Cocaine is extracted from the leaf of the coca plant and can be processed to produce three different forms:

• Cocaine hydrochloride: a fine white powder which can be snorted, ingested (rubbed into the gums) or injected. Cocaine hydrochloride is destroyed at high temperatures and therefore cannot be smoked.
• Freebase: a white powder which has been processed to remove the hydrochloride. Freebase can be smoked.
• Crack: a crystalline form which ranges in colour from white to transparent with a yellow or pink tinge. Crack can be heated and the vapours inhaled.