Specifically, a person will rub cocaine on their gums when checking purity.Ĭocaine that has not been cut will typically numb the gum line when a small amount is rubbed across it. While cocaine powder is not typically consumed in this manner, people will put cocaine in their mouth to check the purity.
The more bitter tasting the cocaine, the more potent the drug. The taste of cocaine is often described as bitter.
In addition to the chemical smell of cocaine, many individuals report that crack cocaine smells like burnt plastic or burning rubber when smoked. Some of the chemicals used to make cocaine and crack cocaine include: This should be no surprise, given the number of chemicals and solvents that are often used in the cocaine extraction process. In general, cocaine has a sweet floral scent, but it also smells metallic and chemical-like. Other substances, such as powdered caffeine or procaine can change the hue of the drug significantly and make cocaine look less white. Talcum powder or baby laxatives will make cocaine look more white. This added substance can change the color of cocaine. Many drug dealers add cutting agents to cocaine in order to increase profit or make the cocaine seem more potent than other types of cocaine.
Usually, solvents or acid are used to remove the cocaine hydrochloride from the leaves.Ĭocaine hydrochloride tends to be varying shades of white but this color can still be different than the cocaine that is sold on the streets. The coca plant has to be processed to extract the cocaine from the plant. Regardless of if it comes in a powder or rock form, cocaine tends to be an off-white to pinkish or beige color.Ĭocaine is derived from the coca plant, native to South America.
If you suspect that someone you love may be abusing this drug, it is important to know how to identify cocaine so that you are more able to help. There are a number of factors that affect the look or smell of cocaine. The reality of what cocaine and crack cocaine look like is somewhat different. Cocaine has been portrayed as this fine, powdery white substance that is available at parties, clubs, and raves.Ĭrack cocaine has been shown in movies as a solid white rock form of cocaine, usually available on street corners and for a much cheaper price than cocaine. The entertainment industry has sensationalized drugs like cocaine for many years.