
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant derived from the leaves of the coca plant found in South America. Also known as “coke”, “snow” or “blow”, it is either snorted, injected or smoked. Consumption of cocaine produces feelings of intense euphoria, high energy, and improved confidence.
Cocaine was introduced in the United States in the mid-19th century as an anesthetic. Gradually, its use evolved and people started using the substance recreationally. The social, physical, and psychological impact the substance had on users made the government classify it as a drug and introduce anti-cocaine laws that came into effect by 1930 leading to its prohibition.
Cocaine, after extraction from the coca plant, is mixed with salts like hydrochloric acid (HCL), lidocaine or benzocaine that mimic its numbing effects. Before being sold on the streets, it is further adulterated with baking soda or lactose to increase its weight. Basis its extraction process, cocaine can range from anything from a white crumbly substance, to a pure white fine powder, to a hard or oily crystal known as “crack cocaine”.