Freebasing cocaine is a method of using cocaine that involves heating the powder to create pure, highly concentrated crystals. This process removes impurities and chemical components of cocaine hydrochloride, reducing the drug to a form that has a low melting point, does not dissolve in water, and takes effect almost immediately. Freebase cocaine is not the same as smoking crack cocaine or attempting to smoke powdered cocaine. It is usually smoked by putting freebase cocaine into a glass pipe and heating it until it boils into a vapor, which is then inhaled. The effects of freebasing cocaine are felt almost immediately, and the intense rush of euphoria and energy burst tend to dissipate after about 30 minutes, followed by an equally intense crash. Freebasing cocaine is highly addictive and poses a higher risk of addiction and overdose. The dangers of freebasing cocaine include respiratory problems, damage to the lungs and mouth, and a propensity to develop several types of cancer.