Outlook

Methamphetamine will continue to pose the greatest illicit drug threat to Oklahoma. Because of the ready availability of the drug, continuing demand, and the ease with which it can be produced, it will remain a significant threat for the foreseeable future. Increases in production, distribution, and abuse of methamphetamine will lead to increasing demands on Oklahoma's social, economic, and environmental programs. Meeting these demands will require additional financial resources at both the state and local levels.

Cocaine will remain a significant threat to Oklahoma. Barring any changes in drug flow patterns, Mexican DTOs and criminal groups will ensure a steady supply of powdered cocaine to distributors within the state, and the price and purity of cocaine likely will remain relatively unchanged. Based on identified drug preferences among Oklahoma substance abusers, cocaine abuse most likely will continue at or near current levels.

Marijuana will continue to be the most widely abused drug in Oklahoma. Cannabis eradication efforts by state officials will continue to contribute to the increase in indoor cannabis cultivation. Oklahoma's proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border combined with local production of marijuana will ensure a steady supply of the drug to the state's user population.

Mexican black tar heroin, which accounts for a substantial portion of the heroin market, will remain the dominant type available in the state. Barring any changes in drug flow or abuse patterns, prices and purity will remain relatively stable.

Other dangerous drugs, primarily club drugs such as MDMA, GHB, LSD, ketamine, and PCP, likely will gain in popularity in Oklahoma, particularly among young adults and teenagers in urban areas and college towns. Increases in the number of raves will provide adolescents and young adults easy access to these and other illicit substances. Because of their ready availability, DXM and Ritalin also may gain in popularity among younger users. The abuse of steroids and inhalants also will pose a threat to Oklahoma's younger residents. The diversion and abuse of pharmaceuticals will continue to be a concern.

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