Cocaine is a powerfully addictive stimulant drug derived from the coca plant found in South America. While cocaine is used medicinally as a topical anesthetic, people who abuse this drug are buying it off of the street. As a result, they are not receiving the same substance used by doctors and could be consuming dangerous additives.

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 4.8 million people reported using cocaine in 2021.[1]

Cocaine comes in the form of a fine white powder that is usually snorted. However, the smell of cocaine can vary based on how it is made and what additives it contains.

What Does Pure Cocaine Smell Like?

Pure cocaine is usually odorless, with some people describing it as having a slight flowery smell that is similar to the coca leaves it is derived from. However, most people do not come across pure cocaine. When illicit drug manufacturers make cocaine, they usually put in fillers, additives, or adulterants to stretch out the product and make more money.

Cocaine tends to be cut with the following substances:

• Boric acid
• Caffeine
• Creatine
• Laundry detergent
• Laxatives
• Local anesthetics

All of the above-mentioned additives come as white powder, which is why they are used to cut cocaine. However, these additives can change the odor of cocaine, which means cocaine might smell different depending on who made it.

Do the Different Types of Cocaine Smell Different?

There are different types of cocaine, from powder to liquid, and even a rock-like substance known as crack. Each type of cocaine might have a different odor, making it important that you are aware of how each form of cocaine smells.

Powder Cocaine

The most common type of cocaine people come across is powdered. This substance is usually white, sometimes having a glittery or rainbow sheen. This type of cocaine typically smells metallic or similar to kerosene.

Depending on what the powdered cocaine is cut with, it might also smell like baking soda, ammonia, gasoline, or sulfuric acid.

Liquid Cocaine

Liquid cocaine is a type of cocaine that is dissolved into water. While this version smells similar to powdered cocaine, it usually has a more faint scent. In other words, liquid cocaine might not smell as strong as the powdered version.

Freebase

Freebase is a type of cocaine that is created by removing the hydrochloride found in powdered cocaine. Ammonia or ether is added to the substance to produce a free base. People who abuse freebase cocaine tend to smoke it.

Typically, freebase cocaine smells like chemicals and may have an odor similar to burning rubber when smoked.

Crack Cocaine

Crack cocaine is a version of coke that is created by heating up powdered cocaine, water, and baking soda. This is done to change the cocaine from powdered to a rock-like substance that is smoked instead of snorted.

While crack cocaine smells like a mixture of chemicals, when it is smoked it has an odor similar to burnt plastic.

How to Tell if Your Cocaine is Laced With Fentanyl

Because cocaine is often mixed with other substances, there is always a risk it contains fentanyl. Fentanyl is a dangerous opioid substance that can lead to life-threatening overdoses when consumed by people without a high tolerance for opioids. While drug dealers usually do not intentionally mix cocaine with fentanyl, it might become cross-contaminated.

Unfortunately, fentanyl is odorless, which means you will not be able to smell it if it is inside of your cocaine. Additionally, it usually comes as a white powder, so you cannot see it either. The only way to know for sure if your cocaine contains fentanyl is to use a testing strip.

Fentanyl testing strips require you to mix some of the powdered drugs in water and then dip the test strip in the mixture.[2] After, you lie it flat on a surface and wait for the results to appear. It is important to note that even if cocaine is negative for fentanyl, it could contain other dangerous additives that lead to overdoses.

Since it is nearly impossible to know whether your cocaine is pure, the best thing to do is seek help for cocaine addiction. Drug rehab programs can provide you with the tools and support you need to achieve long-term sobriety.

Find Help for Cocaine Abuse and Addiction

If you or a loved one suffer from cocaine addiction, it’s time to seek professional help.  At Moving Mountains Recovery, we understand the seriousness of cocaine addiction. Our goal is to help clients recover in a safe and comfortable environment. We have therapies available to guide clients through recovery while uncovering passion in their lives without drugs or alcohol. Our staff is equipped and ready to help with any questions or concerns.

To learn more about our cocaine addiction treatment program, contact us today.