Methamphetamine is a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substance Act of 1970. A Schedule II Controlled Substance has high potential for abuse, is currently accepted for medical use in treatment in the United States, and may lead to severe psychological or physical dependence.
The chemicals that are used to produce methamphetamine also are controlled under the Comprehensive Methamphetamine Control Act of 1996 (MCA). This legislation broadened the restrictions on listed chemicals used in the production of methamphetamine, increased penalties for the trafficking and manufacturing of methamphetamine and listed chemicals, and expanded the controls of products containing the licit chemicals ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine (PPA).
The Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act was passed in July 2000. The act strengthens sentencing guidelines and provides training for Federal and State law enforcement officers on methamphetamine investigations and the handling of the chemicals used in clandestine meth labs. It also puts in place controls on the distribution of the chemical ingredients used in methamphetamine production and expands substance abuse prevention efforts.
