Methamphetamine was initially synthesized in Japan in 1919, and by the 1930s it was widely used for medical purposes. However, by the 1970s, methamphetamine had become a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act due to its high potential for abuse and addiction. This meant that it was only available by prescription and was tightly regulated by the government. In the years since, various forms of methamphetamine have remained illegal due to their high potential for abuse and serious health risks.