Table of contents
Table of contents
According to Headset, the Average Item Price of edibles in the US is $13.86 as of September 2022. Interestingly, its equivalized price or THC per milligram cost has decreased from $0.18 in 2021 to $0.14 in 2022. That means edibles are getting cheaper!
THC edibles have become a popular choice for both recreational and medicinal cannabis users. They offer a discrete and enjoyable way to consume cannabis. With their popularity on shelves, it’s only natural for people to be curious about how much they need to shell out to get some.
This blog breaks down the factors influencing the rise and fall of edible pricing, the estimated price per state, and how the average edible price compares to its cannabis counterparts.
🔑 Key Takeaway
- Michigan and Delaware have the lowest edibles price range at $4 to $22, while Arizona, Missouri, and Utah have the most expensive edibles, averaging $27.
- The average price of edibles sold in the US is $13.86.
How Much Do Edibles Tend to Cost Now?
In the US, edibles are getting cheaper (with gummies leading most of the sales). From $15.72 per item on January 1, 2021, the price of edibles dipped to $13.86 on September 1, 2022.
Looking at the numbers, you’re now buying edibles that are 8.7% cheaper compared to three years ago. Oregon and Michigan have the lowest price per milligram of THC, with Oregon leading at -32% and Michigan at -26%. So, if you’re vacationing in these states, now’s the time to hoard some of your favorites.
Here’s the hierarchy of prices per x mg of THC in edibles based on the given average cost.
Factors Dictating the Price of Edibles
Now that you know the pricing trend of edibles in the US, let’s discover the major factors affecting the ebb and flow of edibles pricing.
Ingredients and Their Quality
The quality and type of ingredients used to make the edible impact pricing. With the usage of premium ingredients, the final cost has to compensate for it, leading to higher pricing.
Premium ingredients, such as organic cane sugar, natural flavorings, or full-spectrum cannabis extracts, come at a higher cost than synthetic additives or lower-grade cannabis. Adding rare terpenes or high quality binding agents also drives up costs.
Production Process
Advanced infusion techniques, like nanoemulsion technology or solvent-free extraction methods, can make edibles more expensive. Small-batch, artisanal production tends to cost more than large-scale automated manufacturing due to labor and precision.
Amount of Cannabis Used (Potency)
Potency is one of the most defining factors in the cost of edibles. Products with high concentrations of THC and CBD require larger amounts of raw cannabis during production, increasing the overall cost.
Also, products that include minor cannabinoids or rare strain-specific extracts can further inflate prices due to the limited supply of such ingredients.
Marketing and Packaging
Edibles’ presentation and branding contribute significantly to pricing. Attractive, child-resistant packaging not only ensures legal compliance but also adds to the final price.
Aesthetically pleasing designs or eco-friendly packaging solutions can further increase costs. Factor in—high marketing budgets, including influencer endorsements or premium branding strategies, adding to the total cost.
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Regulatory Compliance
The cannabis industry is heavily regulated in the US, and the cost of meeting these regulations is reflected in the end price of edibles.
To comply with the standards set, processing edibles has to involve safety and quality testing, ensuring compliance with packaging and labeling standards, tax, and other requirement variations in state and local regulations.
Organic and Sustainable Options
Edibles marketed as organic or sustainably sourced typically carry a higher price tag. This is due to the more labor-intensive agricultural practices, certifications, and eco-friendly packaging involved.
For consumers prioritizing health and environmental impact, organic edibles provide a premium alternative but at an added cost.
Law of Supply and Demand
High demand in new markets with limited supplies can push prices higher, while matured markets with ample competition may see more competitive pricing or lower pricing. The scarcity of certain rare strain-derived extracts or unique flavorings could also enhance product exclusivity and cost.
Location
Location can significantly impact the cost of edibles due to different regulations and taxation in various regions.
States with long-standing legalization, like Colorado and California, typically have more competitive pricing structures due to a well-developed market and robust competition among retailers. Conversely, newly legalized states might exhibit higher prices, reflecting initial regulatory costs, limited supply, and burgeoning demand.
Here’s a graph nominating the impact (in percentage) of all minute factors on the total end price of an edible.
