Marijuana is one of the most complex drugs to put a price tag on. In some areas, it’s now legal for recreational use. In others, it’s legal for medical use. These laws have helped to make the drug more accessible. Because it’s inexpensive to grow, especially in areas where it’s legalized, and easy to transport, marijuana’s pricing ranges widely.
Another key reason why the costs range so much is the quality. Now that it’s being grown in larger amounts, different varieties are available. Some brands are charging more than others for various reasons, including demand, the rarity of the particular product and the overall cost to grow it from seed.
Reports indicate that the average price of 1/8 of an ounce of marijuana is about $40. It’s even less expensive — about 30% cheaper — in Canada. Prices range widely by location in the United States as well.
For example, in San Francisco, consumers can expect to pay $43.80 on average for 1/8th of an ounce. In Denver, it costs $32.50 for the same amount. The cost of the drug has dropped significantly over the years as more states have legalized it for one form or another.
As such, the legal industry is far less profitable for dealers than it used to be. The same is not true for illegal drug sales. In areas where marijuana isn’t legal, the cost is significantly higher. A low-grade source can cost $130 or more per ounce, with a high-grade product reaching as much as $595 in some areas.
Users can purchase marijuana in a variety of ways. About an ounce of weed is enough to make 42 joints or 28 blunts. Some people use it infrequently; others smoke four or more joints per day. Depending on the location and other factors, this can amount to spending $500 or more per month on the drug.