Overview
A free base is a neutral, non-salt form of a compound, especially an alkaloid like cocaine, nicotine, and morphine. Many chemicals are manufactured in a salt form for the convenience of dissolving in water and remaining stable. Pharmaceutical companies manufacture different versions of drugs depending on the ideal consumption method.
In recreational substance use, “freebasing” refers to converting a salt form of a drug into a base form, which means it can be vaporized and smoked for a rapid high. Studies suggest that faster penetration of the blood-brain barrier increases the risk of addiction and overdose.