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50 Years in Prison for Marijuana: Incarcerated People Call On Biden To Expunge Cannabis Convictions
More Perfect Union
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How The Weldon Project Letter Aims to Hold Biden Accountable on Cannabis Clemency

When President Joe Biden was running for office, he made a very enticing promise on his campaign trail: that anyone in the U.S. with a cannabis-related offense on their record would have that expunged. Fast forward one year later, and that promise still hasn’t even come close to being realized.

However, this expungement issue doesn’t begin and end with Biden. Most states with some form of legal cannabis have rolled out legislation that includes the need for industry equity and expungement, yet many people still have those offenses living on their records – and some are even still incarcerated for cannabis-related crimes.


As a result, much of the industry has taken matters into their own hands, advocating for equity programs, spreading the word about the need for expungement, and pushing legislators to follow through on their promises.

The Weldon Project Demands Cannabis Clemency Now

While advocates throughout the industry – like the Last Prisoner Project and Supernova Women – have been on the frontlines of the fight for equity and expungement in cannabis, the industry will have to include leaders from other fields in order to present a well-rounded and thorough appeal.

Enter The Weldon Project letter, which included signatures from NBA star Al Harrington, Killer Mike, Meek Mill, Drake, Mike Tyson, Lil Baby, and over 150 artists, athletes, law enforcement, business leaders, elected and appointed government officials, and leading cannabis advocates.

The petition, which was delivered to President Biden on September 14, 2021, urges the president to follow through on his promise and grant a general pardon to anyone in the country who has been convicted of a federal cannabis offense.

“Enough is enough. No one should be locked up in federal prison for marijuana,” the letter reads. “No one should continue to bear the scarlet letter of a federal conviction for marijuana offenses.”

In a growing industry where everyone is trying to get in on the ground floor, leaving the formerly (and currently) incarcerated by the wayside is completely immoral. 

A lying politician is hardly news, but this is a promise that Biden must follow through with in order to establish the legal industry with a clear conscience for everyone involved.

Advocates from the inside have been shouting at the top of their lungs about this issue for years, to no avail. Hopefully the involvement and support of experts from an array of leading American industries will help the federal government realize what a pressing issue this is, and how many people are refusing to look away until it is fully resolved. 

Sign the cannabis clemency petition here.

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Image of Pennsylvania State Capitol plaque in front of the PA State Capitol.
PA House Pushes Forward with State-Operated Marijuana Stores
Photo by Katherine McAdoo on Unsplash
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PA Proposes State Cannabis Stores

House Democrats fast-track controversial cannabis bill as state weighs unprecedented regulatory model — but GOP-controlled Senate remains a major hurdle.

Pennsylvania just lit a match under its long-simmering marijuana legalization debate — and this time, it could go up in smoke or spark something entirely new.

On Tuesday, in a razor-thin 102-101 vote, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives advanced House Bill 1200, a cannabis legalization proposal with a twist: sales would flow through state-run stores, mimicking the Commonwealth’s alcohol distribution system. If passed, Pennsylvania would become the first state in the U.S. to fully legalize marijuana and control its retail sales through a government-run operation.

The bill, championed by Democratic Reps. Rick Krajewski and Dan Frankel, rocketed through committee and floor votes in less than 72 hours — a pace that has Republicans crying foul and Democrats defending years of stakeholder engagement.

“This has been a transparent process,” said Frankel, who chairs the House Health Committee. “My door has been open for two years. We’ve held six hearings. The GOP knew this was coming.”

Still, Republicans aren’t buying it. “It’s being rammed through,” charged Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, one of several GOP lawmakers voicing concerns over workplace safety, impaired driving, and the state’s potential overreach.

A Bold — and Controversial — Model

What makes HB 1200 a national outlier isn’t just its swift advancement — it’s the regulatory vision it puts forward.

Rather than opening the floodgates to private cannabis entrepreneurs, the bill would put the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (LCB) in charge of both licensing and operating cannabis stores. LCB would also oversee cultivation, processing, transportation, and consumption lounges — many of which could still be privately owned.

Adults 21 and over could legally purchase up to 42.5 grams of cannabis per day from LCB stores. Possession of small amounts beyond that would be decriminalized, while home growers could cultivate up to four plants (two mature, two immature) with a $100 permit.

Taxes would include a 12% excise rate on retail sales, with revenue feeding into a Cannabis Revenue Fund. That fund would support everything from expungement efforts and addiction services to minority business development and local court systems.

