The drugs which pose the biggest threats to Ohio are methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Not only is the use of these drugs problematic for the state but the violence that surrounds the drug trade, particularly the trafficking of crack and cocaine, is very concerning. Drugs are shipped into Ohio primarily from the southwest region of the country and Mexico. In the wake of this robust drug trafficking are addicts, users and victims of drug-related violence.

Heroin use is becoming more of a problem in Ohio. It is cheap to purchase and often contains high purity levels. This results in powerful highs for relatively little money. As a result, the potential for addiction and abuse exists. Most of the heroin trafficked in Ohio comes from Mexico and South America. Black tar heroin is the most predominant type. It is imported in from the southwest region of the United States but originates in Mexico.

Methamphetamine production within the state was at one time a great concern and quite a challenge for law enforcement agencies to curtail. Laws have since been passed which limit the amount of products containing pseudoephedrine that can be purchased. When persons do buy such products, their purchases are tracked. This discourages individuals from buying large quantities of pseudoephedrine or from buying it from multiple stores. While some meth is definitely still manufactured in Ohio, quite a bit of it is smuggled in from Mexico with Mexican drug trafficking organizations controlling the trade.

Club drugs such as LSD, Ecstasy, Ketamine and GHB are imported from a number of different areas, including Detroit, Belgium and the Netherlands. These drugs are used mostly by teenagers and young adults.

The outdoor cultivation of marijuana in Ohio is fairly problematic. Crops are also grown indoors, primarily to be sold throughout the state. A great deal of the available supply is also brought in from the southwestern region of the United States.

The prescription drugs abused most in Ohio include Oxycontin and other Oxycodone and Hydrocodone based products. Benzodiazepines, such as Xanax and Valium are abused as well. They are obtained through the traditional means, i.e., theft, prescription forgery, doctor shopping and online purchases.