How Much Are Edibles? Understanding The Difference in Value and Ingredients
Edibles represent one of the many ways people can consume cannabis. Edibles are a preferred consumption method, as they are a diverse, potent, discreet, and convenient alternative to smoking.
Does their popularity affect prices? Well, it depends.
To find out how much edibles cost, we’ve got to unpack several factors and data points. In this article, we’ll examine those factors and more to understand how much edibles cost across the United States.
What are Cannabis Edibles?
Cannabis edibles refer to food and beverage products infused with cannabis compounds, most often THC and/or CBD. They make up a wide range of options, including but far from limited to gummies and seltzers.
Many consider weed edibles to be effective, discreet, and safer than smoking cannabis. While subjective, the sentiment is warranted in most cases, as edibles help consumers avoid smoke inhalation and its potential adverse effects.
Brief Overview of How Edibles Work
When ingested, edibles are broken down in the stomach and metabolized in the liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent form of THC (1). This conversion is why edible effects are usually more intense than those of inhaled cannabis methods.
The longer digestion process explains why it takes longer to feel the effects of edibles. Depending on a number of factors, results often take effect in 30 to 120 minutes.
Factors Affecting Edible Costs
Unfortunately, there is no one clear-cut answer. Many factors contribute to how much edibles may cost. Primary factors for price changes include:
Ingredients
Ingredient concentration significantly impacts the cost of cannabis edibles. So, too, does the ingredient being used. For example, organic ingredients are typically free of synthetic chemicals and pesticides, making them healthier and more beneficial. However, due to rigorous farming practices and costly certifications, they tend to be more expensive than non-organic edibles.
The concentration of cannabinoids and plant compounds also influences the cost. Edibles with high cannabinoid potency require more raw materials, increasing production costs. High-potency edibles may also be priced higher due to their perceived value of intense effects, which may increase the demand.
Formulation, Dosage, and Demand
Formulations can significantly influence costs due to regulatory and production requirements and market demand.
For example, CBD-dominant edibles are often marketed to health-conscious individuals who may be willing to spend more money on quality products. In another instance, THC-dominant products, on the other hand, usually face strict regulations, which increase testing and compliance expenses.
Another factor that impacts cost is the dosage used. Standard dosages for cannabis edibles typically range from 2.5mg to 50mg per serving, with higher concentrations of cannabinoids generally leading to higher prices. Remember that state laws often cap edibles at 10 mg per dose.
Regional Pricing
Depending on the state, high-THC products may face more stringent regulations and testing requirements than CBD products, which may increase the overall costs.
America’s state-by-state approach to legalization and regulation makes this wonky pricing structure possible. Rules vary by state and even some municipalities. As such, state and local laws and their various tax codes significantly impact the price of cannabis-infused edibles, with stricter regulations and high taxes generally driving the price up.
Excise taxes are often the primary issue. For example, Illinois has one of the highest cannabis taxes in the country, with tax rates varying based on potencies (2). The high tax cannabis rate in Illinois has made weed products, including edibles, 89% more expensive than in other states (3).
Virginia is another example. There, lawmakers enacted a 21% excise tax on cannabis sales. Local governments can also levy up to a 3% tax on the retail price. In Michigan, consumers must pay a 10% excise tax, but there are no local cannabis excise taxes (4).
Essentially, each state could serve as an example, with many creating pricing burdens on consumers and the brand.
Availability
It’s the old story of supply and demand. In this case, a wealth of retailers and a wide range of products for consumers to choose from result in some states offering edibles at lower prices. This pricing approach is a direct result of competition and product availability.
Sometimes, availability is based on market demand. In other cases, the prime factor is open stores or available brands. The latter is a classic example of new and maturing cannabis markets, with regulations often limiting the amount of stores or products available.
As such, a product that hypothetically sells for $20 in a state with a mature cannabis market may cost up to or more than $50 in another state that legalized recently and lacks the needed number of open shops and available edibles.
Brand and Marketing
Established brands can charge premium prices due to perceived value. The cost of getting the word out can also impact prices. While extensive marketing campaigns increase brand visibility and customer loyalty, these costs are often passed on to customers.
