The analysis was based on a review of the literature in MEDLINE between 1976 and 1996 and further searches of individual articles that compared different routes of cocaine administration or types of cocaine. Results revealed a greater chance of abuse or addiction and more severe consequences when cocaine is smoked (cocaine base) or injected intravenously (cocaine hydrochloride) compared with intranasal use (cocaine hydrochloride). The crucial variables appear to be the immediacy, duration, and magnitude of cocaine's effect, as well as the frequency and amount of cocaine used, rather than the form of the cocaine. In addition, cocaine hydrochloride used intranasally may be a gateway drug or behavior to using crack cocaine. Findings indicate that the Federal sentencing guidelines allowing possession of 100 times more powdered cocaine than crack cocaine to trigger mandatory minimum penalties is excessive. Finally, many crimes committed by crack users are associated with addiction; addicts who are incarcerated for the sale or possession of cocaine are better served by treatment than prison. 85 references (Author abstract modified)