Spice

Definition

Spice is a valuable umbrella term for rare substances in the Star Wars galaxy — some industrial, some intoxicating, all expensive and heavily regulated.

Economy and smuggling

Spice is mined on worlds like Kessel. Transporting it is dangerous and lucrative, which is why smugglers such as Han Solo, Lando Calrissian and Hondo Ohnaka all touch the trade.

Why it matters

Spice explains many of the gray zones in Star Wars: the story is not only Jedi versus Sith, but also markets, drugs, corruption and risk. Solo and parts of The Clone Wars read differently once that lens is clear.