Maryland

• In 2001, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported making 577 arrests for drug violations in Maryland.
• During 2001, nearly 47,000 arrests for drug violations were reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation by Maryland law enforcement authorities.

Drugs

• Cocaine: Cocaine abuse and distribution are significant threats throughout Maryland, especially in areas near Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Wholesale amounts of cocaine are readily available via suppliers in New York City and the southwestern U.S. In 2000, powder cocaine sold for $50-$120 per gram and $18,000-$25,000 per kilogram throughout Maryland. Crack sold for $10-$50 per rock, $80-$100 per gram, and $800-$1,000 per ounce. The purity of powder cocaine ranged from 37%-95% pure during 2000.
• Heroin: Heroin poses the most serious drug threat to the state of Maryland. Heroin is commonly abused throughout Maryland, but is most problematic around Baltimore. Maryland law enforcement authorities are particularly concerned with the availability of high purity heroin that can be snorted or smoked instead of injected. According to the Maryland State Police, heroin availability is spreading from cities to suburban areas of the state. South American heroin is the most commonly found type in Maryland. Southeast and Southwest Asian varieties are also occasionally available. In the first quarter of 2001, heroin purity ranged from 10%-96% throughout the state of Maryland.
• Marijuana: Marijuana is the most readily available and commonly abused illicit drug in Maryland. Most of the marijuana available in the state originates in Mexico. The marijuana cultivation that occurs in Maryland typically takes place in western Maryland and along the Eastern Shore. Mexico-produced marijuana sold for $160-$200 per ounce and $1,000-$1,200 per pound in 2000. Marijuana produced in hydroponic operations sold for $4,500-$6,000 per pound.
• Methamphetamine: The demand for and the availability of meth are not high in Maryland. Users in the western areas of Maryland and young adults involved in the state’s rave scenes are the primary users of Methamphetamine in the state. In 2000, Methamphetamine sold for $80-$200 per gram across Maryland.
• Club Drugs: The abuse of MDMA is increasing in Maryland and is spreading from the rave subculture to other social venues such as after school activities and parties. MDMA prices ranged from $10 to $30 per dosage unit and $500 to $1,000 per 100 dosage units throughout Maryland in 2000. The abuse of Ketamine is increasing in the state of Maryland. In 2000, Ketamine sold for $20 per dosage unit and $100-$150 per gram in powdered form.
• Other Drugs: OxyContin has become the drug of choice among Maryland prescription drug abusers. Prices for OxyContin vary depending on location but typically average $40 per 40-milligram tablet.

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.