How Much Do Edibles Per State Cost?
States will naturally differ in edible pricing due to the uniqueness of their regulatory frameworks, taxation rates, market maturity, and availability of cannabis-related resources. The table below exclusively shows that each state exhibits different average costs of edibles from state-based companies selling edibles.
Take note that the average cost of edibles per state in this table is not fixed. The shift in price follows the changes in factors like changes in administration, seasonal trends, taxation, and other location-dependent pricing factors.
| State | Average Cost of Edibles | Per Unit |
| Alabama | N/A | N/A |
| Alaska | N/A | N/A |
| Arizona | $27.63 | Per package |
| Arkansas | Information not available | N/A |
| California | $17 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Colorado | $20 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Connecticut | N/A | N/A |
| Delaware | $5 and $22 | N/A |
| Florida | $25 and $50 | N/A |
| Georgia | $15 to $40 | Per package |
| Hawaii | $20 to $50 | Per package |
| Idaho | N/A | N/A |
| Illinois | $20 to $40 | Per package |
| Indiana | $10 to $25 | Per package |
| Iowa | $25 and $65 | N/A |
| Kansas | N/A | N/A |
| Kentucky | N/A | N/A |
| Louisiana | $20 and $40 | N/A |
| Maine | $20 and $25 | 100mg of THC |
| Maryland | $17.15 | 10mg THC edible |
| Massachusetts | $20 and $40 | Per package |
| Michigan | $4 and $8 | 200mg pack of edibles |
| Minnesota | $15 and $30 | Per package |
| Mississippi | N/A | N/A |
| Missouri | $27.23 | N/A |
| Montana | $20 to $30 | Per package |
| Nebraska | N/A | N/A |
| Nevada | $23 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| New Hampshire | $20 to $50 | Per package |
| New Jersey | $20 to $50 | Per package |
| New Mexico | $20 to $40 | Per package |
| New York | $20 to $40 | Per package |
| North Carolina | N/A | N/A |
| North Dakota | $20 and $40 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Ohio | $20 to $40 | Per package |
| Oklahoma | $10 to $30 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Oregon | $17 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Pennsylvania | $15 to $30 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Rhode Island | $20 to $40 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| South Carolina | N/A | N/A |
| South Dakota | $20 and $40 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Tennessee | $20 and $50 | Per package |
| Texas | N/A | N/A |
| Utah | $27.63 | Per package |
| Vermont | $12 to $36 | 40 mg to 100mg of THC |
| Virginia | $10 and $25 | Per package |
| Washington | $20 | 100mg THC gummy package |
| Washington D.C | $20 to $45 | Per package |
| West Virginia | $20 to $50 | Per package |
| Wisconsin | $10 to $30 | Per package |
| Wyoming | N/A | N/A |
How to Find the Real Cost of THC Gummies?
It’s understandable to have a general feeling of mistrust with what we buy. A 2015 study found that nearly 60% of edible products tested in California mislabeled their packaging with the wrong THC content. Products either have lower or higher THC levels than what is advertised. This can translate to pricing as well.
Fun Fact: The Delta 9 THC level in a product is seen as an indicator of value because it reflects the potency of the product, which is associated with stronger psychoactive effects. However, while THC level is seen as a metric for pricing, it’s not the only indicator of a product’s value. Factors like terpene profile and product consistency also contribute to an edible’s value.
So, how do you check whether a brand is potentially ripping you off?
The answer lies in the actual THC content infused in the product. Here’s how to find it across different cannabis edible brands:
Read the Certificate of Analysis or COA
Learn the actual THC content in a product through their COA. This is a document accomplished by an accredited third-party laboratory that shows the exact amount of THC and cannabinoid content present in the product. Other results of the tests include metal presence, toxicity level, and other possible living organisms in the batch sample.
Find the product’s COA in the following ways:
- Visit the product description page online and look for the hyperlinked text “COA” or “Certificate of Analysis.”
- Look for the COA QR code printed on the packaging. Hover your camera on the code and click the URL that will appear.
