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posted on 12/23/13

Cocaine is a dangerous drug that has remained a problem for law enforcement and drug addicts alike since its heyday in the 1980s. The illicit drug was borderline legitimate, at one point gracing the centerfold of High Times, the magazine for marijuana enthusiasts. Numerous mainstream musicians and ensembles were writing about it, as well. The realization that everyone eventually came to though, was that cocaine is not merely a social drug, but instead a destructive, addictive substance that has caused many problems within the U.S.

The Drug

Cocaine is derived from the coca plant, a leafy green that grows primarily in central and South America. It contains chemicals that, when introduced into the bloodstream, increase the heart rate and elevate the mood. Natives to the countries in which the plant is grown used to mash and chew the leaves for a boost, which provides a boost no stronger than that of a cup of coffee. The stimulant within the plant was eventually derived and concentrated, and then sold as cocaine.

In the 1800s, cocaine could be purchased over the counter, and it saw great popularity among real and fictional characters. Sigmund Freud prescribed it as a miracle drug to his patients early in his career, and the famed Sherlock Holmes injected liquid cocaine to stimulate his brain between cases. Since this time though, the federal government has designated cocaine a Schedule II drug, stating that it has a high probability of abuse.

Cocaine comes in two forms in the U.S. The first form is powder cocaine. The drug can be snorted through the nose, or smoked in a process called freebasing. Relatively expensive, the common perception of the powdered cocaine user is an affluent, middle class suburbanite. However, famed comedian Richard Pryor nearly killed himself by setting himself on fire while freebasing cocaine.

The other form is crack cocaine. Crack is created when cocaine and baking soda are cooked together. Crack cocaine is concentrated, making the produced effect shorter and more intense. However, because such a little amount of the drug is used in the process, crack is far more affordable than its powder counterpart.

The Crime Possession of cocaine in Illinois is a felony, with drug dealing or possession with intent to sell bringing higher sentences. However, in Illinois, there is a possibility that drug addicts can avoid going to prison and possibly have their convictions overturned. TASC is an organization that works with the judiciary and the defendant’s attorneys to divert the drug offender out of prison and into a community-based drug treatment plan.

Contact an Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been arrested for possession of cocaine, you need representation. A talented criminal defense attorney in Illinois can advise you on the best course of action, and help you reduce or eliminate your sentence. Contact the Law Office of Thomas Glasgow today.