Crime crack cocaine

In the 1970s there was a resurgence of powder cocaine use. This preceded the epidemic of crack cocaine in the 1980s. Because crack cocaine is cheaper than powder, it became more readily available to the young and the poor. Crack addiction and crime began to increase rapidly and this increase was publicized in the media. In response to public concern, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1986 and 1988 was passed. Known sometimes as the 100 1 law, this federal law includes mandatory minimum sentences for first-time offenders. The penalties are much harsher for possession of crack cocaine than powder cocaine. 

Mahan, S. (1996). Crack cocaine, crime and women. Thousand Oaks, CA Sage. 

Inciardi, James. The War on Drugs II The Continuing Epic of Heroin, Cocaine, Crack, Crime, AIDS and Public Policy. Mountain View, CA Mayfield Publishing Company, 1991. 

Some users spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on cocaine and crack each week and will do anything to support their habit. Many turn to drug selling, prostitution, or other crimes. 

S. Cotton. Cocaine, crack and crime. Education in Chemistry, September 2002, 118. 

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