Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, is a synthetic drug that was first synthesized in Japan in the early 20th century. The drug was originally developed as a medication to treat various medical conditions, including asthma and narcolepsy.

As far as my knowledge cutoff date, April 2023, methamphetamine use became more widespread in the mid-20th century and was used by some military personnel during World War II to enhance alertness and combat fatigue. Methamphetamine use continued to grow in the decades that followed, and the drug became increasingly associated with illicit use and addiction.

Today, methamphetamine is produced in clandestine laboratories around the world using a variety of chemicals and precursor ingredients. The production and distribution of methamphetamine is illegal in most countries worldwide due to its harmful effects on individuals and society, including addiction, overdose, and violent crime.