Crack Cocaine Law and Legal Definition
Crack, also known as "crack cocaine," or "rock", is a controlled substance which is illegal to possess, use, or distribute in the United States. Crack is the street name for cocaine which is processed by treating the cocaine hydrochloride with sodium bicarbonate to create ready-to-use small chips for smoking. Cocaine is originally derived from coca leaves. The term "crack" refers to the crackling sound heard when the mixture is heated during the process of converting cocaine into crack cocaine.
Cocaine is currently listed as a Schedule II drug under the federal Controlled Substances Act. This means that it has a high potential for abuse but also has limited, accepted medical use. Federal courts have found that although crack cocaine is not explicitly listed as a Schedule II drug, it falls within that category as it is a derivative of cocaine.