Venom Whip

You create a coiled serpent in your hand, which you wield like a whip. This serpent lasts until the spell ends. It counts as a simple melee weapon with which you are proficient. It deals 2d4 poison damage on a hit and has the finesse, light, and reach properties. In addition, when you hit a creature with this whip, it must succeed on a Constitution saving throw or become poisoned for the duration. At the end of each of its turns, a poisoned creature can make a Constitution saving throw, ending the effect on a success.

If you drop the serpent, you can use a bonus action to summon it back to your hand.

At Higher Levels. When you cast this spell using a 4th- or 5th-level spell slot, the damage increases to 3d4. When you cast it using a 6th- or 7th-level spell slot, the damage increases to 4d4. When you cast it using a spell slot of 8th level or higher, the damage increases to 5d4.