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Crack cocaine is an illicit stimulant that has been a primary target of the war on drugs since the late 1970s. Crack’s relatively lower cost at $65 per gram and its wider availability, especially in relation to pure cocaine, mean that many people who try it become addicted.
| Weight | Price of crack (in USD) | vs. Price of cocaine (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| One gram (1 g) | $65 | $120-200 |
| One hit (one dose) | $15 | (not available) |
- Crack cocaine, which is composed only of a portion of cocaine along with cutting agents (typically baking soda or ammonia), is cheaper (at $65 per gram), as compared to pure cocaine at $120-200 per gram. Many users will buy crack in individual doses, known as hits, which are significantly cheaper than higher-weight amounts, often as little as $15 per hit.
- When a substance such as crack becomes a target for law officials, drug manufacturers will tend to limit production to avoid getting caught, which may raise the cost.
- Known negative effects of long-term crack abuse include lung and heart damage, mental health issues, and an increased risk for suicide, among others. Contact a treatment provider near you if you or someone you know needs help with crack addiction.
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What is the street price of crack?
Crack is typically sold in smaller quantities. Below are the measurements of crack typically sold on the street.
The cost of a hit of crack
Many users will buy crack in individual doses, known as hits, which are significantly cheaper than higher-weight amounts, often as little as $15.
The cost of a gram of crack
A Vice article published in 2016 placed the average cost of crack at $65 per gram, with an addiction costing around $225 per day in Canada.[1] Other research into the cost of crack puts the average price at around $60 to $100 per gram. This differs greatly from the price of a gram of coke, which averages at around $120.
The cost of a kilo of crack
It is very rare that a kilo of crack will be bought at street level. Instead, larger quantities of pure cocaine are usually bought and then made into crack rocks.
Is crack cheaper than cocaine?
Crack cocaine, often referred to as “crack” or “rock”, is the crystallized form of cocaine and costs 45-67% less than powdered cocaine. Although it is less pure than powdered cocaine, crack delivers a quicker and more intense high. A gram of crack costs around $65 per gram, cocaine can range from $120-200 per gram.
Both pure cocaine and crack cocaine are illicit stimulants that cannot be obtained legally. This allows drug dealers to price the substances depending on availability, meaning crack may cost more in areas that don’t have high levels of drug manufacturing.
Crack is often smoked through glass pipes but can be used in other much cheaper ways, such as by heating on top of aluminum foil and inhaling the fumes through makeshift tubes.
What affects the price of crack?
Like with all illegal drugs, there are a variety of factors that affect the cost of crack. The main areas that change crack costs are the following.
Availability
Illicit drug production and distribution is an illegal activity that costs the government billions of dollars per year in prevention. When a substance such as crack becomes a target for law officials, drug manufacturers will tend to limit production to avoid getting caught.
This, in turn, makes buying crack on the street more difficult, and drug dealers will usually increase the drug prices to offset the increased risk.
Purity
Crack can be mixed with a variety of other substances that can cause different side effects and feelings. Most of these combinations make the drug even more dangerous to take. [2]
For example, mixing crack with other stimulants (such as methamphetamine or Adderall) increases the risk of overdose and can be life-threatening.
Drug dealers and manufacturers will often use cheaper alternatives to pure cocaine in order to increase quantity and profit, as the cost of cocaine makes it expensive to make pure crack cocaine.
Location
As with availability, where drugs are produced also dictates their price. Crack is relatively easy to produce in large quantities as compared to other drugs. However, sourcing the cocaine used as the primary ingredient is more difficult in some areas than others.
Most forms of cocaine are sourced from south of the border, so southern states that are closer to the border, such as Florida and California, tend to have easier access to it, making crack more readily available and potentially cheaper.
The impact of price levels on crack use
Higher street prices for crack cocaine have shown a direct correlation with reduced use and overdose rates.[3] But, with crack typically viewed as a cheaper alternative to cocaine, it is important to appreciate how price levels affect the usage of these two drug types separately. It can be predicted, however, that lower crack and cocaine prices drive up consumption rates of both.
Warnings and health hazards: The cost of crack addiction
Crack addiction may not appear to be a financial burden when looking at the price of a single hit. However, the euphoric feeling or “high” from crack tends to only last around 15 minutes, making people who abuse the drug take regular hits in order to keep the feeling going. This can lead to financially heavy costs for crack addicts and a quick descent into dependence and addiction. Aside from respiratory and cardiovascular problems, crack abuse affects brain function and mental health. [4]
Treatment options for crack addiction
Stimulant addiction treatment centers can offer help and support for those suffering from all types of substance use disorders, including crack and cocaine addictions. If you or someone you care about is suffering from addiction, contact a treatment provider today.
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