Opinion ID: 741160
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The D-meth versus L-meth Distinction

Text: 9 In United States v. Dudden, 65 F.3d 1461 (9th Cir.1995), we discussed the distinction between D-meth and L-meth and acknowledged that: 10 The drug methamphetamine exists in two isomeric forms, and the two isomers have profoundly different effects. The isomer levo-methamphetamine (L-methamphetamine) produces little or no physiological effect when ingested. Dextro-methamphetamine (D-methamphetamine), however, produces the high desired by the drug's users. The Sentencing Guidelines therefore treat L-methamphetamine much less severely than D-methamphetamine. One gram of L-methamphetamine is equivalent to 40 grams of marijuana, while one gram of D-methamphetamine is equivalent to ten kilograms of marijuana. § 2D1.1. at comment. n. 10. A defendant's sentence thus varies significantly depending on which variety of methamphetamine is involved. 11 65 F.3d at 1470 (emphasis added) (internal quotations and citations omitted). One can learn more then he or she wants to about this subject, but it is sufficient to say that D-meth and L-meth have the same chemical formula but different structural formulas, and one has street value while the other has no value. See, United States v. Bogusz, 43 F.3d 82, 88 (3d Cir.1994), cert. denied sub nom. O'Rourke v. United States, 514 U.S. 1090, 115 S.Ct. 1812, 131 L.Ed.2d 736 (1995) (citing Harold Hart Organic Chemistry, A Short Course (6th ed.1983)). 12 Before proceeding with our review for plain error, we note that after these defendants were sentenced the guidelines were amended to eliminate any distinction between D-meth and L-meth. See U.S.S.G. § 2D1.1 (Nov. 1, 1995). Amendment 518 explains that the change was made because L-meth is rarely seen and is not made intentionally, but rather results from a botched attempt to produce d-methamphetamine. U.S.S.G.App. C, Amendment 518 at 423 (Nov. 1, 1995). Thus, under the amendment, all forms of methamphetamine are treated alike, thereby simplifying guideline application. Id. at 424. 13