But it’s the state-store concept that’s drawing fire — not just from Republicans, but even some Democrats and the public.

A recent poll showed most Pennsylvanians prefer a private business model for cannabis sales. Rep. Abby Major (R), who is drafting an alternative bill alongside Democrat Emily Kinkead, stated bluntly: “There are zero votes for a state-store model in the Republican caucus.”

Progress or Power Play?

Despite the internal divisions, House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D) insists her party is ready to legalize. But with Republicans controlling the Senate, any cannabis bill — especially one this sweeping — will require bipartisan cooperation.

Even among legalization supporters, questions remain. Does a state-run retail model maximize equity and efficiency? Will it stifle entrepreneurship in favor of bureaucratic control? Or could it offer the kind of standardized safety and oversight that other states have struggled to achieve?

Meanwhile, advocates like Karen O’Keefe from the Marijuana Policy Project see a long-overdue opportunity: “It is past time for Pennsylvania to catch up with its neighbors and allow adults to relax with cannabis,” she told Marijuana Moment.

Cannabis Legalization Models: Pennsylvania vs. Neighboring States

Pennsylvania's proposed model, emphasizing state-run retail operations, distinguishes it from neighboring states that have adopted privatized systems. While this approach aims to centralize control and potentially streamline regulation, it faces criticism for potentially stifling private enterprise and raising concerns about federal compliance. In contrast, New York, New Jersey, and Maryland have embraced private-sector models, focusing on social equity and community reinvestment, though each faces unique challenges in implementation and market development.

FeaturePennsylvania (Proposed)New YorkNew JerseyMaryland
Retail ModelState-run stores operated by the Liquor Control BoardPrivately owned dispensaries with state-issued licensesPrivately owned dispensaries with state-issued licensesPrivately owned dispensaries with state-issued licenses
Possession LimitUp to 42.5 grams per dayUp to 3 ounces (approx. 85 grams)Up to 6 ounces (approx. 170 grams)Up to 1.5 ounces (approx. 42.5 grams)
Home CultivationUp to 2 mature and 2 immature plants with a $100 annual permitUp to 6 plants per householdNot permittedUp to 2 plants per household
THC LimitsFlower: max 25% THC; Edibles: 5mg per serving, 25mg totalNo specific THC limitsNo specific THC limitsNo specific THC limits
Taxation12% excise tax; additional 3% local tax for on-site consumption lounges13% combined state and local tax6.625% state sales tax; up to 2% local tax; additional excise fees9% state sales tax; additional local taxes permitted
Social Equity ProgramsLoan and grant programs for applicants with income below 200% of area median income and justice-impacted individualsPrioritization for individuals with past cannabis convictions and those from disproportionately impacted communitiesPrioritization for individuals from economically disadvantaged areas or with past cannabis convictions75% of licenses awarded to minority-owned businesses; strict advertising and packaging regulations to protect youth
Public ConsumptionProhibited; fines ranging from $100 to $200Prohibited in public placesProhibited in public placesProhibited in public places
Employment ProtectionsOff-the-job use protected; exceptions for federally contracted workers and explicit company prohibitionsOff-the-job use protected; exceptions for safety-sensitive positionsOff-the-job use protected; exceptions for safety-sensitive positionsOff-the-job use protected; exceptions for safety-sensitive positions
Implementation StatusPassed House; pending Senate approvalLegalized; implementation ongoing with challenges in licensing and enforcementLegalized; implementation ongoing with over 100 legal stores operatingLegalized; implementation ongoing with focus on minority-owned businesses and public health education

What’s Actually in the Bill?

Here are some of the key provisions of HB 1200:

  • Retail and Licensing: Cannabis would be sold exclusively through state-operated stores. The LCB would license 50 cultivators, processors, and transporters, plus micro-licensees.
  • Possession & Use: Adults could purchase up to 42.5 grams daily. Possession beyond that (up to 3x the limit) would be decriminalized.
  • THC Limits: Flower capped at 25% THC; edibles limited to 5mg per serving, 25mg total.
  • Social Equity: A new loan and grant program for equity applicants, defined by income, community impact, and justice system involvement.
  • Tax Revenue Allocation: 50% to community reinvestment, 10% to treatment, 5% to cannabis business development, 2.5% to minority biz support, 2% to court expungement programs.
  • Employment Protections: Off-the-clock cannabis use can’t be penalized (with some exceptions).
  • Home Grow: Limited to four plants with permit.
  • Public Consumption: Still banned; fines range from $100–$200.

