How Much Does a Gram of Weed Cost Around the World?

July 16, 2024

How Much Does a Gram of Weed Cost Around the World?

The price of cannabis varies significantly around the globe due to factors such as legalization status, production costs, and local demand.

Let's take a closer look at how these factors influence the cost of cannabis in different regions, with a focus on the United States, including both legal and black-market prices, as well as a broader view of international prices.

Wether you're packing bowls, rolling joints, vaping herb or just interested in the market, we hope you will have a better idea of cannabis prices around the world after reading this article.

Cannabis Prices in the United States

As American states have legalized marijuana over the past decade, a patchwork of small-scale economies has emerged, each governed by state laws. This has resulted in significant price variations even among neighboring states.

How Much Does a Gram of Weed Cost?

In U.S. dispensaries, a gram of cannabis typically costs between $10 and $15, but prices can vary widely:

Oregon and Seattle: Around $6.75 per gram
Colorado: About $7.15 per gram
Washington, D.C.: Over $18 per gram

Weed Prices by Quantity

Eighth (3.5 grams): $30 to $35 on average, with prices reaching up to $65 in Washington, D.C., and as low as $23 in Oregon and Seattle.
Quarter (7 grams): $65 to $75, with the highest prices in North Dakota ($82) and Washington, D.C. ($120), and lower prices in Oregon ($46), Washington ($48), and Colorado ($50).
Ounce (28 grams): $210.75 in Oregon, $232.90 in Washington, and $241.74 in Colorado, with the national average at $326.06 for high-quality cannabis and $265.58 for medium-quality cannabis.

Cannabis Prices in Legal U.S. States

Here's a more detailed breakdown of average cannabis prices in states where marijuana is legal for recreational use:

Alaska: $15 per gram, $40 per eighth, $70 per quarter, $300 per ounce
Arizona: $10-$12 per gram, $35 per eighth, $60 per quarter, $250 per ounce
California: $8-$12 per gram, $30-$40 per eighth, $55-$70 per quarter, $220-$280 per ounce
Colorado: $7-$10 per gram, $25-$35 per eighth, $50-$60 per quarter, $200-$240 per ounce
Illinois: $15-$20 per gram, $50-$60 per eighth, $100-$120 per quarter, $350-$400 per ounce
Maine: $10-$15 per gram, $35-$45 per eighth, $65-$80 per quarter, $240-$300 per ounce
Massachusetts: $12-$18 per gram, $45-$60 per eighth, $90-$110 per quarter, $320-$380 per ounce
Michigan: $10-$14 per gram, $35-$45 per eighth, $70-$85 per quarter, $250-$300 per ounce
Nevada: $12-$15 per gram, $40-$50 per eighth, $75-$90 per quarter, $280-$350 per ounce
Oregon: $6-$8 per gram, $23-$30 per eighth, $46-$55 per quarter, $210-$240 per ounce
Washington: $8-$10 per gram, $25-$35 per eighth, $48-$60 per quarter, $232-$270 per ounce

Black-Market Cannabis Prices

Black-market cannabis prices can vary dramatically depending on the region, quality of the product, and local law enforcement intensity.

Legalizing weed was supposed to do away with the black market. But in many areas, the cost of operating as a legal business has actually increased weed prices and the demand for cheaper black-market weed never went away.

Generally, black-market prices tend to be lower than legal market prices due to the absence of taxes and regulatory costs.

United States

New York: $10-$15 per gram
California: $6-$10 per gram
Texas: $12-$18 per gram
Florida: $10-$15 per gram
Illinois: $15-$20 per gram

Cannabis Prices Around the World

Europe

Cannabis prices in Europe are generally higher due to strict regulations and high demand:

Spain: €6.33 per gram in Madrid
United Kingdom: £5.81 per gram in Chesterfield, £5.89 in Erdington, and £5.96 in Yeovilton
Slovenia: €8.47 per gram in Ljubljana and €8.57 in Maribor
Germany: €15-20 per gram. Despite the recent legalization of cannabis, the prices for legal weed in Germany are almost twice as high as black market prices.
Netherlands: €5-20 per gram. Amsterdam is well known for its cannabis cafes, where a gram can vary from as little as €5 to as much as €20 depending on quality and THC content.

Asia and Africa

Cannabis prices in Asia and Africa vary widely, often reflecting the legality and availability of the substance:

Asia: Tokyo, Japan has some of the highest prices at $33.80 per gram. In Thailand, local strains cost around $9 per gram, while imported flowers range from $4.50 to $5.30 per gram.
Africa: Extremely low prices in Zambia and Malawi at just $0.2 per gram. Prices in Ghana are $0.8 per gram, and in Zimbabwe, $1 per gram.

United States vs. International Prices

Compared to the rest of the world, the U.S. has some of the most variable cannabis prices, influenced mainly by state-specific regulations and market maturity. The cost for weed in legal U.S. states is often more than prices in Central and Western Europe where weed is not legal or the market is relatively new.

For example:

Quito, Ecuador: One of the cheapest places in the world to buy cannabis, with an ounce costing less than $40.
United Kingdom: Despite cannabis being illegal, prices are relatively lower at around $220 per ounce; this is comparable to legal states like Oregon.

Factors Influencing Cannabis Prices

Several factors contribute to the cost of cannabis:

Legalization and Regulation: Legal states and countries tend to have higher prices due to taxes and regulatory costs, but they offer safer and regulated products.
Production Costs: Places with higher production costs or limited supply typically see higher prices.
Demand and Supply: Low demand and abundant supply can lower prices, while scarcity and high demand can drive prices up.

Conclusion

The price of cannabis varies dramatically depending on where you are in the world. In the U.S., states with more mature and competitive markets, like Oregon and Colorado, tend to have lower prices.

Globally, regions with strict prohibitions and high penalties, such as parts of Asia, see much higher prices. Conversely, areas with relaxed laws or high domestic production, such as parts of Africa and South America, offer cannabis at significantly lower prices. Understanding these factors can help consumers navigate the complexities of the global cannabis market.

How much is a gram where your from? Let us know in the comments 💭