The notion that crack is far more dangerous than cocaine is widely disputed

More on the irrationality of the crack/powder cocaine sentencing disparity.

While I completely disagree with the sentencing disparity (and I don't think anyone should be incarcerated for personal use), crack is more dangerous than powder in that its addictive properties are changed by creating a cheap, easy way to freebase. It's a little like comparing chewed opium to injected opiates--the syringe dramatically changed the relationship between the drug and users. I suppose it depends on how you define "dangerous." They seem to be focusing on the effects on the body.