Drug Slang Names – Molly To Spice, Cocaine, Speed, Yellows, Speedball, and More

What Is Drug Slang?

Individuals often use street names or drug slang to talk about drugs in secret to avoid getting in trouble with the law at school and home. Drug slang allows people to talk about drugs openly without raising red flags. Therefore, staying educated on the latest drug slang is essential to catch the substance abuse problem early.

What Is Drug Slang?

Learning drug slang is essential for prevention providers, caregivers, and educators to be informed about the different slang words used about specific drugs and drug use. Creative names and abbreviations disguise conversations as innocent and do not raise red flags [1].

There are a vast amount of names used for drugs. The drug slang list below is meant to be a brief and easy-to-use guide for loved ones to pinpoint words they hear and understand what it is about. In addition, drug slang is referenced too often in pop culture, especially within the music industry.

It is just as crucial for people to understand and recognize the many names used to reference drugs. Unfortunately, many individuals are unaware of the connection between street names and the drug they are referencing. For example, a person is offered “Molly” and doesn’t understand the street name for drugs like MDMA & its addictive characteristics.

Uncovering Drug Slang & Street Names

Drug slang and street names are constantly changing terms that refer to everything from buyers, sellers, the drug itself, and everything in between. Why? This insider drug code serves several vital objectives. It makes illegal trades easier to discuss publicly and much less evident than using specific terms outright. It’s also a dependable way to determine authentic customers versus someone who might be an undercover cop. Last, and maybe most importantly, drug slang makes it much more challenging for law enforcement to track drug-related actions. 

As such, figuring out where to begin can be difficult if you’re unfamiliar with illicit-drug vernacular. Although drug slang is based on some play on the drug’s name, the street names aren’t always prominent–in fact, most of a drug’s street name will likely have (seemingly) nothing to do with what the drug’s called. A drug slang term could be based on the drug’s appearance, how it’s used, packaged, or how it makes people feel. Keep in mind that drug dealer slang can vary widely between regions and countries 

Why Not Just Call it What it Is?

Drug dealers are salespeople, and they know that calling drugs trendy or funky names make their products seem cool. That also makes the buyer feel relaxed—like they’re part of the “in-crowd.” Street names are a marketing ploy: a way for people who sell drugs to make them seem more appealing and safe—not harmful like they are [2].

Top 10 Drug Slang Terms

Top 10 list of common drug slang street names for educational purposes. Get familiar with these terms to understand better drug-related conversations and activities you encounter.

Here are the top 10 drug slang street names:

1. Marijuana: Weed, Pot, Mary Jane, Ganja, Herb.
2. Cocaine: Coke, Blow, Snow, Powder, White Rock.
3. Heroin: H, Smack, Junk, Dope, Brown Sugar.
4. Methamphetamine: Meth, Ice, Crystal, Tina, Crank.
5. MDMA (Ecstasy/Molly): E, XTC, Molly, Beans, Rolls.
6. LSD: Acid, Lucy, Tabs, Trips, Doses.
7. Prescription Opioids: Oxys, Percs, Vikes, Blues, Hillbilly Heroin.
8. Synthetic Cannabinoids: Spices, K2, Synthetic Marijuana, Fake Weed, Scooby Snax.
9. Bath Salts: Flakka, Ivory Wave, Bloom, Cloud Nine, Vanilla Sky.
10. Psilocybin Mushrooms: Shrooms, Magic Mushrooms, Caps, Boomers, Zoomers.

Drug slang terms can vary geographically and over time. Staying informed and regularly updating knowledge on emerging trends is essential for law enforcement professionals. Understanding drug slang names allows for better communication, investigation, and enforcement efforts related to drug-related activities.

Popular Drug Slang Names

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Learn More:

• What is MDMA
• Cough Medicine Abuse
• The Real Price of 8 Ball of Coke Can Lead to Addiction
• Adderall Addiction Treatment
• Illegal Stimulants Addiction
• What Are Barbiturates? Barbiturate Overdose Risks, Use, Effects & Addiction
• Speedball is Deadly
• Cocaine Overdose
• Cocaine Side Effects
• Fentanyl Addiction Treatment
• Detox Rehab

Glossary Of Drug Street Names 

Adderall Street Names:

Adderall is an addictive prescription drug containing two components (amphetamine and dextroamphetamine). Adderall is highly addictive when taken at levels higher than a doctor’s prescribed. Adderall addiction can harm the body, imbalance the mind, and destroy relationships. Street names include:

Amphetamines Street Names

Amphetamines are addictive stimulant drugs that may be used to treat ADD or obesity. They’re abused off-label or purchased from drug dealers to produce a high. Slang terms include

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Barbiturates Street Names:

This synthetic class of drugs works to slow down the body’s functions, acting as a downer. It is a widespread medication in pre-surgical sedation but has high barbiturates addiction rates when used recreationally. In clinical settings, barbiturates treat anxiety or sleep disorders. Slang names include Yellows, Reds, Barbs, Blues, Tooies, Rainbows, Yellow Jackets, Downers, Pink Ladies, and Bluebirds.

