Cocaine

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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.