The Average Cost Of Illegal Street Drugs

Medically reviewed by
Isaac Alexis, M.D., AAMA, AMP-BCJanuary 23, 2019
Many people who fall victim to addiction lose their homes, relationships, and jobs. Beyond the major financial impact of these problems lies the investment in purchasing the drugs. The average cost of drugs are rising as the demand and potency grows.
Marijuana
Marijuana is often referred to as the “gateway drug” of addiction, is readily available, and can be smoked, vaped, or ingested. With many different strains and both recreational and medical options now available for legal purchase, the price depends on how and where you buy it.
Here are a few facts about the consumption and cost of marijuana:
- The average cost of marijuana is $15 to $20 per gram.
- The effects of marijuana can last up to 6 hours.
- A moderate user will consume up to 1 gram per day.
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Heroin
Heroin is an opioid most commonly taken intravenously (IV). This highly addictive drug creates a feeling of euphoria which sends the person into a trance-like state.
Heroin is most commonly sold as a powder and is increasingly popular. The cost and consumption of heroin can be broken down with a few facts:
- The average cost of heroin is $15-20 for a single dose (0.1g).
- Someone with heavy tolerance may spend upwards of $200 every day to maintain their addiction.
- The effects of heroin can be felt for 2-6 hours, peaking at 2 hours.
Methamphetamine
Meth releases a surge of dopamine when injected, smoked, or snorted. Meth may also come in the form of a pill. Here are a few things to consider when calculating the cost of methamphetamine:
- On average, the price of crystal meth is $80/gram.
- An eight-ball, or 3.5 grams, is $200.
- A single dose of meth is about .25g, or $20.
- One dose can last anywhere between 6 and 24 hours, depending on tolerance.
Cocaine
Cocaine is most commonly snorted, but crack-cocaine can also be smoked or injected. This recreational drug is highly addictive.
- The average cost of cocaine ranges from $100-120 per gram.
- A typical “line” of cocaine is 50 milligrams, yielding 20 uses from a single gram.
- The effects of cocaine last approximately 30 minutes.
- For a heavy user, cocaine addiction can cost over $120 per day.
Hallucinogens
A few notable street drugs, including MDMA, Ketamine, PCP, mushrooms, and LSD are known for having hallucinogenic qualities. These drugs vary in price and use.
MDMA (Ecstasy)
MDMA is an oral synthetic drug used as both a stimulant and a hallucinogen. A pill comes in many shapes, sizes, and colors. Some are stamped with tiny logos or shaped to look like various objects.
- A single ecstasy pill can contain anywhere from 70-100mg of MDMA.
- The average cost of a dose ranges from $15-25.
- The effects last from 3-6 hours.
- MDMA is commonly taken multiple times daily.
Ketamine
Ketamine is a drug with pain-blocking and hallucinogenic qualities. This drug is taken for recreation to amplify experience and well-being.
- Ketamine is found in the form of powder, pill, and liquid.
- Ketamine, or “Special K,” costs $25 on average per dose (50-100mg).
- The effects may last for 4-6 hours.
PCP
Like ketamine, PCP is an analgesic with hallucinogenic qualities and can also be found in powder, pill, and liquid form.
- The average user may consume 1-5mg per dose.
- The cost ranges from $20-30 per gram in powder form.
- The effects are wide-ranging and can last between 6-48 hours.
Psilocybin Mushrooms
The hallucinogenic quality in mushrooms is caused by the presence of psilocybin, which is found naturally in the mushroom.
- Mushrooms are taken orally and can be ground up in tea or food.
- An average user consumes an eighth of an ounce at $20-25 each.
- The effects of mushrooms can last around 4-6 hours.
LSD (Acid)
LSD, or acid, is a hallucinogenic drug produced from lysergic acid found on the fungus of grains. It can be taken orally as a liquid, tablet, gel sheet, or a piece of saturated paper.