The Road Ahead

While HB 1200's advancement is historic, it’s far from law. Senate Republicans remain cold on legalization altogether, let alone a state-controlled model. Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman recently said there’s “no consensus” among the four legislative caucuses or with the governor’s office.

Still, Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro has repeatedly called for legalization — though he hasn’t endorsed the state-store concept. In March, he bluntly stated: “Pennsylvanians are driving to other states and paying their taxes.”

It’s a sentiment echoed across the political spectrum. Even some Republican lawmakers admit that prohibition has been a “disaster.” But whether they’re ready to get behind this particular vision remains to be seen.

With neighboring states like New York, New Jersey, and Maryland already enjoying adult-use cannabis markets, Pennsylvania risks being left behind — again. Whether it embraces a public-sector model or a more traditional privatized framework, one thing is clear: legalization is no longer a matter of “if,” but “how.”

This article includes reporting and original source material from Marijuana Moment and journalist Kyle Jaeger.

retail shelves stocked with legal cannabis products
The mix of in-state and out of state brands at a legal NY dispensary
The mix of in-state and out of state brands at a legal NY dispensary
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NY's Pot Industry: Wins, Woes, Next

Despite crossing $1 billion in sales, New York’s cannabis market reveals a fragile ecosystem where equity ambitions, high taxes, and regulatory drag threaten to blunt its full potential.

Two years into New York's adult-use cannabis rollout, the state's Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has dropped its most comprehensive look yet at the market's performance, challenges, and opportunities. The 2024 OCM Market Report is packed with impressive numbers and lofty intentions, but peel back the layers and a more complicated story unfolds—one where equity goals face harsh economic headwinds, regulatory delays hamper progress, and a persistent illicit market looms large.

Here's what you need to know:

$1 Billion and Counting: A Sales Surge Worth Celebrating

As of the end of 2024, New York's legal adult-use cannabis market has generated more than $1.02 billion in retail sales, with $869 million of that coming in 2024 alone. The fourth quarter of 2024 shattered records with over $333 million in sales. By April 2025, the number of licensed dispensaries had climbed to 363.

That's no small feat for a state that only began regulated adult-use sales in December 2022. Consumer demand is clearly there—particularly in downstate regions like Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island, which accounted for over 58% of total sales.

But before we light a joint in celebration, let’s take a closer look at the fine print.

graph of NY Cannabis Retail Sales by Quarter 2024New York Cannabis Retail Sales by Quarter - 2024 - The Bluntness

Equity on Paper, But Economic Reality Bites

The MRTA's mandate that 50% of licenses go to social and economic equity (SEE) applicants has technically been met—54% of adult-use licenses were issued to SEE applicants as of December 2024. CAURD licensees, many of whom are justice-involved, make up 70% of all open dispensaries.

Still, the financial picture is grim for many of these operators. Over one-third of dispensaries are generating under $2 million annually—a threshold considered unsustainable in most regions due to high operating costs and steep taxes. Meanwhile, just 10 shops account for 26% of total sales.

2024 New York Market Share by % of Sales - The BluntnessThe Bluntness

Despite fee waivers and state support, the data suggest that equity licensees are struggling to survive, let alone thrive. The state's well-intentioned goals risk being undermined by market dynamics that favor capital-rich players, including the Registered Organizations (ROs) who are already outperforming in terms of sales per location.

Taxation Nation: A Competitive Disadvantage

New York's cannabis tax structure remains a sore spot. With a 13% retail excise tax layered on top of local sales tax and additional THC potency taxes (though now repealed), legal operators face margins that are razor-thin. That gives illicit operators—still prevalent in many parts of the state—a distinct price advantage.

Even with increased enforcement and over 1,500 illicit stores shut down, the black market continues to flourish, undermining legal businesses and depriving the state of much-needed revenue.

License Backlogs, Delays, and Confusion

Licensing delays and litigation have hampered the industry from day one. Although over 1,600 licenses were issued by the end of 2024, only a fraction of them are operational. Many applicants have waited months for updates, even after securing real estate and investing heavily.

OCM's new "single point of contact" model aims to streamline the process, but trust is still being rebuilt. The LOCAL Map tool is a step in the right direction, but many operators still face steep learning curves and a minefield of regulatory compliance.

