^^ why would you say the brown powder is "wierd"? In my experience, the balloons of brown powder have generally been better than the balloons of tar. Then again, this wasn't tar that had been turned to powder. Like if you blew on it, it didn't turn back into powder, just stayed that same fine tan powder. Also, I have to say that I second what you said about AZ. I have never actually done tar from AZ, but have heard that it is constantly fire, like you can't even find shitty tar in places like Phoenix and Tuscon.
Like I said, the brown powder stuff I got was all from one source. It was the first connection I had out here, and at the time I was smoking. I'd guess now that in all reality, it's probably the same or better than the average tar that floats around here.
I know the difference between brown powder and the tar that's been frozen and broken up, but turns back in to paste when exposed to heat or humidity. I've snorted the brown powder here, and cut it up like it was coke. It's definitely what you're thinking of.
As far as AZ, it really is impossible to buy shitty dope. What I did this weekend was easily 4x as good as the best tar I've had around here. What's odd is that every time I've ever bought dope in Phoenix (I lived there growing up), it's always the same. It seems like nobody cuts it, or does anything to it beyond what was done upon its arrival. With my source here for MT1 the quality and appearance changes almost every time.
I actually remember a time when I was younger where a friend and I bought a gram of tar for twice what it normally costs (which is a lot - phoenix dope is normally only sold in points, and a gram is usually pointpricex10). I remember being reassured over and over that it was worth it, and that it was from Guadelupe (which is full of dope despite being like a square mile or two). This stuff was so pure that a matchhead sized piece caused me to puke my brains out for 6-8 hours and nod out of control. I would say that it was as close to an overdose as one can come from smoking.
It has always been my basis for rating purity on tar. I figure that was as pure as tar gets, so probably something like 70%. I'd say the average dope in Phoenix is about 40-50% pure, which puts it on par with run of the mill east coast powder. If my understanding is right and the mexicans aren't really cutting the dope, that would mean there is also some morphine and what not in there too, so when I say 50%, I mean 50% heroin + other active opiates.
By this logic, I'm guessing the average dope around LA that I'm seeing is maybe 15-20%, with the low quality stuff clocking in around 5-10% (the Santa Ana stuff for example). The brown powder is probably around 10-15%, which would make sense based on the mount I'd have to do to get a huge high.
I came up empty again yesterday going to a few places off the <snip>, so I think these wild open airs aren't as obvious as some people think. Either that, or I am white and somewhat well dressed.
too specific, man. gotta edit it out