Final answer:
Pseudoephedrine is the main precursor for methamphetamine in illegal production methods. Methamphetamine use can lead to serious health problems. Illegal manufacturing is dangerous and has legal consequences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The precursors for methamphetamine in what is commonly known as a 'normal cook' include over-the-counter medications containing pseudoephedrine, which is a common compound found in cold and flu remedies. Methamphetamine, also referred to as meth, is a powerful psychostimulant that when abused, is often processed in illegal labs using various chemical reactions. Pseudoephedrine is extracted and then chemically altered through a series of steps to synthesize methamphetamine.
Methamphetamine use can lead to severe health consequences, such as increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and long-term effects like memory loss and dental problems commonly referred to as 'meth mouth’. Despite changes in laws to restrict access to pseudoephedrine, meth remains an accessible and relatively inexpensive drug. It is important to note that manufacturing methamphetamine is illegal and dangerous.