Oregon Drug and Alcohol Addiction Statistics

Oregon has the fourth highest rates of citizens who abuse or are dependent on illegal substances in the country.
Marijuana is the most commonly used drug in Oregon. Marijuana is legal in Oregon for both recreational and medicinal use, so most of the marijuana in the state is grown there. Adults who are over 21 years of age can cultivate up to four plants in their home, and as of 2016, large quantities of cultivation will be made more legal due to an increase in the transportation allowances.
Despite the popularity of marijuana, methamphetamine is still Oregon’s primary drug concern. In 2005, Oregon became the first state to make pseudoephedrine, a primary ingredient in meth, prescription only. This curbed production of meth within the state, but the drug is still being imported from Mexico through the interstate.
Heroin and other opiates are the second most concerning drugs in Oregon. Heroin is often smuggled in from Mexico through southern states. Due to the high cost of prescription opiates, people who become hooked on painkillers may switch to heroin due to its low cost. Heroin is responsible for the highest number of overdose deaths in Oregon.
Powdered cocaine is available throughout Oregon, while crack cocaine use is limited to urban areas. Ecstasy, LSD, and GHB are popular among college students and their surrounding areas.