ONE DRUG, TWO SENTENCES

First, a science primer for those of you not up to speed on your pharmaceuticals. Cocaine and crack are two forms of the same drug. Crack is simply powder cocaine mixed with baking soda and water and heated. Therefore, anyone who possesses cocaine has the capability to turn it into crack. Next, the economics. Powder cocaine is usually sold in gram packages for between $65 and $100. Rocks of crack come in smaller, more affordable packages that cost $5 to $20. Crack is predominantly a drug of the inner city; cocaine is more prevalent among the middle and upper classes.

Now,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!