed production by organized criminals.

1970s to mid-1980s: Biker gangs emerge as the main makers of "crank" -- so-called because it is sometimes concealed in motorcycle crankcases. Their role declines as the U.S. government begins restricting the main precursor chemical used in the process, phenyl-2-propanone.

Mid-1980s: Meth made from ephedrine and pseudoephedrine begins arriving in Hawaii and the U.S. west coast from Asia. This process is quicker and produces purer meth that can be crystallized -- and easily smoked. Usage explodes, much like when a smokable form of cocaine -- crack -- hit the streets.