California

Drugs

• Cocaine: Powder cocaine is readily available throughout the state of California. Crack cocaine is readily available primarily in urban areas. Purity levels for powder cocaine range from 15-95%. During the first quarter of FY 2002, powder cocaine sold for $13,000 to $21,000 per kilogram at the wholesale level. During this same time period, crack cocaine sold for $10 to $80 per rock at the retail level.
• Heroin: Mexican black tar heroin is the most prevalent form of heroin available in California, although Mexican brown powder, South American, Southeast Asian and Southwest Asian heroin are also available. During the first quarter of FY 2002, Mexican black tar heroin sold for $15,000 per kilogram and South American heroin sold for $75,000 per kilogram. The purity levels for heroin vary throughout California from 10-68%.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is the most widely available and most commonly used illicit drug in California California produced marijuana is usually preferred because it is readily available and has high THC contents. Purity levels for California produced marijuana range from 10-20%, compared to Mexico-produced marijuana with purity levels ranging from 2-5%. High purity Canadian produced marijuana (28-30% purity levels) is also available in some parts of California. Prices for marijuana vary in different areas of California. During the first quarter of FY 2002 in the northern half of California, Mexico-produced marijuana sold for $380 to $1,400 per pound;California-produced marijuana sold for $1,500 to $4,000 per pound; and Canada-produced marijuana sold for $3,000 to $6,000 per pound. In the southern half of California during this same time period, a pound of marijuana sold for $250 to $400 for Mexico-produced and $1,000 to $4,000 for California-produced.
• Methamphetamine: Meth is considered to be the most significant drug threat to California at this point in time. Methamphetamine produced in Mexico and California are both readily available throughout all parts of California. The purity levels for low-grade Methamphetamine range from 18-40%. Purity levels for high-grade Methamphetamine (crystal Methamphetamine) range from 93-98%. Crystal Methamphetamine is available throughout California. During the first quarter of FY 2002, low-grade Methamphetamine sold for $3,000 to $7,000 per pound in California. High-grade Methamphetamine sold for $13,500 to $18,000 per pound during this same time period.
• Club Drugs: MDMA is usually sold and used at nightclubs, raves, schools, colleges, private parties, and open-air markets in California. Tablets sell for $7 each at the wholesale level and $20 each at the retail level. Purity levels for MDMA in California range from 85-95%. Other club drugs available in California include GHB, Ketamine, LSD,and PCP. A dose of GHB sells for $5 to $20 at the retail level. Ketamine, which is usually sold at raves and primarily abused by adolescents and young adults, generally costs $20 per dose. LSD is readily available in suburban middle and high schools as well as on college campuses. A dose of LSD sells for $5 to $10. PCP laced cigarettes sells for $20 to $30 each at the retail level.
• Diverted Pharmaceuticals: Hydrocodone and oxycodone are diverted, distributed, and abused throughout the state of California.
  

Across the United States, drug use is a cause for concern. For more and more individuals, drug use (including hard drugs like cocaine, meth, and heroin) is becoming a part of their daily lives. This raises concern that the country may be entering a period of drug use unseen since the '70s.

This increase in drug use affects not only the drug user, but also their family and friends. They suffer along with the drug addict through their ups, downs, sobriety, and intoxication. This can be very stressful for those who care about an individual with a drug addiction.

The physical and physiological health of a person who has a drug addiction is also a concern. Drug use can lead to health problems ranging from heart trouble to memory loss. These issues may have long term consequences, and at times may be deadly. Drug overdose is one such trend that is monitored across the United States. Sadly, many people die each year due to an overdose of drugs or alcohol.

Crime is also a factor when it comes to drug addiction. Many find they must spend more and more money to meet the needs of their drug addiction. This can lead to robbery, prostitution, scams and so on. Often times, those who are taken to jail are either intoxicated at the time of their arrest or are committing a crime to support their drug habit.

Although drug trends throughout the United States vary year to year, drugs are always a problem. Even when statistics are low for drug abuse, drug related crime, and drug treatment admissions, it is important to remember that it is still a cause for concern. Monitoring drug trends helps in determining where there are high amounts of drug use and how these areas may correlate with crime, addiction treatment, and health care.

This site, United States Drug Trends, will keep you informed of the current drug trends taking place throughout the United States. Use this site to educate yourself and increase your awareness of what is happening in the state you live in.