Question

If we were to calculate the tonnage or total quantity of cocaine and heroin consumed in the U.S. during a given year, the total quantity of which drug would be higher?

a. cocaine
b. heroin
c. neither of the tonnage is about the same for both
d. such a quantity is unknown
e. none of the above

Answer 1

a. cocaine and b. heroin

The tonnage of heroin consumed in the U.S. is likely higher than that of cocaine, especially considering the significant increase in heroin-related deaths from 1999 to 2014, though exact figures are difficult to ascertain.

Step-by-step explanation:

When attempting to calculate the tonnage or total quantity of cocaine and heroin consumed in the U.S. during a given year, it's crucial to consider various historical and contemporary trends. Historically, cocaine use was associated with higher social classes, while crack cocaine, a derivative, became an epidemic in poorer urban areas due to its lower cost. The legal consequences for crack were much harsher compared to powdered cocaine, reflecting the social class disparity. Cocaine and heroin have been significant parts of the illegal drug trade, with cocaine primarily coming from Colombia, and heroin production being a major component of Afghanistan's economy, where it accounts for a large portion of the heroin consumed in Europe. Considering death rates, heroin caused a 439 percent increase in deaths from 1999 to 2014 compared to cocaine, which rose only slightly, indicating a higher prevalence and possibly higher tonnage of heroin consumption in later years.