Consumer Trends: Edibles, Vapes, and Bigger Brands

Flower still leads the way at 33% of sales, but consumer demand is shifting. Vaporizers (28%), edibles (14%), and concentrates (11%) are gaining traction. Price-conscious buyers are gravitating toward value options, particularly ounce-sized packages from ROs, which are cheaper on average than those from adult-use cultivators.

Brand loyalty is starting to emerge, with the top 5 brands accounting for 21% of total sales and the top 20 capturing nearly half. However, over 500 brands are currently in the market, and competition is fierce.

pie chart breaking down marketshare by product category in NY's legal cannabis marketShare of market by product category according to 2024 OCM Report - The Bluntness

Retail Disparity: A Tale of Two Markets

While sales are booming in Downstate regions, the Upstate market tells a different story. Despite having more open dispensaries, Upstate regions only accounted for 42% of reported sales in 2024. Dispensaries in less densely populated areas face longer ramps, higher per-store operating costs, and less customer traffic.

Moreover, while ROs and a handful of high-performing CAURD stores dominate sales, the bottom third of licensees are operating below breakeven. Many SEE licensees are still in limbo due to financing, construction, and municipal zoning delays, putting them at risk of falling behind before they ever open their doors.

What Needs to Happen Next?

The OCM recommends:

  • Continuing to prioritize and support SEE operators with real financial tools.
  • Streamlining the licensing process with more transparency and accountability.
  • Re-evaluating tax policies to make legal products competitive with the illicit market.
  • Encouraging brand diversity and innovation to capture more market share.
  • Strengthening data systems to improve market monitoring and consumer safety.

But recommendations alone won't fix structural issues. If New York wants to fulfill its promise of a socially equitable, thriving cannabis market, it must move faster, regulate smarter, and tax more fairly.

Because if not, the state's billion-dollar baby may never grow up.

Blunt Verdict: Progress, Yes. But Let’s Not Confuse Motion with Momentum.

Transparency in NY's Cannabis Market: The NYMCIA Controversy
Transparency in NY's Cannabis Market: The NYMCIA Controversy
Transparency in NY's Cannabis Market: The NYMCIA Controversy
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Selective Outrage Hurts NY Cannabis

New York’s cannabis market is at a crossroads. Selective enforcement and public manipulation threaten the very foundation equity was built on. Here’s an analysis of the NYMCIA accusations — and why the entire industry must demand better. Written by Jason Ambrosino, Founder and CEO of Veterans Holdings, a Disabled Veteran-Owned Cannabis Business in New York State.

Authored by: Veterans Holdings CEO Jason Ambrosino

Last week, the New York Medical Cannabis Industry Association (NYMCIA) issued a press release accusing licensed dispensaries of selling "out-of-state cannabis" and undermining the integrity of the legal market. Read the press release here.

Public trust matters. Regulatory compliance matters. But trust is not built through accusations based on incomplete science and selective outrage.

After reviewing the NYMCIA’s claims and the underlying lab report they referenced, it is clear that their conclusions are neither professionally sound nor fairly applied.

NYMCIA’s Real Membership and Interests

NYMCIA is not simply a voice for patients or small businesses. It is a lobbying association for some of the largest multi-state operators (MSOs) in the country, including Curaleaf, Acreage, and Columbia Care.

These same MSOs have:

  • Lobbied aggressively to accelerate their own entry into the adult-use market, cutting short the period intended to prioritize social equity operators.
  • Sued the state to avoid paying the $20 million participation fee designed to fund social equity initiatives.
  • Opposed efforts to allow home grow rights for patients and consumers.

Understanding who is behind NYMCIA’s messaging is critical to understanding the motivations behind their recent press release.

Flaws in the "Proof" Presented

The Lexachrom Analytical Laboratory report cited by NYMCIA relies primarily on isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) and soil residue analysis. While these scientific tools can provide information about environmental conditions, they cannot definitively determine where a cannabis plant was grown.

Several serious flaws are immediately clear:

  • Isotope markers like δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N, and δ²H are not location GPS markers. They can indicate broad environmental patterns but cannot pinpoint state or origin with certainty.
  • Soil inputs are not static. Commercially available soil brands like FoxFarm, produced in California, are widely sold across the United States. A New York cultivator using FoxFarm soil would logically display “California” markers without engaging in illegal interstate commerce.
  • The lab report itself admits only a "medium-to-high confidence" and recommends further confirmatory testing. Despite this, NYMCIA moved forward with public accusations.

