The 10 Most Expensive Street Drugs In Ohio

Thousands of Ohioans live with drug addiction (substance use disorder). Many of them use illegal drugs, also known as street drugs. While some of these substances only cost a few dollars, others are much pricier. 

Here are the 10 most expensive drugs on the streets of Ohio.

1. Methamphetamine

Methamphetamine (or “meth”) is a highly addictive stimulant drug. Some drug dealers sell meth in powder form, which can be snorted, injected, or eaten. Other dealers sell crystal meth, a rock-like form of the drug that can be smoked. 

In Ohio, the powder form of meth typically costs about $100 per gram, while crystal meth costs about $150 per gram. Both types of meth pose serious health risks, including addiction, overdose, and permanent organ damage. 

2. Cocaine

Made from the leaves of the coca plant, cocaine is a white powder that can be snorted or injected. It can also be cooked into a smokeable, rock-like substance called crack cocaine.

Most Ohio drug dealers sell both powder and crack cocaine for about $50 per gram. An eighth of an ounce (also called an “eight ball”) usually sells for between $100 and $200. 

All forms of cocaine use can lead to life-threatening health problems such as addiction, heart attack, and stroke.

3. Heroin

Heroin is a semi-synthetic opioid made from an opiate (natural opioid) called morphine. It’s sold as a white or brown powder or a sticky, black substance known as “black tar heroin.” It can be smoked, snorted, or injected.

In Ohio, a standard bag of heroin, which contains about one tenth of a gram, costs between $10 and $20. One gram costs between $60 and $130, while an eighth of an ounce costs between $200 and $300. 

People who use heroin face a high risk of addiction and overdose. They may also develop infectious diseases, such as hepatitis C, from sharing needles or other injection equipment.

4. Fentanyl 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that’s up to 50 times stronger than heroin. When sold on its own, this drug costs between $40 and $100 per gram. Because it’s relatively cheap to make, many Ohio drug dealers also lace fentanyl in other substances without telling the buyer. 

Both fentanyl and fentanyl-laced drugs pose a high risk of addiction and fatal overdose. 

5. Prescription Opioids

Prescription opioids are powerful painkillers that treat moderate-to-severe pain. When used in a manner not prescribed, they often cause addiction and overdose. The most common prescription opioids include oxycodone (brand name OxyContin or Percocet), hydrocodone (Lortab or Vicodin), and codeine. 

In Ohio, the average street price of prescription opioids is $2 per milligram. That’s much higher than the average prescription price. As a result, many Ohioans who misuse prescription opioids eventually turn to heroin as a cheaper alternative. 

6. Prescription Stimulants

Prescription stimulants are used to treat attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy (excessive daytime sleepiness). When misused, they pose a high risk of addiction and overdose. 

The most popular prescription stimulants sold on the street include amphetamine (Adderall), lisdexamfetamine (Vyvanse), and methylphenidate (Ritalin). 

The average price of these drugs in Ohio ranges between $3 and $20 per tablet, depending on the strength. In addition, brand name prescription stimulants tend to cost more than their generic counterparts. 

7. Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines are prescription drugs used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. The most common benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), and lorazepam (Ativan). 

In Ohio, Xanax is the most popular benzodiazepine on the street. It typically costs about $3 for 0.5 milligram, $5 for 1 milligram, and $7 for 2 milligrams. Other benzodiazepines have similar prices. 

People who misuse these drugs often become physically dependent on them. They also face other health risks, including severe drowsiness, trouble breathing, and loss of consciousness. 

8. MDMA

MDMA (also called ecstasy or molly) is a synthetic drug that acts as both a stimulant and hallucinogen. It comes as a pill, capsule, or powder. 

In Ohio, a single MDMA pill usually costs between $5 and $30, depending on the strength. Half a gram of MDMA powder costs about $40, while a gram costs about $80. 

All forms of MDMA can have negative effects, including anxiety, increased heart rate, and hyperthermia (a dangerous rise in body temperature). In addition, some people become physically dependent on MDMA. 

9. Ketamine

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic with hallucinogenic effects. It’s available as a powder or liquid. Like other hallucinogens, ketamine can make you hallucinate (see, hear, or feel things that aren’t there). It can also make you feel disconnected from your body.

Most Ohio drug dealers sell ketamine for about $60 to $100 per gram. People who misuse this drug may experience severe anxiety, psychosis (loss of connection with reality), and loss of consciousness.

10. Marijuana

Marijuana (also known as cannabis) is a popular drug that impacts your thoughts, feelings, and sense of your surroundings. People use marijuana in many different ways, including smoking, vaping, and eating edibles. 

In Ohio, low-grade marijuana costs about $5 for one joint, $25 for half an ounce, and $80 to $100 for an ounce. High-grade marijuana costs about $15 for one joint, $50 for an eighth of an ounce, and $250 for an ounce. 

Despite popular belief, both low-grade and high-grade marijuana can be addictive, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. 

If you or someone you love struggles with illicit drug use, please reach out to Ohio Recovery Center. Our board-certified healthcare providers offer a variety of inpatient addiction treatment options, including medical detox, mental health counseling, and support groups.