- Users often consume between 50-150 micrograms in a single dose
- The average cost ranges from $5-20 per “hit.”
- The effects of the drug are known as a “trip” and may last for 12-24 hours.
Get Treated For Addiction
Addiction is costly for the individual and financial distress is a very common danger. If you or a loved one suffers from addiction, we’re here to help. Contact RehabCenter.net to learn about your treatment options and break the cycle of addiction.
Article SourcesDrug Enforcement Administration - 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment
Mase
November 21st, 2016
I like this it help some kids to stop if they started and for kids who didn’t start see what will happen. So thank you for this website for kids to know what to do and what not to do see use on help kidsseethetruth .
Linda
September 3rd, 2017
Observed students making lines and putting them in baggies. I destroyed what I saw. I was able to use the information from here to figure out how much loss they had. I figured if 1 gram of cocaine = 20 lines then each line probably sells for $10 each bag = $200 so maybe $100 profit if the gram = $100. Tried to report it to the school but they tried to cover it up. I reported it later to the police. Thank you for your information
Samantha Jean
March 18th, 2018
Just wanted to say that while this might be the approximate dollar amount that these drugs cost, the total cost of the use of drugs is unbelievable. Not worth losing your family finances job cars the respect of other people and alot of times you lose your freedom. Not worth it !
LISA -LISA
June 19th, 2018
I THINK THIS IS VERY GOOD INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY FOR KIDS WHO DON’T KNOW MUCH ABOUT DRUGS 💊💉.SO THANKS YOU FOR THE INFO..
Tingle
July 25th, 2018
Well I guess I know what Ill be saving up for. And Linda, you’re such a liar.
Lori Merritt
September 25th, 2018
very sad
Cherokee Spirit
September 27th, 2018
Going through it right now. Constantly looking for more pills or heroin. I’m tired of constantly being my withdrawal when I run out or cant get any. It started fun with just norcos and percocet. Then after abusing those for the past 8 years on and off I recently started snorting heroin. If anybody reading this is thinking about trying it but haven’t followed through yet, please don’t. The fun will be very short lived and you will eventually sercome to the drug and slowly loose the people and things you love most. Being high and having drugs becomes number one over everything. And that is scary when that happens. Stay strong and stay away. This is not the answer to your problem. If you dont care what anybody says that care about you then be ready for a long bumpy road ahead of you. You WILL lose friends, possibly jobs, wives ,husbands ,or kids. Also almost loose your home like I’m going through right now. I’m fighting though and I think I’m going to save it! I hope one person reads the stories on here and chooses to not use. Good luck to all may peace find your mind and soul
Mandie Moore
November 15th, 2018
Hey Cherokee Spirit,
Go find yourself a Ayahuasca Ceremony, it has a 90% cure rate for heroin addicts. And it’ll direct you in the right path. Check it out!!
Rick M
November 25th, 2018
To Cherokee Spirit:
I read with great interest what you said. I went thru some of this (prescription opiates) for 10 years. I did finally get clean from all pain pills and have remained clean for several years. I tried NA, Celebrate Recovery, but what worked best for me was being very spiritual! Not getting religious on ya, just telling you my story! Good luck to you my friend!
Sariah Hagan
December 17th, 2018
Herion is an expensive drug. From the first use to addiction is 2-3 days.This is bodily addicted. Serious withdrawals. Back pain,stomach cramps,diarrhea, vomiting,hot and cold flashes, total body pain but practically in the legs and lower back,slight loss,blurred vision.,blackouts,emotional damage, hives,collapsed veins, blood clots, abscesses, all of this is just a small taste of hell. Up t gets worse the longer you use. Heroin is also pricey. You will pay anywhere between 10 and 50$a single shot depending on your tolerance. At five shots or more a day..well you get the picture. Heroin is not glamorous at all it’s an ugly reality thousands are going through. Thousands are over dosing. Do not try this drug curiosity KILLED THE CAT AND WILL TAKE YOUR LIFE TOO