Furthermore, no information about sample collection, chain of custody, or independent peer review has been provided. Without these elements, the claims should not have been treated as definitive.

Selective Enforcement and Curaleaf’s Aqueous Extraction

What makes this situation more troubling is the selective application of scrutiny.

One of NYMCIA’s most prominent members, Curaleaf, is currently producing extracts using an “aqueous extraction” method. While cold-water mechanical separation (ice water hash) is permitted under New York’s regulations, chemically assisted aqueous extraction — involving buffers, acids, or chemical filtrations — raises serious compliance questions.

The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has already set a precedent: When Jenny’s cannabis was found to be using an unapproved R134A extraction method, enforcement was swift and decisive, even though that method was later approved.

If enforcement is to be credible, it must be consistent. Curaleaf’s extraction practices should face the same level of regulatory review, not quiet exception.

Article contentOriginal Concept: Jason Ambrosino | Artwork generated via AI Illustration.


Protecting Incumbents vs. Building a Fair Market

By leveraging incomplete science and selectively targeting competitors, NYMCIA risks damaging the legitimacy of the legal cannabis market at a fragile time.

New York's cannabis industry deserves:

  • Transparent, evidence-based enforcement
  • Equal scrutiny for all operators, regardless of size or influence
  • A commitment to building a diverse and equitable marketplace

Weaponizing regulatory narratives to protect large incumbents weakens public trust and undermines the original goals of cannabis legalization.

Conclusion: New York Can Lead, If We Lead With Integrity.

Selective outrage will not build a sustainable market. Selective enforcement will not earn public trust. New York’s cannabis future must be built on transparency, fairness, and consistent regulatory standards.

We must hold ourselves, our trade associations, and our regulators to a higher standard.

The New York cannabis industry has an opportunity to set the national model — but only if we lead with integrity.

If you believe in a transparent, fair cannabis industry, now is the time to speak up. The future of New York's market depends on it.

This article was originally published on LinkedIn and published here with permission.

gif of actor Kevin James from King of Queens; asking "How Much Does That Cost?"
Why Is Some Weed More Expensive Than Others? Understanding Cannabis Pricing
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Unraveling Cannabis Pricing: Factors Behind the Cost of Weed

From Budget Buds to Premium Flower: Inside the Complex Economics of Cannabis Pricing and What It Means for Your Wallet.


Step inside a cannabis dispensary for the first time and the experience can be overwhelming. The meticulously labeled glass jars showcase dozens of strains with names like "Wedding Cake" and "Blue Dream," while refrigerated cases display concentrates, edibles, and tinctures at wildly different price points. Unlike the days when consumers were limited to whatever their neighborhood dealer offered, today's legal market presents a dazzling array of options that might leave newcomers with both wonder and sticker shock.

One thing customers notice immediately: not all cannabis is priced equally. A gram of one strain might cost an affordable $4 while another could command premium prices that seem puzzlingly high. This price disparity raises questions for both newcomers and experienced consumers alike. Is expensive weed worth it, or are you simply paying a "hype tax"?

The Economics Behind Cannabis Pricing

The cannabis industry operates under unique market conditions shaped by several interconnected factors:

Federal Regulations and Their Ripple Effects

Despite growing state-level legalization, the federal government's classification of marijuana as a controlled substance creates complications that directly impact pricing:

  • Banking restrictions force many businesses to operate cash-only, increasing security costs
  • Interstate commerce prohibition prevents efficient supply chain optimization
  • Tax code section 280E prevents cannabis businesses from deducting ordinary business expenses, significantly increasing their effective tax rates

A 2023 industry analysis estimated these federal constraints add 30-40% to operational costs compared to similar retail businesses. When combined with state-specific licensing fees that can reach into hundreds of thousands of dollars annually, these regulatory hurdles create substantial overhead costs that inevitably get passed to consumers.

Cultivation Methods Matter

The way cannabis is grown dramatically affects both its quality and price:

Indoor cultivation requires substantial investment in specialized equipment—lighting systems, climate control, ventilation, and precise nutrient delivery systems. These controlled environments allow for year-round growing with consistent results but at higher production costs.

Outdoor cultivation harnesses natural sunlight and soil, drastically reducing production costs. However, outdoor grows are subject to seasonal limitations, weather risks, and typically produce one or two harvests annually.