Calculate the Price Per MG of THC
One simple way of seeing whether the product cost is reasonable is by computing the price of THC per milligram (mg). According to MJBizDaily, the average price per milligram of THC in edibles is 20 cents or $0.20. So, if your computation is significantly steeper than 20 cents, investigate the company further or simply look for another brand.
Here’s the formula to use in calculating the price per mg of THC in an edible:
Using the formula above, here’s how the computation goes:
For example, a pack of gummies costs $30, and the total THC per mg is 100.
$0.30 = $30 ÷ 100 mg
Here, the cost per mg of THC is $0.30. Compared to the $0.20 standard price per milligram of THC in edibles, the product is more expensive by $0.10 per THC milligram.
Check the Other Ingredients in the Label Aside From THC
If you feel like the edible’s cost per mg of THC is higher than usual, this might be because of the extra premium ingredients included in the product, like CBD, HHC, herbal extracts, pectin, etc. Check out the list of ingredients printed on the packaging or in the online product description.
Dispensary Vs. Online Stores: Who’s Cheaper?
Online stores provide more competitive pricing than physical stores or dispensaries, especially when purchasing edibles in bulk or wholesale. However, there’s the caveat of falling for scammers online, so it’s important to vet the brand selling online before checking out that order.
Now, let’s explore why it’s cheaper to buy online versus in dispensaries.
Physical Location
Online stores bypass the overhead costs of running storefronts, making prices slightly lower. Meanwhile, dispensaries have to take into account rent, utility bills, staff salaries, and other expenses tied to establishing a store. The cost is passed on to the customer through higher prices.
Promotions
For some reason, brands easily run sales, flash deals, or offer limited promotions online that aren’t always available at dispensaries. Online stores also offer free shipping for larger orders.
Convenience and Bulk Buying
Online stores specialize in those looking to purchase in bulk, offering lower prices per unit. In contrast, dispensaries often cater to walk-in customers buying smaller quantities, which can result in higher per-unit costs.
Ways to Save Money on Edibles
Navigating the market to find affordable edibles can be daunting but not impossible. Here are proven ways to save money on edibles.
- Shop Online: Online shopping often yields better deals due to reduced overhead costs and frequent online-exclusive discounts.
- Sign up for Newsletters for Sale and Discount Announcement Updates: Sign up from your favorite dispensaries or online stores to receive sales and special offers updates.
- Buy Edibles in Bulk: Buying edibles in bulk can lower the price per unit further. Many sellers offer discounts for larger purchases, so it’s worth exploring these options if your budget allows it.
- Make Your Weed Gummies at Home: Another consideration is making your own edibles at home, which can be a cost-effective option, albeit requiring an initial investment in equipment and time.
- Choose Quality Over Quantity: Quality should never be compromised for cost savings, so verify that the product includes certificates of analysis from third-party labs to ensure purity and potency.
- Take Advantage of Seasonal Promotions: Finally, leverage seasonal promotions for an added layer of savings.
Ready to Spend on Quality Edibles at a Budget?
The Hemp Doctor online store offers six edible categories: Delta 8 Gummies, Delta 9 Edibles, Delta 9 Gummies, THCA Gummies, CBD Edibles, and HHC Gummies. Shopping within your budget is possible with a wide range of edibles to choose from at different price ranges.
FAQs
The cost per THC milligram should be closer to the average cost per THC milligram, which is $0.14.
Around $13.86 per pack or $0.14 per THC mg.
Making weed gummies on your own can be cheaper in the long run, but if you like the convenience of buying pre-made edibles with consistent THC levels per edible every time, then you’re better off purchasing edibles.
The prices of THC gummies have considerably lowered throughout the years. However, compared to other cannabis products like flower or concentrates, edibles can’t be considered cheap.
25mg of THC in edibles is considered a high dose for most people, especially for beginners. Experienced users may find it manageable, but it can be too much for someone with a low tolerance.
Yes, edibles can get you just as high, but the experience can be different. It may take longer (30 minutes to 2 hours) to feel the effects kick in.
The best edible for feeling high depends on personal preference and tolerance. Generally, 25–50mg THC per serving is more likely to produce strong effects.
The wholesale price for high-THC gummies typically ranges from $5–$15 per package, depending on factors like the potency.
