Almost 40 years after the discovery of a 175kg black bear ingesting cocaine in a Georgia forest, the drug has inspired a film.
It all began, as you might imagine, in the 1980s. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation announced in December 1985 that a 175-kilogram black bear had "died of a cocaine overdose after discovering a batch of drugs", according to a three-sentence United Press International article in the New York Times.
"The cocaine was reportedly dropped from a plane piloted by Andrew Thornton, a convicted drug trafficker who died on September 11 in Knoxville, Tennessee, because he was carrying too heavy a load during his parachute jump," reports U.P.I.. "The bureau said the bear was found Friday in north Georgia among 40 open plastic containers containing traces of cocaine.
The bear was found dead in the mountains of Fannin County, Georgia, just south of the Tennessee border.
"All that's left are bones and a large skin," Gary Garner of the Georgia Bureau of Investigation told the Associated Press.
Dr. Kenneth Alonso, the state's chief medical examiner at the time, said after an autopsy in December 1985 that the bear had absorbed three or four grams of cocaine into his bloodstream, although he may have eaten more, the Associated Press reported that month.
Today, that same bear is reportedly on display in Lexington, Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall. The mall reported in an August 2015 blog post that employees wanted to know what happened to the bear and discovered it had been stuffed. The blog states that the stuffed bear belonged to country singer Waylon Jennings, who kept it in his Las Vegas home before it was delivered to the store. (The New York Times was unable to independently confirm this information).
What happened to the bear in the final days, or hours, after his cocaine consumption is a mystery, but where the cocaine came from is not.
Mr. Thornton was a known drug dealer and former police officer. He was found dead on the morning of September 11, 1985, in the backyard of a house in Knoxville, Tennessee, wearing a parachute and Gucci loafers. He also possessed several weapons and a bag containing about 35 kilograms of cocaine, according to the Knoxville News Sentinel.
A key in Mr. Thornton's pocket matched the tail number of a plane wreck found in Clay County, North Carolina, and given Mr. Thornton's history of drug trafficking, investigators assumed there were other quantities of cocaine nearby, the News Sentinel reported. Investigators searched the area and found more than 300 pounds of cocaine during a search that lasted several months.
Cocaine is extracted from the leaves of the coca bush, which grows in South America.
Cocaine is the most powerful central nervous system stimulant found in nature.
Coca leaves, the source of pure cocaine, have been chewed and ingested for thousands of years to produce narcotic stupefaction.
Interestingly, cocaine was first extracted from coca leaves in 1859 and added to fortified wine in France as early as 1863. From 1880 onwards, it began to be used as an anaesthetic.
Cocaine hydrochloride, a chemical purified from coca leaves, was the main active ingredient in tonics and elixirs produced for various ailments in the early 1900s.
Until 1903, Coca-Cola soft drinks contained nine milligrams of cocaine per serving to create a powerful stimulant effect.
Sigmund Freud recommended cocaine as a useful medicine for his patients, and was himself addicted to this powerful drug.
Cocaine is almost always diluted by dealers to increase the total quantity and maximize profits. The most common additives in cocaine are lactose, lidocaine, cornstarch, talcum powder and sugar. - When you buy cocaine from us, you're buying pure cocaine, with no additives whatsoever!
The average retail price of a gram of pure cocaine in the United States is currently between $80 and $100.
Men feel the effects of cocaine more quickly than women.
The combination of cocaine and alcohol releases toxins and kills around 75 % of addicts. - So be careful!
The phrase « 8 ball of coke » refers to a small amount, around 3.5 grams, of cocaine powder. It looks like a pool ball. Dealers pack this specific quantity in tiny plastic bags. For cocaine users, an « 8 ball » means a personal dose, not for selling. It’s meant for one person to use.
But despite its simple name, cocaine is a powerful addictive drug. It ruins lives and hurts communities badly. Learning about the « 8 ball » shows how dangerous cocaine addiction truly is. People need help to recover from it.
The compact "8 ball of cocaine" appeals to cocaine users because it's easy to transport and hide when consumed. However, the risks involved cannot be ignored.
When learning about cocaine and the « 8 ball, » make informed choices and understand the dangers fully. Knowing just the definition is only the first small step. Dig deeper to grasp all the complexities and far-reaching harm this drug causes.
