Marijuana

Marijuana is the most readily available and widely abused illicit drug in Ohio. It is also the most commonly reported substance of abuse in drug-related treatment admissions. According to ODADAS, the number of marijuana-related treatment admissions in Ohio increased from 15,328 in SFY2000 to 17,619 in SFY2001. (See Table 1 in Cocaine section.) In 2000 ADAM data revealed that 49 percent of adult male arrestees in Cleveland tested positive for marijuana.

Marijuana is readily available throughout Ohio. Marijuana produced in Mexico is the dominant type; however, locally produced marijuana also is available. Marijuana prices vary depending upon quality. According to DEA Detroit Division, marijuana sold for $800 to $2,000 per pound, $100 to $250 per ounce, and $9 to $20 per gram during the first quarter of FY2002. FDSS data indicate marijuana seizures by federal law enforcement increased in volume from 841 kilograms of marijuana in 2000 to 2,441 kilograms in 2001.

Cannabis is cultivated throughout the state at both outdoor and indoor grow sites. Outdoor grow sites are located on public and private land usually in remote areas. Indoor grows often are located in residential basements and have intricate lighting systems to stimulate plant growth. According to the DEA Domestic Cannabis Eradication/Suppression Program, 38,482 outdoor-cultivated plants were eradicated in 1999 and 36,962 in 2000. Further, 2,264 indoor-cultivated plants were eradicated in 1999 and 3,085 in 2000. In November 2001, the DEA Cleveland Resident Office, in cooperation with the Akron Police Department, seized a relatively large indoor cannabis grow consisting of approximately 292 plants from a vacant building.

Mexican criminal groups supply most of the marijuana available in Ohio. They transport the marijuana in bulk quantities from Mexico through southwestern states using commercial and private vehicles. 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 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 on street corners or in low-income public housing developments. Some retail sales are prearranged using cellular telephones or pagers and occur in private residences or vehicles.

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