Which of the following items is used as a filter when smoking cocaine?

The correct answer is Chore Boy, which is typically used as a filter when smoking cocaine. Chore Boy is a brand of metal scouring pads that are often made of copper or stainless steel. When users prepare to smoke cocaine, they often use a piece of Chore Boy to create a barrier that helps to prevent the substance from being inhaled directly into the pipe. This method can serve to filter impurities while allowing the smoke to pass through, which can be a part of the method of ingestion for some users seeking a quicker and more intense high.

While the other options may have various uses in different contexts, they are not typically associated with smoking cocaine in the same way. Straws are often used for inhalation but do not serve as a filter. Paper towels and cotton balls, although they may have other practical applications, are not effective as filters in this specific scenario. Understanding these nuances is important for recognizing the common practices and tools associated with drug use and their implications.