Marijuana

Substance abuse indicators reveal that marijuana abuse is a significant problem in Indiana. According to TEDS, marijuana-related treatment admissions to publicly funded facilities significantly increased, from 3,217 in 1998 to 7,006 in 1999, then decreased to 4,345 in 2000. (See Table 1 in Cocaine section.) Additionally, ADAM data indicate that nearly 50 percent of adult male arrestees in Indianapolis tested positive for marijuana abuse in 2000.

Marijuana is widely available throughout Indiana. Marijuana produced in Mexico is the dominant type; however, locally produced marijuana also is available in the state. According to DEA, in the first quarter of FY2002, marijuana typically sold for $1,200 to $1,600 per pound, $35 to $60 per ounce, and $6 to $9 per gram in Indianapolis. Marijuana sold for $600 to $1,200 per pound, $30 to $40 per ounce, and $8 to $10 per gram in northwestern Indiana.

Cannabis is cultivated throughout Indiana at outdoor and indoor grow sites. Outdoor grow sites are located on public or private land usually in remote areas. Indoor grows often are located at private residences. According to the DEA Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program, 26,277 outdoor-cultivated plants were eradicated in 1999 and 27,140 in 2000. Further, 2,611 indoor-cultivated plants were eradicated in 1999 and 1,746 in 2000.

Mexican criminal groups supply most of the marijuana available in Indiana. They transport the marijuana into Indiana in bulk quantities in commercial vehicles from Mexico through southwestern states. The marijuana often is intermingled with legitimate cargo such as produce.

Mexican criminal groups generally supply wholesale quantities of marijuana to street gangs and local independent dealers for retail distribution. Locally produced marijuana usually is not produced in quantities large enough to support wholesale distribution. Local growers generally control the retail distribution of the marijuana they produce. Marijuana typically is sold at open-air drug markets, public housing projects, private residences, and in gang-controlled communities.

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