WHAT IS METHAMPHETAMINE?

Methamphetamine is a white, odourless, bitter-tasting crystalline
powder known by various street names including 'speed', 'meth',
'crystal meth' and 'chalk.'

It is chemically related to amphetamine, but its effects in the
central nervous system are longer lasting and more toxic. Both of
these drugs belong to a class of drugs known as stimulants, and are
highly addictive.

Meth is a powerful stimulant that increases attention, decreases
fatigue, increases activity, decreases appetite and increases
respiration.

Methamphetamine use is associated with episodes of violent behaviour,
paranoia, anxiety, confusion and insomnia. Long-term use has also been
associated with psychotic behaviour including paranoia, auditory
hallucinations, mood disturbances and delusions (such as
'formication', or the feeling of insects crawling on the skin). The
paranoia may result in homicidal or suicidal thoughts. Psychotic
symptoms may persist for months after the drug is discontinued.

How is it produced?

It's mostly produced in clandestine laboratories using ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine and other chemicals commonly available in local drug
and hardware stores. These chemicals, known as precursors, are used to
produce meth through a chemical reaction.

- -- Source - Health Canada