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Cocaine Street Names:

An illegal stimulant that can be snorted. Common slang names for cocaine include:

• Angel Powder.
• Audi.
• Big C.
• Blanco.
• Belushi (when mixed with opiates like heroin).
• BMW.
• Blow.
• Candy.
• Cane.
• Coke.
• Coca.
• Flake.
• Greengold.
• Heaven Dust.
• Zip.

• Death Valley.
• Devil’s Dandruff.
• Dust.
• Florida Snow.
• Girl.
• Gold Dust.
• Icing.
• La Blanca Dama.
• Lines.
• Nose Candy.
• Paradise White.
• Perica.
• Powder.
• Racehorse Charlie.
• Toot.
• Yawda.
• White.

There are always new street names for Coke being used, so keep an ear out for more names of this drug. Some cocaine street names, like speedball, refer to the drug when it’s mixed with heroin. Death from cocaine overdose can happen on the first use of the drug or unexpectedly thereafter.

Slang for Cocaine

The slang for Cocaine is typically referred to as coke or blow. People who use cocaine often develop an extreme reliance on it and may exhibit mood swings, anxiety, aggression, and paranoia. Cocaine addiction can lead to physical and mental health and financial and social problems.

Cocaine Treatment

Cocaine Withdrawal

Crack Cocaine Street Names:

A smokable form of cocaine also has its slang terms. These include:

Whether used for short or extended periods, any use is associated with cocaine side effects. This drug can lead to severe heart attacks, even in young and otherwise healthy people.

Cough Medicine Street Names:

Believe it or not, all age groups abuse cough medicine. Certain ingredients in cough medicine can cause psychoactive effects when taken in abundance. Street names include Robo, Drank, Red Devils, Triple C, Purple, and Velvet.

Fentanyl Street Names:

This dangerous opioid is found in illegal opioid drugs, often mixed into the batch. It can also be prescribed. Fentanyl produces a powerful but dangerous high. Names include Apache, China White, Crazy One, Butter, Jacket, Fent, and Fenty. Fentanyl addiction can depress the respiratory system to failure, leading to a fatal fentanyl overdose.

Heroin Street Names & Slang Words For Heroin:

Slang for Heroin: An illegal opioid that users usually inject. Slang names for heroin include:

Inhalants Street Names:

Inhalants are chemicals found in ordinary household or workplace products that people inhale on purpose to get “high.” People often don’t realize that inhaling the fumes of these products, even just once, can be very harmful to the brain and body and lead to death [3]. Everyday slang for inhalants includes “laughing gas” (nitrous oxide), “snappers” (amyl nitrite), “poppers” (amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite), “whippets” (fluorinated hydrocarbons, found in whipped cream dispensers), “bold” (nitrites), and “rush” (nitrites). Repeated use of this substance can lead to inhalant addiction.

LSD Street Names:

A hallucinogenic drug that produces psychedelic effects. Street names include Acid, Black Star, California Sunshine, Coffee, Dots, Hawaiian Sunshine, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Lucy Drug, Pink Panthers, Pure Love, Purple Haze, Sunshine, Zen, and White Dust. It’s also associated with variants of yellow drug slang, including yellow dimples and yellow sunshine.

Marijuana Street Names:

Often considered a gateway drug, this plant is smoked by its users. The leaves may be laced with additional drugs. Slang names for marijuana include:

MDMA Street Names or Names for Molly:

Molly is a street name for the psychoactive drug MDMA, a stimulant and hallucinogen. The top popular names for Molly are Ecstasy, X, XTC, and E.

This club drug is taken in pill form and can include mixes of other drugs in the pill. Names for Molly or MDMA also include MDNA slang names like E, E- Bomb, Ecstasy, Dancing Shoes, Love Drug, Love Potion, Molly, XTC, and X. Bean drug is another slang name for MDMA. Molly is the second coming of ecstasy. MDMA abuse usually happens in raves, nightclubs, and music festivals because users believe the high enhances their experiences.

Methamphetamines Street Names or Meth Street Names as the same as Crank Drug Slang Names:

This drug is a central nervous system stimulant. In legal settings, it’s used as a medication for ADHD or other disorders. Illegal use also exists. Slang names include:

Other crank drug slang names for crank or methamphetamine include meth, crystal, speed, crank, chalk, ice, glass, and shabu.