When learning about cocaine and "8 ball", make informed choices and fully understand the dangers. Knowing the definition is only the first step. Deepen your knowledge to grasp the full complexity of this drug and the considerable damage it causes.
What does an 8-ball Coke look like?
An 8 ball of coke looks distinct from other drugs. Inside the small plastic bag is a fine white powdery substance, similar to baking soda or powdered sugar. About 3.5 grams can fit easily in the palm of your hand.
Though round or oval to conceal, baggies’ size and shape differ. Dealers’ packaging varies, yet these traits characterize an 8 ball quantity.
Understand, cocaine use and possession are illegal in most countries, including the United States. Recognizing an 8 ball’s distinct appearance can help avoid this dangerous substance.
What are the side effects of an 8 Ball of Coke?
Using an 8 ball of coke can profoundly impact body and mind, short and long-term. Understanding the potential effects is crucial for users of the addictive substance.
Short-term side effects.
Euphoria, renewed energy: intense pleasure and energetic sensations are common during consumption. Consumers can feel confident and talkative, with a heightened sense of well-being.
Dilated pupils, heightened alertness: cocaine stimulates the central nervous system, dilating pupils and heightening alertness. The senses can become sharper, and the need for sleep diminishes.
Restlessness, irritability: as the initial effects wear off, users may feel restless, anxious and irritable. Concentration may suffer, and mood may deteriorate.
Increased heart rate and blood pressure: one of the most dangerous short-term effects of cocaine. Increased heart rate and blood pressure can lead to palpitations, chest pain, and even heart attack or stroke in the most serious cases.
Long-term side effects.
Heart and vascular problems: Frequent cocaine use can damage the cardiovascular system. This increases the risk of heart attacks, irregular heartbeats and heart disease.
Respiratory problems: Snorting cocaine damages the respiratory system. It causes chronic coughing, shortness of breath, lung infections and pneumonia.
Cocaine can make you paranoid, anxious and depressed, and cause you to lose touch with reality over time. These mental health problems disrupt daily life.
Addiction and the difficulties of quitting: Cocaine is extremely addictive. Using an 8-ball quickly leads to dependence. Withdrawal leads to fatigue, sadness and intense cravings, making it very difficult to stop.
Understand the serious dangers of using a ball of cocaine 8. Get professional help for your addiction. Contact treatment centers or support groups for recovery. Help is available to overcome addiction.
What is the price of an 8-ball of cocaine?
The selling price of an 8 ball of coke depends on location, availability and demand. Generally speaking, it's between $150 and $300.
Though, it’s crucial to understand that the cost might significantly differ across regions. In major metro areas or places with high narcotics trafficking, prices could skyrocket. Alternatively, areas facing lower demand or limited supply could see reduced rates.
The cocaine street value fluctuates. Purity levels and supplier reputation impact pricing. Greater purity often drives up costs, as users associate purer cocaine with stronger effects. Moreover, a supplier’s standing, clientele, and risks undertaken influence pricing decisions.
Crucially, we must recognize purchasing or using illegal substances poses grave dangers and breaches the law. While an ‘8 ball’ of cocaine may entice, the risks and repercussions far outweigh any perceived benefits.
If you or someone close battles cocaine addiction, seeking professional help is vital. Treatment facilities, support groups, and therapy options offer paths forward. Remember, recovery and a drug-free existence are indeed achievable.
Please note: the sale price mentioned is for educational purposes only and does not encourage illegal acts. Stay informed and make responsible choices.
Where does cocaine come from?
Cocaine, an addictive stimulant, derives from leaves of the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). Native to South America, this plant predominantly grows in Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru – regions offering favorable climates and elevations for coca cultivation.
To begin, coca leaves get harvested and dried, before being processed. Next, chemical extractions are done to isolate the active ingredient – the cocaine alkaloid. This extracted alkaloid goes through further refinement and processing into various forms like powder cocaine and crack cocaine.
For many years, Colombia was the top dog in cocaine production. It handled a huge chunk of the worldwide illicit drug trade. Colombia had perfect conditions for growing coca – the raw material. There were large areas of remote, hard-to-reach terrain.
But Colombia wasn’t alone in the cocaine game. Bolivia and Peru were major players too. They contributed greatly to cocaine’s production and global distribution. Combating drug trafficking proved challenging because of rugged geography and limited resources.
