How Much Is A Gram Of Meth?

Methamphetamines are a center point of the hard drug epidemic across the country. Many people, especially in rural America, have turned to methamphetamine use when other stimulants are not available or are cost-prohibitive.

The cost of a single gram of methamphetamine will vary depending on location and quality. Some sources place the cost of a gram of meth at between $10 and $60.

Compared to the US average for cocaine in 2016 ($93/gram), methamphetamine is a far cheaper option.

Meth Cost Can Vary By The Type Of Meth

Due to different processes used to produce the different types of meth, costs may vary according to the type of methamphetamine being sold.

Types of methamphetamine include:

• powdered methamphetamine
• crystal methamphetamine
• rock methamphetamine
• pressed tablets

How Much Does A Single Hit Of Meth Cost?

Meth is typically ingested in ¼ gram “hits” that cost around $5-$10.

Rock and crystal meth are usually smoked similar to crack cocaine. Some people take oral pressed tablets or snort any variety of meth.

A meth high will last somewhere between 6-8 hours on one “hit”. During this time, a person can feel effects ranging from extreme energy and euphoria to hallucinations, anxiety, and aggression.

The method of ingestion (such as snorting) and the amount taken may influence the intensity and duration of effects.

Why Is Meth So Cheap?

Meth is made in illegal labs out of cheap, easy-to-acquire materials.

It is often more readily available in rural areas and doesn’t require a prescription like ADHD amphetamines, which can be difficult to acquire.

In contrast, cocaine and crack are derived from the coca plant in South America, and the cost of transport plus demand for the drug in the U.S. drive up prices.

More “professional” large-scale meth labs are functioning across the U.S., which further works to drive down the cost of meth compared to imported cocaine-based stimulants.

Factors That Affect Meth’s Cost

While there are many different “recipes” and methods of making meth, most illegal methamphetamines contain some combination of additives and adulterants.

These ingredients are often cheap, most of which can be bought in average home cleaning or home improvement sections of hardware and grocery stores.

Get matched with an affordable mental health counselor

Find a Therapist

Answer a few questions to get started

As a BetterHelp affiliate, we receive commissions if you purchase through the BetterHelp links above.

Ad

Some of these ingredients include:

• acetone
• ammonia
• lithium
• sulfuric acid
• hydrochloric acid
• red phosphorus
• ephedrine and pseudoephedrine (found in many over-the-counter cough medicines)

Getting Help For Meth Addiction

Methamphetamines are highly addictive and destructive. If you or a loved one is struggling with methamphetamine abuse, there is help available.

For more helpful information about substance use treatment, browse our directory or reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).