The clandestine manufacture of psychedelic amphetamines poses several challenges and risks, including:

The synthesis of psychedelic amphetamines involves complex chemical reactions. A common precursor in the synthesis of these compounds is safrole, a natural organic compound found in the root bark of the Sassafras tree. Safrole can be converted into isosafrole through a process known as isomerization, which is then used to synthesize the final product.

This includes controlling temperature, pressure, and the ratio of reactants to maximize yield and purity.