In addition, the illegal cocaine trade fuels widespread violence, corruption and environmental destruction in these regions. National and international law enforcement agencies have worked tirelessly to reduce drug production and trafficking. But their efforts continue.
Understanding the origins of cocaine helps us to better understand the global dynamics of this illicit substance. Tackling the root causes will help mitigate the adverse effects on communities around the world.
How can you get help for cocaine addiction if you need it?
Recognizing addiction signs is step one towards getting help. If you or someone close battles cocaine addiction, know that treatment options exist to aid recovery. Here are steps to take for accessing needed support: .
Recognize the signs.
A cocaine user’s health can really suffer. Key signs are: needing more cocaine to feel its effects, withdrawal struggles when stopping, failing to quit, neglecting duties, and wrecked relationships. Spotting these tells is crucial to getting proper aid.
Consult a healthcare professional.
See a doctor or addiction expert first. They’ll assess you fully and advise the ideal treatment tailored to you. Physical checks and medical history checks will guide the way forward.
Explore treatment options.
Treatment choices for cocaine addiction are inpatient care (most intensive, 24/7 medical backup, intense therapy), outpatient programs (balanced treatment alongside normal life), and residential treatment programs.
Therapy and support groups.
Therapy is vital. Individual sessions probe addiction roots and teach coping skills. Group therapy offers a supportive space to share experiences and learn from others battling addiction. Narcotics Anonymous and similar groups also provide ongoing guidance and encouragement.
Create a solid support system.
Getting supportive people around you boosts recovery success hugely. You’ll need friends and family who show patience and back your sober efforts. Also, joining support groups connects you with people walking the same path. Their guidance and stories prove super helpful.
on’t give up – staying away from cocaine takes ongoing work but absolutely can be done. The right treatment, plus the right support network on your side, empowers you to beat addiction’s grip and live freely again. Resources exist to guide you when struggles arise, so reach out.
FAQ
What is an "8 ball of coke"?
An "8 ball of coke" is a slang term commonly used to designate an eighth of an ounce (about 3.5 grams) of cocaine.
Why is it called an "8-ball"?
The term « 8 ball » originates from pool (billiards) where the black ball, also known as the 8 ball, is a prominent feature. The term was adopted into drug culture to denote an eighth of an ounce of cocaine, primarily due to its resemblance in size to a typical pool ball.
How much does an "8 ball of coke" cost?
Prices can vary considerably depending on factors such as location, purity and availability. However, an "8 ball of coke" can range from $150 to $250, or even more, in some regions.
Chemical composition: Cocaine is derived from the leaves of the coca plant, while ecstasy is a synthetic drug chemically similar to amphetamines and hallucinogens.
Mechanism of action: Cocaine acts as a stimulant, blocking the reuptake of dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain, while ecstasy increases serotonin release and inhibits its reuptake.
Onset of effects: Cocaine produces fast-acting effects that can be felt in seconds or minutes, while ecstasy takes longer to work and can take up to an hour to produce its full effects.
Duration of effects: The effects of cocaine generally last from 30 minutes to an hour, while the effects of ecstasy can last for several hours.
Physical effects: Cocaine can cause an increase in heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature, as well as dilated pupils and reduced appetite. Ecstasy can cause similar effects, as well as dehydration, jaw clenching and heightened sensitivity to touch.
Psychological effects: Cocaine can induce feelings of euphoria, confidence and energy, as well as anxiety, paranoia and restlessness. Ecstasy can produce similar effects, as well as feelings of empathy, openness and emotional warmth.
Dependence potential: Cocaine is highly addictive and dependence-prone, while ecstasy's addictive potential is less clear.
Risk of overdose: an overdose of cocaine can cause heart attack, stroke and respiratory failure, while an overdose of ecstasy can cause convulsions, hyperthermia and organ failure.
Drug testing: Cocaine can be detected in urine, blood and hair samples for several days or weeks after consumption, while ecstasy can be detected in urine up to four days after consumption.
Legal status: Cocaine is a Schedule II drug, which means it has a high abuse potential, but can also be used for legitimate medical purposes. Ecstasy is a Schedule I drug, which means it has no recognized medical use and a high potential for abuse.