In the pre-improvement era of marijuana, only the seller determined the selling price of the cannabis. They took into account various factors, such as the expenses incurred in obtaining the illicit product, the risks of doing business, and the level of demand for their product. Naturally, each dealer described the marijuana as first class and justified its exorbitant prices. However, consumers were not able to verify the quality of the product they were buying.
With the gradual spread of legislation nationwide and the federal government considering the possibility of making it legal nationwide, the balance of power between cannabis retailers and buyers has shifted, resulting in more predictable prices. With the wealth of information now available to consumers about the different cannabis strains and their producers, buyers can make informed decisions about their local cannabis store purchases. As a result, pricing has become more transparent and less arbitrary, based on straightforward concepts. It is a positive development for buyers and sellers in the evolving cannabis market.
Quantity: The first factor to consider
Often the primary aspect of comparing two options is the quantity, which is no different when it comes to cannabis. Generally, marijuana is sold in whole ounce, half ounce, quarter ounce, eighth of an ounce, and gram. When it comes to pricing cannabis, most stores use a combination of metric and imperial systems of measurement. For large purchases, prices are set at Ounces and ounces are partial, while grams are used for small purchases.
In the United States, the average cost per ounce of cannabis varies greatly, ranging from $250 to $500 a year ago, to $125 to $200 per ounce. Many factors contribute to this price discrepancy, with marijuana quality being the primary influencer. Recent price crashes have forced legal ounces to sell $80 in Michigan and a gram for only $4 in Oregon.
Quality matters too
The above prices reflect average Medium quality hashish Available in the market. However, to make an accurate comparison, it is crucial to consider the quality of the product. Perhaps the difference in prices between the two nearby shops is mainly due to the differences in the quality of the hashish they offer.
Determining the quality of cannabis involves looking at several factors, but one of the most important differentiators is the method of growth. Indoor and organic farmed styles are usually more expensive than outdoor, mass-produced, or imported varieties. It’s like comparing a craft beer from a small brewery to a mass-produced beer from a major manufacturer—the former is more expensive because of the high-quality ingredients and specialized production methods involved.
Other factors to consider
The legal status of the state
In states where cannabis remains illegal, consumers must rely on merchants to supply them with the desired product, exposing themselves to great personal risk. In such cases, as mentioned earlier, consumers cannot regulate the price and quality of the material. tries to Compare prices of cannabis products among illegal dealers Not recommended if you want to keep buying from them.
Meanwhile, in states where recreational marijuana is legalized, the market is flooded with many competitors, resulting in intense competition, which ultimately drives down prices in response to consumer demand.
location
Growing cannabis outdoors is impossible in all climates, as the plant thrives in stable warmth, averaging around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Temperature fluctuations or extremely high temperatures over 88°F or below 60°F regularly stunt plant growth and result in a lower quality plant with less THC.
In areas of Alaska and the Northeast, marijuana is typically grown indoors due to the harsh outdoor climate. However, indoor farming can be very expensive for farmers, which ultimately leads to higher prices for consumers.
taxes
profitable probability to generate Tax revenue has not eluded authorities in states that have legalized marijuana. Aside from cannabis’ “sin taxes”, sales tax is also typically imposed, often at higher rates than other consumer products. For example, Colorado sets a sales tax rate of 2.9 percent, but marijuana has a rate of 15 percent.
Taxes are imposed on legitimate consumers and dispensaries throughout the production and sales cycle. These companies are obligated to pay taxes on their products and services. In return, farmers must pay taxes on production items such as light bulbs, packaging materials, transportation of the finished product, and more.
Unfortunately, due to federal tax laws that prohibit tax deductions for businesses engaged in trafficking illegal substances, cannabis companies cannot take advantage of many of the standard business deductions, which results in increased cost to consumers.
Retail sales operations
The place of purchase also plays a vital role in determining the price of cannabis. For example, a local corner store may have relatively low overheads compared to a high-end bud dispensary on a busy high street, which ultimately affects consumer price.
Maintaining well-trained and fair-paid staff, clean and welcoming premises, and keeping the lights on all add to the cost of selling cannabis. Legal dispensaries adhere to packaging and labeling regulations, ensuring that consumers have access to information about product provenance, ingredients, and production standards. Given that cannabis is intended for consumption, it is essential to clearly understand what one is ingesting, which makes the extra cost worthwhile.
Supply and demand
Competition within a particular geographic area can be a determining factor in determining the price of cannabis, especially with regard to cost per gram. The basic economic principle of supply and demand states that prices tend to rise when the demand for a product exceeds the available supply. In contrast, prices tend to fall when the product is in surplus.
Conclusion
Several factors, including geographic location, regulations, competition, and quality, influence the price of cannabis. The legalization of cannabis in many states has created a growing market that has attracted many participants, including growers, retailers, and consumers. However, high taxes and regulatory requirements placed on the cannabis business add to the cost of production and sales, making it difficult for companies to keep prices low.
However, competition remains vital in shaping the cannabis market and driving prices down. As the market continues to expand and evolve, we expect to see more innovation, differentiation, and competition. This could lead to better products, better prices and a healthier and more vibrant cannabis market.
How much cheaper is the illicit market? Read on…
