One of the earliest uses of meth was during World War II when the German military dispensed it under the trade name Pervitin. It was widely distributed across rank and division, from elite forces to tank crews and aircraft personnel. 1 out of 4 Americans between the age of 26 and 34 have used cocaine in their lifetime. One ounce of meth can be made for as little as $150 and sold for $1,500. Cocaine hydrochloride, the form in which cocaine is snorted or injected is often "cut," or mixed, with things that look like it. The final product can be from 1% to 95% pure. Common additives are sugars, such as mannitol, lactose, or glucose, or even sugar substitutes, and local anesthetics such as tetracaine, procaine, and lidocaine. Quinine, talc, and cornstarch have also been used. Some consumers may unknowingly purchase a supply without any cocaine, but just a cocaine substitute such as caffeine, amphetamine, PCP, procaine, and lidocaine. |