Greenhouse and mixed-light cultivation offers a middle ground, using natural sunlight supplemented with artificial lighting while providing some environmental controls.

John Kaye, co-founder of cannabis retailer Burb, explains that cultivation method directly impacts the final product: "The nose (does it smell pungent/pleasant?), color (look for vibrant green buds with orange/red hairs), feel (is it sticky, dense?), burn (how clean does it smoke?)—these qualities often correlate with production methods."

image of an indoor commercial green house growing cannabisWhen it comes to pricing, cultivation methods matter - The Bluntness Photo by Richard T on Unsplash

Quality Indicators and Their Price Impact

Several factors signal premium cannabis that commands higher prices:

  • Cannabinoid profile: While THC percentage remains a key pricing factor, the industry is increasingly recognizing the value of balanced cannabinoid profiles and diverse terpene content. Premium products often feature precise ratios of THC, CBD, CBG, and other cannabinoids targeted for specific effects.
  • Terpene preservation: These aromatic compounds not only create the plant's distinctive scents but significantly influence its effects through what scientists call the "entourage effect." Premium cultivation and processing methods preserve these delicate compounds.
  • Appearance: Properly cultivated, trimmed and cured cannabis displays vibrant colors, visible trichomes (the crystal-like structures containing cannabinoids), and proper moisture content without being too dry or too damp.
  • Proper curing: This meticulous post-harvest process can take 2-8 weeks as opposed to rushed methods that might take just days. Proper curing preserves cannabinoids and terpenes while removing chlorophyll and other compounds that create harsh smoke.
  • Clean cultivation: Premium products increasingly emphasize organic growing methods that avoid harsh pesticides, producing a cleaner final product. Lab testing verifies not just potency but the absence of contaminants, molds, or chemical residues.

The Brand Factor

Like other consumer goods, branding significantly influences cannabis pricing. An anonymous former dispensary inventory manager in Colorado (whom we'll call Keith) revealed: "Some growers get a name for themselves and raise prices accordingly. Customers are at times paying more for the grower's reputation than the objective quality of their product."

This aligns with broader retail principles. "It's all about the same things as prices in any other business: the profit they hope to gain based on what it costs them to have the product, and customer perceptions of what is worth that price," Keith explained.

Local Market Dynamics

Cannabis pricing also responds to local market conditions:

  • Market maturity: Newer legal markets typically have higher prices that gradually decline as more businesses enter the space and production capacity increases.
  • Taxation structure: State and local cannabis taxes vary dramatically, from modest to punitive, directly affecting final consumer prices.
  • Competition density: Areas with numerous dispensaries typically see more competitive pricing than those with limited retail options.

The Consumer Perspective

Cannabis consumers navigate these pricing factors differently based on their priorities and experience levels.

Some, like 38-year-old Colin, believe quality differences justify price premiums: "Those differently priced strains probably don't look the same or smell the same. There are probably large quality differences in the final product that account for the price difference."

Others approach the market more skeptically. Corey, a 34-year-old dance instructor from Chicago, suggests high prices sometimes exploit novice consumers: "The average person is exactly who dispensaries want coming through those doors because they can tell you weed will give you energy and you'll believe them for some reason."

Many consumers find themselves balancing budget with quality preferences. "The cheap stuff ruins my throat. The good stuff ruins my wallet," one consumer told us. "The fact that we can get it legally, though, is priceless."

Navigating Price vs. Value: A Consumer Guide

For consumers seeking to maximize value, industry experts recommend considering:

  1. Personal tolerance and needs: Higher-potency products might provide better value for experienced consumers despite higher upfront costs. If 10mg of THC produces your desired effect, a $40 product with 200mg total THC (20 doses) may offer better value than a $20 product with 50mg (5 doses).
  2. Consumption method efficiency: Different methods have vastly different bioavailability rates. Smoking and vaping typically deliver 10-35% of cannabinoids to your bloodstream, while edibles might deliver only 4-12% (but with longer-lasting effects). This efficiency directly affects the real cost per experience.
  3. Dispensary loyalty programs: Many retailers offer significant discounts (10-15%) for returning customers or first-time visitors. Taking advantage of these programs can substantially reduce costs without sacrificing quality.
  4. Targeted terpene profiles: Sometimes mid-priced products with specific terpene combinations (like myrcene for relaxation or limonene for mood elevation) offer precisely the effects a consumer wants without premium pricing.
  5. Transparency in testing: Reputable producers provide comprehensive lab results confirming not just potency but also terpene profiles and the absence of contaminants, pesticides, and heavy metals. This information helps ensure you're getting what you pay for.
  6. Harvest and package dates: Freshness significantly impacts quality, with properly stored cannabis maintaining optimal properties for about six months. Products approaching their one-year mark often sell at discount but may have diminished potency and terpene content.

