Illegal drugs and misused prescription medications can appear in many different forms. Powders, tablets, capsules, liquids, plant material and other substances may look similar even when they contain very different drugs.

The examples on this page are intended to help families recognize some of the substances discussed throughout the Reggie MacDonald Digital Archive.

A drug cannot be reliably identified by its appearance alone. Colour, shape, markings, packaging or photographs should never be treated as proof of what an unknown substance contains.

Cannabis

Cannabis may appear as dried plant material, resin or concentrated products.

Reggie’s writings include references to marijuana, hashish and hash oil.

Examples to show:
Marijuana
Hashish
Hash oil

Cocaine

Cocaine is commonly encountered as a white or off-white powder, although appearance can vary considerably.

Cocaine became an important part of Reggie’s story, both through his own use and his involvement in selling it.

Example to show:
Cocaine powder

Opioids

The opioids appearing in Reggie’s writings include both heroin and pharmaceutical medications.

Depending on the substance, they may appear as powders, tablets, capsules or liquids.

Examples to show:
Heroin
Dilaudid
Demerol
Morphine
OxyContin
Percocet
Codeine
Talwin
Methadone

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescription medications that generally appear as tablets or capsules. Reggie referred to several different medications in this class.

Examples to show:
Valium
Xanax
Serax
Restoril

Barbiturates

Several barbiturates appear in Reggie’s writings and Jail Diary.

Examples to show:
Phenobarbital
Seconal

Stimulants

In addition to cocaine, Reggie’s story contains references to other stimulants.

Examples to show:
Crystal methamphetamine
Ritalin

Psychedelics

Reggie’s writings include references to LSD and psychedelic mushrooms.

Examples to show:
LSD
Psilocybin mushrooms

Prescription and Other Medications

Reggie’s writings also mention a number of prescription and other medications that do not fit neatly into the groups above.

Rather than assuming that the presence of a prescription medication indicates misuse, families should consider the circumstances in which it was found and whether it was legitimately prescribed.

If You Find an Unknown Substance

Do not taste, smell or consume an unknown substance in an attempt to identify it.

Photographs on this page should be used only as general visual references. An unknown powder or tablet may contain something entirely different from what its appearance suggests.

If you believe someone may be using drugs, see Warning Signs of Drug Use.

If you are concerned about someone’s immediate safety or possible poisoning or overdose, seek appropriate emergency or poison-control assistance.