Several of the most popular illegal drugs do not occur naturally.
Such drugs must be manufactured from chemicals or refined from organic sources.
These drugs are often considered to be harder drugs than those that do occur naturally, and the punishment for manufacturing them is more severe than the punishment for growing a naturally occurring drug.
Some of the drugs that are commonly produced include crystal methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and LSD.
These drugs require manufacturers to mix different ingredients together to achieve a substance that is potable.
These individuals typically will then sell the drugs to dealers or directly to those who wish to use them.
Manufacturing illegal drugs is a serious offense that may be tried on the state or federal level.
The level of offense depends on several factors.
Among the most important of these factors is the type of drug being manufactured, the manufacturer's proximity to schools or other public areas with children, and the amount of the drug that the individual was caught with.
Punishments for manufacturing illegal drugs may include lengthy prison sentences and fines of up $250,000.
These are the most severe ends of the punishment spectrum.
The more lenient side may see an individual pay a smaller fine and be placed in community supervision, which is a freer form of house arrest that allows individuals to travel limited distances.
Regardless of the circumstances surrounding an illegal drug manufacturing accusation, individuals charged with this offense are advised to seek experienced legal defense.
Though experienced legal defense will not guarantee that an individual will be found innocent, it may improve the individual's chances of receiving a less severe sentence.