As cocaine became more and more popular as a recreational drug in the 70’s, a cottage industry of related paraphernalia sprouted up along with it. This was the heyday of coke spoons, coke mirrors, and even fancy testing equipment to determine your cocaine’s purity. And drug magazines like High Times and Head were full of ads for it all.
If you’re wondering how in the hell this is allowed in the first place, you might be surprised to hear that ads for drug paraphernalia are legal most places in the U.S. (except in a couple states). But why do we still see plenty of ads for marijuana paraphernalia today, and almost none for coke gear? Let’s turn to LA-based advertising consultant David Wilfert, who runs the website The World’s Best Ever. “Since culture as a whole had not seen the effects of cocaine addiction, ‘snow’ was being marketed alongside grass in equal measure,” Wilfert told Buzzfeed. “Although there is noticeable decline in this as we get later into the ’70s and early ’80s.”
Wilfert dug up these ads from old magazines, and it’s thanks to him that we can revisit the Golden Age of cocaine Advertising.
1. “The Blue Lady” Mannitol
Mannitol, if you weren’t aware, is used to cut cocaine, and “Mannite Conoscenti” is an Italy-based mannitol brand. If you look at the fine print, the ad goes on and on about how their product is “perfectly safe,” which is about as reassuring as using a picture of a lady with a gun.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
2. Star Ryder Gold-Plated Razorblades
Can an object be “elegant” while also being used to cut rails? Did Socrates ever get around to solving that one?
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
3. Easy Liner Cocaine Mirrors
“And tomorrow night we’re predicting no sleep, with a 100% chance of terrible life decisions.”
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
5. Silver Coke Chopper ‘n’ Straw
I like how there’s a budget-friendly sterling silver version AND a 14 carat silver version. It’s always good to have something to strive for.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
6. “No Strain” Cocaine Strainer
One of my biggest pet peeves is when my cocaine is lumpy. Wait, I’m thinking of mashed potatoes.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
7. D-Hydro Bottle
The company that makes this bottle is called “Klimax.” If you look at this ad for longer than ten seconds, you will contract Herpes.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
8. Cokesnuff’s Flavoring And Fragrances
Ooh, an umlaut over the “O” in Cokesnuff! So sophisticated! So European!
Also, who does a bump of coke and then thinks, “This is OK but I really wish it were menthol flavored?”
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
9. The “Gold Rush” Pendant Collection
They also double as Monopoly pieces.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
10. Coke Booster/Grass Booster Drug-Carrying Kit
And I bet you thought it was impossible to make pot and coke cute. Turns out you were right. It is impossible to do that.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
11. Cocaine Consumer’s Handbook
One day you’ll be able to subscribe to Cocaine Aficionado, but until then this will have to do.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
12. Johnny Snowflake’s Cocaine Straw
“The most startling snow invention since the nose!” It’s almost like they were on cocaine when they wrote this ad.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
13. A Vacuum-shaped Coke Straw
This is probably still available today at Spencer Gifts.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
14. The Sno-Blow Nose Doucher
“Nose doucher” are two words I never thought I’d put next to each other.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
15. The Frost-Ade Kit
Doing coke off a mirror is so yesterday. Everyone who’s anyone does it off a chunk of Brazilian agate.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
16. Flake Plates
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
Makes a great wedding gift!
17. “Cocaine in Wood” Stash Kit
They’re selling this as a “keepsake.” Because who wouldn’t want to pass on their stash kit to the grandkids?
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
18. “White Lady” Cocaine Mirror
The White Lady Cocaine Mirror: Now 30% Less Sad!
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
19. The “Hot Box” Automatic Electronic Meltpoint Tester
That’s right, this is a portable device to test the quality of the cocaine you’re thinking about buying. Unfortunately it doesn’t come with a gun to shoot the dealer who tried to sell you two grams of baking soda.
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
20. “Correct Count” Balance Beam Scales
Cocaine and fish puns go together like cocaine and cocaine! And more cocaine! And I SWEAR TO GOD IF I DON’T GET MORE COCAINE RIGHT NOW I’M GOING TO LOSE IT!
Photo Credit: Theworldsbestever.com
h/t: Mashable