How did the use of methamphetamine start?

Methamphetamine (crystal meth) was discovered in Japan in 1839. It was then made from the ephedra plant. The brand name was Pervetine.

Methamphetamine was used in World War II. Under the Wehrmacht it was known as panzerchokolade or tank chocolate. This is to give armored tank crews more endurance during prolonged battles. For pilots there was the flieger chocolate.

It was not until the 1980s that it became more popular in America. It became more popular there because it was easy to make from readily available raw materials. These raw materials are much harder to find in Europe.