Other slang names for crank include garbage, jib, go fast, rock candy, and fire. Slang names for crank can also vary regionally. Some regional crank slang names examples include:

• Zip.
• Biker’s coffee.
• Tweak.
• White cross.
• Skippy.

Moreover, Crank drug slang names include speed, go-fast, chalk, ice, and glass. Other crank drug slang names include poor man’s cocaine, shabu, yaba, crystal meth, and many more.

Ice Drug Slang Name

Ice dust is a slang term for methamphetamine, a highly addictive and illegal stimulant drug. It is made from pseudoephedrine or ephedrine and can be taken orally, injected, or smoked. Ice dust is a popular street drug, and its use is rising in some areas. The high lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, and users often experience a feeling of euphoria, increased energy, alertness, and concentration. Ice dust also has a range of long-term effects, including paranoia, anxiety, and depression.

Crystal meth abuse has devastating effects. It can cause lung disorders, kidney damage, hyperthermia, stroke, and cardiac arrest.

Xanax Street Names or Bars Drug Slang:

This prescription drug is used to treat anxiety in patients. Illegally and legally, it’s very addictive. Street names include Bars, Z-Bars, Zannies, Xanies, School Bus, Planks, Footballs, and Sticks [4]. Taking Xanax can lead to physical dependence and addiction. In addition, withdrawal is one of the most common Xanax side effects.

“Bars” is a slang term for Xanax because the tablet has the form of rectangle bars. Xanax is a prescription medication used for the short-term treatment of anxiety and panic disorders. It works by decreasing activity in the brain, allowing the user to relax. The effects of the drug vary from person to person but can include drowsiness, sedation, and decreased anxiety. When used recreationally or in higher doses, bars can be habit-forming and potentially lead to addiction.

Special K Drug Slang Terms for Ketamine:

Special K is a street name for ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic used mainly in veterinary medicine. It has psychoactive properties and is used as a recreational drug. It is known to cause effects including visual and auditory hallucinations, feelings of detachment, confusion, and an overall out-of-body experience.

Ketamine is commonly consumed as a white powder or sometimes as crystals or a liquid. It can also be injected. Effects usually start within several minutes after taking it and last between one and two hours. Common effects include blurred vision, drowsiness, sensations of floating, changes in perception of time and color, difficulty concentrating, and difficulty coordinating movements. There may also be psychological effects, such as confusion, disorientation, impaired judgment, and memory loss. Some people may experience delusions, paranoia, and hallucinations.

Angel Dust Drug Slang

Angel dust is another slang term for phencyclidine (PCP). It is a dissociative and hallucinogenic drug, meaning it can cause users to feel disconnected from their thoughts and environment and have altered perceptions, including hallucinations. It is known for causing extreme side effects and can be dangerous in large doses, including seizures, unconsciousness, and even death.

Mushroom Drug Slang

“Shrooms” or “Mushrooms” are slang terms for various psilocybin mushrooms, which are natural substances with hallucinogenic properties. Psilocybin mushrooms are typically consumed orally and can temporarily change perception, emotion, and cognition. Although not considered addictive, they may lead to psychological dependence in some users. The effects of mushrooms are typically short-lasting, with the average trip lasting between three and six hours.

Drug Addiction Statistics

In 2020, 10.3 million people, or 3.7 percent of those 12 and older, misused CNS stimulants in the previous 12 months. One-third of the 10.3 million people who misused CNS stimulants in the past year used only cocaine (32.4 percent, or 3.3 million people), one-third abused only prescription stimulants (32.3 percent, or 3.3 million people), and one-seventh used only methamphetamine (14.4 percent, or 1.5 million people), according to the statistics. In the previous year, an estimated 353,000 individuals (3.4 percent of CNS stimulant misusers) used or abused all three CNS stimulants.

How To Use This Guide To Protect Your Loved One

These street names and drug slangs are just the tip of the iceberg that recreational drug abuse is far from comprehensive. This guide stresses how diverse these terms are and how easy they might be to overlook in a conversation.

The takeaway from this article is that rather than relying on hearing–and knowing–drug code words that you identify, look out for seemingly out-of-place words or phrases that your loved ones use frequently or perhaps in hushed tones. Behavioral cues will always be one of the most reliable ways to determine if someone you care about is abusing or addicted to drugs and will persist long after the latest drug terminology falls out of fashion. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse, get them the safest help they need and deserve. Our We Level Up NJ team specializes in creating an ideal environment and providing effective therapies. 

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