Cocaine

What is cocaine?

Cocaine is an illegal, powerfully addictive, stimulant drug that is extracted from the leaves of the coca plant native to South America.

Commonly referred to as: coke, blow, snow, crack, rocks, flake, bolo

how is cocaine used?

• Cocaine can be snorted, injected and smoked.

• Pure cocaine or cocaine hydrochloride resembles a white crystalline powder. It is typically snorted or converted into liquid and injected into the bloodstream.

• The crack or freebase cocaine form is typically smoked – commonly referred to as “rocks”.

cocaine in hawaii

• In 2015, 5.7% of Hawai'i high school students have used any form of cocaine at least once in their lifetime

HEALTH RISKS

• Increased blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Paranoia & Anxiety

• Severe mood swings

• Decreased appetite

• Mental illness

• Heart attack, stroke

• Respiratory failure

• Liver, kidney and lung damage

LEGAL PENALTIES

• Cocaine is considered a Schedule II drug under the Controlled Substances Act of 1970

• Schedule II drugs are considered the DEA to have a high abuse potential with possible physical and psychic dependence

• Crack cocaine and powder cocaine offenses are prosecuted differently; individuals found guilty of crack cocaine possession or use are sentenced more harshly than those guilty of similar crimes involving powder cocaine.

Sources:  Honolulu Police Department Narcotics/Vice Division 2007; Hawaii HIDTA 2011; YRBSS 2011; ADAD 2008; DEA 2008; NDIC 2010.