How are drugs made cheaper by ‘cutting’ with something that can be even more powerful than the original drug?

Question

How are drugs made cheaper by ‘cutting’ with something that can be even more powerful than the original drug?

In: 357

Answer 1

As a side point, often drugs are cut with cheaper drugs which have just one property that’s similar to the real drug, but typically one that’s immediately noticeable. For example, cocaine is often cut with benzocaine which doesn’t take get you high but it’s a very powerful numbing agent. For a long time, people have associated “strong cocaine” with a strong numbing effect, so when you cut it with benzo you end up with a product that’s actually less strong but clients rub a bit on their gums and think they have rocket fuel.