Glitterstim

Glitterstim was the name of a potent variety of the drug family "spice" that was mined on Kessel. It gave the user a brief, yet pleasurable telepathic boost and heightened mental state. It was a very valuable kind of spice, and tightly controlled by the Galactic Empire.

It was produced from the webs of spice spiders. The spice was photoactive, so it had to be mined in total darkness or else it would be ruined. After it was mined it had to be packaged in an opaque paper to prevent accidental activation. Glitterstim spice was quite addictive—casual use could quickly lead to full-blown addiction. "Cutters" were used to prepare the spice for sale. Glitterstim addicts were sometimes called "glit-biters."

"It always hits the eyes first."

―Han Solo

Sources vary over the true effects of glitterstim. It has been widely lauded to give a temporary telepathic boost, but many, such as Corran Horn, felt that the increased abilities were merely imagined by the spiced users. Others, such as Han Solo, felt their effects first-hand and knew the telepathic powers to be true. Excessive use, however, degenerated the nerves in the brain resulting in loss of sight, twitching, nervousness and paranoia.

Glitterstim was the basis for other spice variants, such as glitteryll and tempest.