What does freebasing cocaine refer to?

Freebasing cocaine specifically refers to the process of purifying cocaine to be smoked, which allows for a more intense and rapid onset of effects compared to other methods of use. In this context, freebasing involves removing the hydrochloride salt from the cocaine to create a freebase form, usually by using a solvent such as ether. This method of administration bypasses the digestive system and allows the drug to rapidly enter the bloodstream via the lungs, providing a very quick and intense high.

In the realm of drug use, the other methods mentioned, such as dissolving cocaine in water, injecting it, or mixing it with alcohol, do not accurately define freebasing. Each of these methods represents a different way of using the drug that does not involve the purification process aimed specifically at creating a form that can be effectively smoked. Hence, understanding the precise definition and method of freebasing is crucial in the context of drug education and enforcement.