The Dual Meanings of '99' in Slang
The number '99' carries multiple meanings in slang, which can lead to confusion. In the context of pharmacology and street-level drug culture, '99' is most commonly understood as a slang term for powdered cocaine purported to be 99% pure [1.2.1]. This label is used to market the drug as exceptionally high-quality and potent. However, the term also refers to a popular line of alcoholic beverages, the '99 Brand' of schnapps, which are 99 proof (49.5% alcohol by volume) [1.4.4, 1.4.5]. It's crucial to distinguish between these two very different substances. This article focuses on the illicit drug connotation while acknowledging the legal, alcoholic beverage to provide a clear and comprehensive understanding.
The Myth of 99% Pure Cocaine
For decades, the term '99' has been used to signify top-tier, unadulterated cocaine. The implication is a product of extreme purity, free from the cutting agents typically added to increase volume and profit for dealers. However, the reality on the street is vastly different. While purer forms of cocaine like 'fish scale' can exist, reaching a true 99% purity by the time it reaches a consumer is exceedingly rare [1.5.4, 1.5.7].
Cocaine passes through many hands from its production in South America to its final sale [1.5.7]. At each step, it is often 'cut' or diluted with other substances. These additives, known as adulterants, can range from relatively harmless powders like baking soda or talc to dangerous pharmacological agents. Therefore, the '99' label is more of a marketing tactic than a verifiable certificate of purity.
Common Adulterants and Their Dangers
One of the most concerning and common adulterants found in cocaine today is levamisole, a veterinary medicine used to deworm livestock [1.6.8]. The DEA has reported that a high percentage of seized cocaine in the United States contains levamisole [1.6.5]. Dealers use it because it has a similar appearance to cocaine and can potentiate or enhance some of its psychoactive effects [1.6.5, 1.6.9].
However, levamisole is highly toxic to humans and was withdrawn from the U.S. market for human use due to its dangerous side effects [1.6.3]. Chronic exposure can lead to severe health complications, including:
- Agranulocytosis: A critical drop in white blood cells, severely compromising the immune system and leaving the body vulnerable to life-threatening infections [1.6.7].
- Vasculitis: Inflammation of blood vessels that can cause painful skin lesions, necrosis (tissue death), and retiform purpura, often affecting the ears, face, and extremities [1.6.3, 1.6.7].
- Autoimmune Disorders: Levamisole can trigger autoimmune responses, where the body's immune system attacks its own tissues [1.6.2].
Other dangerous cutting agents may include fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid that dramatically increases the risk of fatal overdose, as well as local anesthetics like benzocaine and procaine [1.5.4]. The presence of these unknown substances makes using street cocaine a high-risk gamble, regardless of its supposed purity.
Pharmacological Effects and Health Risks
Cocaine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant that produces short-lived feelings of euphoria, energy, and alertness [1.5.1, 1.5.2]. It achieves this by increasing the levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward, in the brain [1.5.2].
The higher the purity of the cocaine, the more intense the effects and the greater the risks. Even without dangerous adulterants, high-purity cocaine can overwhelm the cardiovascular and central nervous systems [1.5.3, 1.5.7].
Immediate risks include:
- Sudden cardiac arrest or heart attack [1.5.1, 1.5.6]
- Stroke [1.5.1]
- Seizures [1.5.3]
- Respiratory failure [1.5.4]
- Severe anxiety, paranoia, and psychosis [1.5.6]
Combining cocaine with other substances, particularly alcohol, creates additional dangers. When used together, the liver produces a metabolite called cocaethylene, which intensifies cocaine's euphoric effects but significantly increases the risk of sudden death [1.5.6].
Cocaine Purity: Myth vs. Reality
| Myth (The '99' Promise) | Reality (Street-Level Dangers) |
|---|---|
| The product is 99% pure cocaine, offering a clean high. | Most street cocaine is cut with adulterants. Purity levels are rarely as high as advertised [1.5.7]. |
| Higher purity means it's a safer, better-quality drug. | Higher purity drastically increases the risk of overdose, heart attack, and seizures [1.5.4, 1.5.7]. |
| It is free from dangerous cutting agents. | Often contains highly toxic substances like levamisole, which can cause immune system collapse and skin necrosis [1.6.5, 1.6.7]. |
| The effects are predictable and manageable. | The presence of unknown cutting agents like fentanyl or synthetic cathinones makes the effects highly unpredictable and can lead to unexpected overdose [1.5.4]. |
Conclusion
The slang term '99' for a drug refers to the dangerous myth of 99% pure cocaine. While it is used as a marketing tool to imply high quality and potency, the reality is that nearly all street cocaine is contaminated with cutting agents. These adulterants, especially the prevalent veterinary drug levamisole, introduce a host of severe health risks that users are often unaware of, including immune system failure and flesh-eating skin conditions. The pursuit of so-called 'pure' cocaine is a chase after a phantom that significantly elevates the inherent dangers of the substance, increasing the likelihood of overdose and long-term health complications. Understanding the truth behind the slang is a critical component of harm reduction and public health awareness.
For more information on substance abuse and treatment, consider visiting an authoritative resource like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
