Buzz
The 2018 Cannabis Price Index shows that in the U.S., the cost of legal weed can range from $7 to $11 per gram, depending on your location. However, this information doesn't necessarily help when you're trying to figure out if a particular tincture or pack of gummies is worth the price. Plus, some strains of weed are more expensive than others—does this mean you're getting a better experience, or are you just spending more for no reason?
To understand what you're actually paying for—and whether it's worth it—you need to consult a cannabis expert. I reached out to Mckayla Cecil, a Colorado budtender, to get the lowdown on how consumers can tell if they’re overpaying for legal weed, which types give you the best value, and why it’s always a good idea to tip your budtender.
How can consumers get the best value when buying legal weed? What makes a price “fair” as opposed to “too high”?
As Cecil pointed out, certain prices should be relatively consistent no matter where you shop—and if they’re not, you should take note.
“Edibles are probably the easiest to compare because the brands stay consistent (statewide) and the price mainly depends on the shop. These prices tend to remain stable. So, if you find yourself paying $30 for a pack of gummies that everyone else is selling for $20, you’re probably not getting the best deal.”
Other types of weed, like flower, vary in price based on both the strain and the shop. If you're after a weed shop that fits your budget, it’s a good idea to do some research beforehand.
“Most shops post their menus online through sites like Weedmaps and Leafly, and more places are now offering online ordering. A bit of research can go a long way in finding the best price.”
Cecil also mentions that the pricier buds may be better for special occasions: “Bud prices are similar to wine. You’ve got your affordable, everyday options that do the job, and then there’s the premium stuff—small batch flowers cultivated with care and sold at a higher price. So think about what you're buying for when choosing your smokable weed.”
What’s the most budget-friendly way to buy marijuana? Edibles? Tinctures? Flower? Which consumption method offers the best value for your money?
“The most cost-effective way to buy marijuana depends on how each person’s body reacts to different cannabis forms,” Cecil explained. “Smoking, vaping, eating, and absorbing THC each have distinct effects, and these can vary from person to person.”
Cecil mentioned that edibles tend to offer the best value, but if they don’t work for you, they could be a waste of money. “[For some individuals] no matter how many milligrams of edibles they consume, they feel nothing, while smoking cannabis can get them stoned.”
If someone is trying legal weed for the first time, how much should they budget to figure out what works for them and which strains they enjoy?
If you’re still unsure whether edibles are your thing—or even if weed is right for you—prepare to spend a bit to discover what works in your marijuana journey.
“I’d say that around $100–$200 will get you a little bit of everything at most places in Colorado, but $50 is a solid minimum to bring if you want to leave with more than one item,” Cecil explained. “To discover strains you like, find a shop that allows you to mix and match quantities of weed. Most stores sell by the gram or eighth (g), so if possible, try a few different strains to see which one you enjoy the most.”
Most importantly, remember that budtenders are there to help you—and ensure you have the best weed experience possible. “Ask questions, your budtenders are there to assist, and don’t forget to tip them for their expertise.”
