How much is an 8 Ball of Coke?
According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the number of cocaine overdoses has slowly increased over the past decade. Cocaine is one of the most dangerously addictive drugs in the world. Because of its popularity, you might hear certain terms thrown around in the movies, news broadcasts or even casual conversations.
The term “8 ball” is often associated with cocaine. So, how much is an 8 ball of coke? An 8 ball of coke is a term commonly used by those who buy and sell cocaine. Although it can also refer to other substances, it is mainly associated with cocaine.
Cocaine is a powerful central nervous stimulant drug. It is derived from the coca plant leaves native to South America. Coca leaves have been used for centuries in both recreational and medicinal ways. It can impact the brain very quickly and trigger an intense burst of high energy and euphoria. This effect is what makes the drug powerful and addictive.
Data shows that an estimated 5 million people have used cocaine in 2023. That same year, an estimated 1.2 million adults over the age of 18, developed a cocaine addiction. Cocaine is usually sold as a white powder or in crystal-like rocks.
How much is an 8 Ball of Coke?
The 8 ball meaning comes directly from the imperial measurement system. An 8 ball weight refers to one-eighth of an ounce of a substance. Science and medicine typically use the metric system, so one eighth of an ounce is approximately 3.5 grams. So an 8 ball of coke weighs about 3.5 grams. It may seem like a small amount, but it is actually a very large amount of cocaine.
8 balls are usually consumed through snorting cocaine or through an IV injection for that quick high that can last anywhere between minutes to an hour. An 8 ball of coke is enough to lead to an addiction to the powerful stimulant.
An 8 ball of coke is a very common cocaine slang term used by street manufacturers and sellers. Drug terminology evolves rapidly to help buyers and sellers communicate discreetly. There are many other common street names for illicit drugs. Cocaine is commonly referred to as blow, snow, yayo, nose candy, white girl or skiing.
What does an 8 Ball of Coke look like?
Physically, 3.5 grams of cocaine powder is about the size of a large marble, depending on how tightly packed it is. It is typically a fine white powder and packaged in small, knotted plastic baggies, in folded paper or in a small glass vial. In comparison, 1 gram of cocaine is about the size of a sugar packet and can produce about 7 to 8 standard lines. With 3.5 grams of cocaine, it can yield up to 30 lines.
Cocaine is commonly packaged and sold by an eighth of an ounce, hence the popular term 8 ball. An 8 ball of cocaine is a very large amount, and using any amount larger can put someone at risk for a severe cocaine addiction.
It is also important to note the difference between powder cocaine and crack cocaine. Powder cocaine is a hydrochloride salt that can dissolve in water and is traditionally snorted. Crack cocaine often looks more like rocklike pieces that are typically heated and smoked. An 8 ball of coke usually refers to powder cocaine.
Other common slang terms for Cocaine
- Bump – This is a tiny amount of cocaine, usually about 0.1 grams and is often used for a very quick high.
- Line – A line of coke is about 0.1 to 0.3 grams of cocaine that is typically snorted in one go.
- Gram – A gram of cocaine is the most common amount purchased.
- Tenner or Tenth – This amount of cocaine measures to about 1.75 grams or half of an 8 ball.
- Ounce – This large amount of cocaine measures around 28 grams.
- Kilo – 1000 grams of cocaine is typically purchased by street drug dealers.
The dangers of Cutting Agents in Cocaine
Street cocaine is rarely ever pure. Illicit substances are often cut with other ingredients to increase profit margins and increase overall volume. Cutting agents can range from harmless powders such as baking soda and talcum powder to more dangerous ingredients such as amphetamines and synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
Users often have no way of knowing the drug’s purity. So consuming any amount carries its own set of risks and accidental overdose.
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Side Effects of an 8 Ball of Coke
- Increased heart rate and blood pressure
- High body temperature
- Euphoria and high energy
- Anxiety
- Restlessness
- Paranoia
- Hallucinations and delusions
- Stroke or heart attack
- Lung damage
- Brain damage
- Nasal perforation
- Loss of appetite
- Diminished blood circulation to the stomach and intestines
- Constriction of blood vessels, which reduces blood flow to the nasal tissues
When it comes to the long-term effects of cocaine use, it can lead to persistent high blood pressure, weakened heart muscles and put a person at high risk of cardiovascular issues like stroke or heart attack. This can occur even in young and healthy individuals.
Prolonged use can also have neurological impacts. Cocaine can literally rewire the brain’s reward center. It impacts the dopamine system, which then controls parts of the brain such as motivation, reward and pleasure.
A cocaine overdose can happen even after a single use. It is more likely to happen in cases when it is combined with other substances like alcohol or heroin. Overdose symptoms include chest pain, rapid breathing, increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, convulsions, paranoia, anxiety, confusion and violence.
The Bottom Line
An 8 ball is more than just a piece of slang for cocaine. It can also be used to describe other street drugs. Other drugs sold as an 8 ball include marijuana, heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA and amphetamines. The term has become very popular because one eighth of an amount of cocaine is a significant enough amount of product, is cost-effective and produces strong effects.
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Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Cocaine is a powerful stimulant drug. It can easily lead to dependence and addiction. Professional behavioral health programs, such as Hotel California by the Sea provide treatment for cocaine use disorder. We offer treatment at all levels of care including detox, residential, PHP and IOP. We utilize evidence-based methods such as CBT, DBT and EMDR therapy. Hotel California by the Sea is dedicated to helping clients reach their goals in sobriety and overcome their addiction.
References:
https://californiadetox.com/drug-info/8-ball-of-coke/
https://zinniahealth.com/substance-use/cocaine/8-ball
https://hopeharborwellness.com/8-ball-of-coke
https://recovered.org/stimulants/cocaine/8-ball
https://resurgencebehavioralhealth.com/blog/what-to-know-about-the-dangers-of-8-ball-of-coke/
