
The effect, or ‘high’ with snorting may last 15 to 30 minutes, but does not occur as quickly as smoking or injecting it. The cocaine is absorbed into the bloodstream through the nasal tissues. Most often the powder is snorted, and the drug is laid out on a mirror, plate or other flat surface, separated into ‘lines’ and snorted nasally through a straw, rolled-up dollar bill or other inhaling device. Cutting cocaine with other illicit drugs can be especially harmful as the user is not aware of the added drug and an accidental overdose can occur. Other more dangerous adulterants, such as methamphetamine or synthetic opioids, including fentanyl, may also be used to cut the drug. This increases the weight and allows the seller to make more profit on the street. When purchased on the street, is usually ‘cut’ with adulterants such as baking soda, talcum powder, lactose sugar, or other local anesthetics such as lidocaine or benzocaine. Methods of cocaine abuseĬocaine hydrochloride (HCL) is water soluble due to the HCL salt and can be injected it is also snorted in powder form. The sale of drugs such as heroin or cocaine will still be illegal. Instead, penalty involves a $100 fine or a “health assessment” completed at an addiction recovery center, according to Vox. The law does not legalize the drugs - it means that the state will remove criminal penalties and prison time for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs. 2020, the state of Oregon voted in Measure 110 to decriminalize use of all drugs, including drugs such as cocaine. cocaine is classified as a Schedule II controlled substance, meaning it has a high potential for abuse but can be administered by a physician for legitimate medical uses. Topical cocaine may be administered by using cotton applicators or packs, installed into a cavity, or as a spray.īrands names for FDA-approved topical cocaine solution products include Goprelto and Numbrino. A nasal solution is used for the induction of local anesthesia of the mucous membranes when performing diagnostic procedures and surgeries on or through the nasal cavities in adults. as a prescription solution for local mucosal anesthesia, and for some eye, ear, and throat surgeries, but is infrequently used because of safer alternatives, such as lidocaine or benzocaine. How is cocaine used medically?Ĭocaine is available in the U.S.

In the U.S., it was found as an active ingredient in many elixirs and tonics used in the early 1900's and was even found in Coca-Cola products at that time. The early use was not just limited to South American countries. Coca-leaf infusions or teas have been used to combat altitude sickness and boost energy in many native tribes of South America. The pure drug is extracted from the Erythroxylon coca bush, found primarily in the South American countries of Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia. Learn More: Commonly Abused Drugs and Substances Where does cocaine come from?Ĭocaine originates from coca leaves, and has been used for centuries in a variety of cultural applications.

rose in the mid-1980's and is considered the most addictive form of the drug. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when it is heated prior to smoking. It produces a much more intense "rush" than snorting the drug and can be extremely addictive due to the quick high and repeated use. People who use this drug in any form may "binge" - taking the drug repeatedly within a short time and at increasingly higher doses - to maintain their high.Ĭrack cocaine ("crack") is another form that is processed into a rock form using baking soda and may contain a high percentage of impurities. Diethyl ether is used to process freebase and is highly flammable and volatile, often leading to lab explosions and bodily injury such as burns. This ‘freebase’ form is not water-soluble the powder can be heated and its vapors smoked due to the lower melting point. when used as recreational drug.įreebase is cocaine hydrochloride that is processed with ammonia and heated to remove the hydrochloride salt. The powdered, hydrochloride salt form can be snorted or dissolved in water and injected. Use in any form is illegal in the U.S. On the street it is usually sold as a fine, white powder. Common or street names: coke, C, blow, snow, flake the base form is called freebase or crack What is cocaine?Ĭocaine (C 17H 21NO 4) is a powerfully addictive, psychoactive, stimulant drug.