How a product is packaged will also impact its cost. Child-resistant, tamper-proof, and aesthetically pleasing packaging increase costs and are often unavoidable expenses. States mandate child-protection components, which means companies and consumers pay the markup to remain compliant. While a company doesn’t have to make its packaging appealing, skipping this component may turn off new consumers who are likely swayed by sleek designs and packages.
Buying Dispensary Edibles vs. DIY
Store-Bought Edibles
The cost of cannabis edibles in the U.S. varies widely. It is influenced by factors such as potency, product type, and other ingredients used.
This price can fluctuate by state, with states such as Colorado and Washington averaging 20 cents, while California and Nevada average 17 and 23 cents, respectively (5). On average, however, the price per milligram of THC in edibles is about 20 cents. But consumers should remain alert, as prices can change regularly.
Different cannabis stores will also price their products differently. As such, the price isn’t typically set in stone from one store to the other, much less on a state-by-state basis.
Homemade Edibles
Like store-bought edibles, the cost of homemade edibles will depend on several factors, key among them being the cost of weed, equipment, and other ingredients.
The cost of creating cannabis-infused edibles can vary largely depending on the quality and quantity of ingredients used.
- Cannabis Butter/Oil and ingredients:
- Cost: $2 - $5.00 for 1 cup (half a pound)
- Weed Flower: $30 - $70 for 3.5 grams (1/8th ounce)
- Basic Ingredients: Sugar, flour, chocolate, etc., costing between $10.00 - $20.00
- Equipment (One-time purchases):
- Grinder: $10 - $65
- Baking Sheet: $5.00
- Infusion Equipment: $10 - $35
- Total Equipment Cost: $25.00 - $105.00
- Total Startup Cost: $67.00 - $200.00
- Cost Per Edible:
- Based on potency, 1 cup of weed-infused butter can produce:
- 16 brownies: $4 - $12.5 per brownie
- 24 cookies: $2.8 - $8.3 per cookie
Costs may vary based on current market prices for cannabis and other ingredients. Subsequent batch costs should also decrease as the equipment is a one-time purchase.
The amount of weed used will also factor into the overall cost. Typically, 3.5 grams of weed can produce about one cup (240 ml) of cannabis-infused butter or oil. Using more material will increase the price per edible.
Are Weed Edibles Cheaper Than Other Forms Of Weed?
While their initial costs may be higher, weed edibles may, in the long run, be cheaper than smoking or vaping because of their potent and long-lasting effects. According to a 2019 report by MJBizDaily, the average cost per milligram of THC in edibles is around 20 cents. In comparison, the price per mg of THC tinctures is 30 cents or more (6).
Ultimately, whether to buy edibles or other forms of cannabis should not be primarily determined by cost, as each cannabis product offers unique effects and experiences.
Saving Money on Cannabis Edibles
Enjoying safe and quality edibles doesn’t mean you have to break the bank. Here are some tips to help you save money on weed edibles:
Buy in Bulk
Buying cannabis edibles in bulk is a great way to cut costs. When you buy more edibles, the price per gram typically goes down. Many cannabis dispensaries offer discounts, free deliveries, and offers for large purchases. For example, at Snoozy, we offer free shipping on all orders over $60.
Loyalty Programs and Discounts
Sign up for loyalty programs to receive discounts, exclusive offers, and purchase rewards.
DIY Edibles
Making your edibles can be an excellent way to save, especially if you’re a DIY fan. However, as mentioned above, the endeavor can become costly, particularly early on if equipment purchases are required.
Quality vs. Cost
While expensive products are often perceived as high quality, this is not always true. Several factors, including brand reputation and marketing, can influence the overall price.
Comparing prices between different brands and products is recommended to ensure consumers get the best deal on edibles. Suppose a product is either too cheap or too expensive compared to market prices. In that case, it might be worth further examination before buying.
Don't skip on quality. Check for certificates of analysis from third-party independent labs to ensure you’re getting the right product. These certificates should list, among other things, THC potency, ingredients present, source of raw materials, presence of heavy metals, and the extraction method used.
Speaking of quality, the entire Snoozy edible collection uses lab-tested cannabis and verified all-natural ingredients, providing consumers with what they need for a restful evening and energy throughout the day.
