Why Does Cocaine Smell Like Gasoline?

Common Solvents in the Cocaine Production and Cutting Process

Why does cocaine smell like a weird substance; namely, like gasoline? It turns out that the powerful stimulant, cocaine, is not famous only for its addictive properties. It also has a pungent, chemical smell that comes off as “gasoline-y” to many.

But why does cocaine smell like gasoline in many cases? The answer is in the chemicals and processes used to produce the drug. The solvents involved in cocaine production cause these various odors, and can also play a role in damaging the nasal passages of those who use the drug frequently.

It is but one of many reasons you should seek help if you or a loved one is battling cocaine abuse or addiction. Our goal at Icarus Behavioral Health is to assist you in overcoming addiction in all forms. Our compassionate caregivers will help you achieve a more fulfilling, healthy life.

Keep reading to learn more about why cocaine often has a gassy odor, and how to treat dependence on cocaine if this scent is what wakes you up in the morning or keeps you going throughout the day.

The Reasons Cocaine Can Have a Smell Like Gasoline

The simple and most direct answer is this: the smell of cocaine is a result of its product process. Drug cartels and other wholesale cocaine producers mix solvents like kerosene or gasoline to extract the cocaine base from cocaine paste. This leads to traces of those solvents as “residues” in the final product.

Now, the producers of this illegal drug rarely remove the residues entirely. That’s mainly because the illicit production focuses more on speed and quantity than “safety” and “purity”, which comes as no surprise.

Moreover, some drug dealers dilute pure cocaine with cutting agents (which often includes baby laxatives such as Inositol and others). This happens during the adulteration of higher purity cocaine, and can add more chemicals and solvents, such as acetone, that alter the cocaine taste and smell.

What is the Production Process of Pure Cocaine?

Let’s look at the origin of pure cocaine – it comes from coca leaves, (coca plant leaves) which has a naturally high production in different states of Columbia. These leaves are a primary crop in South America, namely in Bolivia and Peru apart from Columbia.

These leaves go through different types of cocaine-making chemical processes. The goal is to extract the cocaine base, after which the base of cocaine changes form and forms the final product. It could be a fine white powder, liquid cocaine, freebase cocaine, or something else.

Take a look at the various chemicals that lead to cocaine production:

• Sulfuric Acid – This helps to refine the white powder so it leads to the purest form of powdered cocaine.
• Gasoline (or Kerosene) – These two are like solvents for extracting the alkaloids from the coca leaves.
• Ammonia – It is also one of the cutting agents useful for neutralizing the mixture. And, it also helps to create the cocaine base after which users can produce cocaine in other forms than just white powder.
• Caustic Soda – With caustic soda, also known as lye, drug producers remove contaminants from the extracted base (coke).

Sometimes, drug dealers may use other chemicals, or other substances entirely. For instance, the crack cocaine smoke might smell like burnt rubber, or burnt plastic, as some people describe it. It’s because the cocaine white powder may contain synthetic chemicals, such as levamisole and others, along with baking soda and ammonia.

Does Cocaine Smell Vary Depending on Its Forms?

The smell of cocaine can vary depending on its form, and that is true. It is all because of the way dealers produce and cut the final product.

Why Does Cocaine Smell Like Gasoline? Powdered Cocaine and Solvents

One of the more common street names for powdered cocaine is “white girl”. The most common cutting agents for it are talcum powder, baking soda, and baby powder. These additives can slightly alter the smell, but it is the solvents used, whether ether and kerosene during initial production, or acetone, these solvents often leave an astringent, ‘gasoline’-like odor.

Crack Cocaine

When you talk about crack cocaine or freebase cocaine – there can be differences in smell as well. Crack cocaine smells when smoked often have a chemical or sweet odor, while the drug itself is often odorless, which is different from gasoline-like cocaine.

Is the Weird Cocaine Smell a Warning Sign?

The simple answer is – yes. That weirdly recognizable smell that resembles gasoline or kerosene is a warning sign. It’s the order of the “gas” that masks the smell of other solvents and additives.

The gas solvents are typical product components during the extraction process – i.e., to produce refined cocaine. However, by themselves, they are not necessarily more hazardous than the cocaine itself. It simply means that the drug’s highly impure and didn’t go through the proper purification process.

Now, the “weird smell” could also indicate dangerous additives. So, if you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine abuse, they are at risk of adverse effects. It can also lead to fatal overdoses because the drugs change and the toxicity levels rise abnormally when there are harmful additives in disproportionate compositions.

On the other hand, crack cocaine production involves the use of baking soda, talcum powder, and similar substances. This form of cocaine is often  “adulterated” which means it can lead to serious health issues associated with the lungs.

Without proper mental health support and drug addiction treatment, regular cocaine users can experience mild to chronic health symptoms.

What Are the Health Risks of Cocaine Addiction?

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies cocaine as a “Schedule II Controlled Substance”. The reason? Because it is highly addictive even without certain additives (i.e., pure cocaine processed and extracted from coca leaves). Cocaine affects your central nervous system, which affects brain activity.

It increases brain activity which leads to high alertness and euphoria. However, there are side effects to that, some of which we are discussing below.

• Increased heart rate – Since it is a stimulant, it raises the heart rate and blood pressure levels beyond “normal”.
• Respiratory issues – If the user is inhaling or smoking cocaine, it can damage the lungs and airways.
• Neurological effects – And, because brain activity has increased exponentially, it leads to several neuro-effects like paranoia and anxiety (along with euphoria).

Through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), we find that cocaine and other drug abuse is a serious issue in the United States. The study tells us how cocaine goes by different street names and addiction to it will require specialized treatment. Smoking crack cocaine (or consuming it another way) also has several long-term health risks.

Mental Health Disorders

Someone – like you or a loved one – struggling with heavy cocaine use are at an increased risk of depression and other mental health challenges. In fact, a scientific study also points out that it may cause recurring episodes of anxiety and psychosis.

Physical Deterioration

Whether they smell like burnt rubber or burnt plastic, or are completely odorless, illegal substances like cocaine can damage vital organs.  Delaying appropriate therapy for an extended period of time can affect your heart, liver, and brain.

Get Freedom from Cocaine: Connect with Icarus Behavioral Health

So, why does cocaine smell like gasoline? It depends on the production process. Some solvents like kerosene and gasoline help extract (and refine) the cocaine base. This is where the chemicals leave residue which leads to the drug’s distinct smell (and sometimes color).

This makes it recognizable to both users and law enforcement. So remember, that this smell is a sign. It’s a warning of the dangers that affect not just millions of individuals, but also their families, every year.

Cocaine abuse is a serious issue which affects health and interpersonal relations. Therefore, finding the right treatment program is necessary, which begins with the decision to seek professional help.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with cocaine, get a confidential consultation at Icarus Behavioral Health today and find proven options for support now.