Empirical knowledge about crack, its pharmacological properties, and its effects on health and behavior has only recently begun to emerge. The policy response to crack since 1985 has been spurred by deep apprehension over the drug's effects. Assumptions driving policy are that crack is rapidly and strongly addictive, crack users become irrational and exhibit bizarre and violent behavior, the involvement of youth in crack dealing means more chaotic and violent distribution networks, and crack is linked to promiscuous sexual activity. The evolution of public policy toward crack is examined in the context of the parallel development of a more conservative, moralistic, and punishment-oriented public. The extent to which public concern is warranted by pharmacological, psychological, social, and criminogenic effects of crack is discussed. Consideration is given to media coverage of the crack era, the link between crack and criminal behavior, and crack marketing and distribution. Profiles of crack users and sellers are provided. The author contends that, although crack is a relatively serious drug, easy and cheap to manufacture and distribute, and with high addiction potential, the reaction of policymakers has been too over- reaching and not in balance with the prevalence of crack use and its real effects on overall crime rates. References and tables