Synthetic Drugs Fuel Chaos Inside Ohio Prisons

K2 use is soaring behind bars, causing unpredictable behavior, violence and death. So, why can't prison officials stop the flow of the drug?

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:34am

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A yearlong investigation found that drug-soaked paper, sold in confetti-sized hits, is now the most commonly found drug in Ohio prisons, fueling violence and accounting for more deaths than any other substance. The highly addictive drug is smuggled in by staff and visitors, tossed over fences and dropped in by drones. Prisons are struggling to stem the flow of drugs, spending millions on tighter security, but an unknown number of employees and contractors continue to sneak significant amounts of drugs through the front entrance with little consequence.

Why it matters

The crisis of synthetic drugs in Ohio prisons has led to a spike in overdoses, violence, and disciplinary issues, highlighting the challenges corrections officials face in stemming the flow of contraband and the need for more comprehensive solutions to address the underlying addiction issues among the incarcerated population.

The details

Reporters reviewed hundreds of records and interviewed numerous sources to uncover the extent of the synthetic drug problem in Ohio prisons. K2, a highly potent synthetic cannabinoid, is being smuggled in through various means and fueling unpredictable and dangerous behavior among inmates. Despite increased security measures, the drugs continue to flow into prisons, often with the help of corrupt staff and contractors. Coroners are also struggling to accurately identify the drugs, leading to an undercount of fatal overdoses.

  • In 2024, at least 13 people incarcerated in Ohio fatally overdosed on K2, up from just three the year before.
  • From 2020 to 2024, rule violations for drug use and possession in Ohio prisons doubled from 10,308 to 20,799, despite only a 6% uptick in the state prison population.

The players

Jayson Murphy

A 50-year-old inmate at Lebanon Correctional Institution who died of a K2 overdose in 2024.

John Jenkins

An inmate at Lebanon Correctional Institution who continued to smoke K2 after reporting the death of his cellmate, Jayson Murphy.

Annette Chambers-Smith

The director of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, who is stepping down to take a job in the governor's office.

Chris Mabe

The president of the union that represents state prison workers in Ohio.

Tim Wade

An inmate who has served time in six prisons in the past decade and has experience with the effects of K2.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.