drybasing

Drybasing is a slang term referring to the practice of smoking cocaine that has been converted into a freebase form without the use of volatile solvents. This method typically involves heating a mixture of cocaine hydrochloride and a base, such as baking soda or ammonia, often with a small amount of water, in a pipe or other heat-resistant device. The heat causes the cocaine to separate from the hydrochloride salt, producing a vapor that can be inhaled.

The term "drybasing" is used to distinguish this method from traditional crack cocaine production, which involves dissolving cocaine hydrochloride in water and adding a base, then heating the mixture to precipitate the freebase cocaine. The "dry" aspect emphasizes the lack of a significant liquid phase during the conversion process, though a small amount of water is often present and evaporates during heating.

The primary motivation for drybasing is to achieve a faster and more intense high compared to insufflating cocaine powder. Inhaling the vapor allows the drug to reach the brain very quickly. However, this method also carries significant risks, including potential for burns due to the high temperatures involved and the inhalation of harmful byproducts. The purity of the resulting substance can also be variable and unpredictable. Like other forms of cocaine use, drybasing is associated with a high potential for addiction and numerous negative health consequences.