Black tar

Black tar is a type of illicit drug that is primarily opioid-based. It is a form of heroin that is very dark in color, typically black or dark brown. The color is due to the crude processing methods that leave behind impurities. Despite its name, black tar can also be sticky like roofing tar or hard like coal.

Origin and Production

Black tar originates from Mexico and is most commonly found in the western and southern parts of the United States. It is produced using a simplified process compared to other forms of heroin. The production process involves boiling down opium into a liquid form, adding chemicals to extract the heroin, and then heating the substance until it hardens.

Appearance and Use

Black tar is typically sold in small, rock-like chunks. It can be smoked, snorted, or dissolved and injected. The method of use often depends on the user's preference and the specific form of the drug. For example, the hard, coal-like form is typically smoked, while the sticky form is often dissolved and injected.

Health Risks

The use of black tar is associated with numerous health risks. These include overdose, addiction, and the transmission of diseases such as HIV and hepatitis C through shared needles. Additionally, the impurities in black tar can cause health problems such as abscesses and infections.

Legal Status

In the United States, black tar is classified as a Schedule I drug under the Controlled Substances Act. This means it has a high potential for abuse, no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States, and a lack of accepted safety for use under medical supervision.

See Also

• Heroin
• Opioid epidemic
• Controlled Substances Act