Market Maturation: The New York Example

The evolution of cannabis pricing becomes clearer when examining maturing markets like New York. Recent data shows the average price for 3.5 grams of cannabis at New York dispensaries has fallen from $41.13 when legal sales launched in 2022 to $38.96 in early 2025. The price drops extend across product categories, with one gram of concentrate decreasing from $58.92 to $50.30 and one-gram vape products dropping from $64.89 to $55.35, according to a New York Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) analysis.

John Kagia, OCM's executive director of market policy, innovation, and analytics, attributes these shifts to increasing competition: "Retailers are adjusting their prices as part of their competitive strategy as more locations have opened. While it remains a little early to determine all the factors driving the retail price compression, it is common to see price compression as new markets mature and competition intensifies."

New York's cannabis ecosystem now features over 500 brands with approximately 370 retail locations, creating a competitive landscape that benefits consumers through lower prices. "Lower prices indicate a growing diversity of products available in the market," Kagia notes. "They increase affordability for consumers and enable the legal market to compete more effectively against the illicit market."

This market evolution has impacted dispensary revenues as well. While sales revenues per dispensary reached $599,000 in August 2024, by February 2025 that figure had dropped to $351,000 per store. Despite these per-location decreases, New York's overall cannabis market remains robust, with total sales reaching $1.46 billion since the launch of adult-use sales and on pace to hit $1.5 billion in 2025 alone.

The Future of Cannabis Pricing

As legal markets continue maturing nationwide, several trends are emerging:

  • Price normalization: Initial high prices in new markets typically decline as production scales up and competition increases, as demonstrated by New York's experience.
  • Quality stratification: Like wine or coffee markets, cannabis is developing distinct price tiers based on objective quality differences and production methods.
  • Consumer education: As buyers become more knowledgeable, pricing based purely on THC percentage or marketing hype becomes less effective.
  • Production efficiencies: Improved growing techniques and technology are helping producers deliver higher quality at lower cost.

A Market Finding Its Equilibrium

The legal cannabis industry continues evolving rapidly, with pricing structures that reflect its unique regulatory challenges, production complexities, and maturing consumer preferences. This evolution demonstrates classic economic principles at work, as markets move from novelty pricing toward equilibrium.

"We're witnessing what economists would call market normalization," says Dr. Beau Whitney, founder of Whitney Economics, a leading cannabis economic research firm. "The initial premium pricing we see in new markets reflects limited supply meeting pent-up demand, but with time, production capacity increases, competition intensifies, and prices tend to stabilize at levels that balance producer profitability with consumer affordability."

For shoppers navigating this complex landscape, understanding the factors behind cannabis pricing helps them make choices aligned with both their preferences and budgets. The education gap between newcomers and experienced consumers is narrowing as dispensary staff improve their ability to guide customers through the range of options.

Whether seeking budget-friendly options or premium craft cannabis, today's consumers benefit from unprecedented choice and transparency—a welcome change from the days when whatever the dealer had was the only option available. The industry's ongoing price evolution reflects not just changing consumer preferences and growing competition, but also cannabis's gradual transition from forbidden substance to mainstream consumer product.

image of a circle of doctors and surgeons standing over and looking at a patient on operating room table
New Study Confirms Medical Cannabis Benefits in Cancer Care—Time for Policy to Catch Up
Photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash
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Cannabis & Cancer: The Evidence Is In—So Why Is the Medical Establishment Still Dragging Its Feet?

A new meta-analysis of 10,000+ studies confirms what patients have known for decades: cannabis helps cancer care. The real question now is, when will healthcare and policy finally reflect the evidence?

If you've ever watched a loved one battle cancer—or been on that journey yourself—you already know the harsh truth: the pain is real, the nausea is relentless, the appetite is gone, and the side effects of treatment often feel worse than the disease. So when patients say cannabis helps, it shouldn’t take 10,000 studies for the medical community to take them seriously.

And yet, here we are.

A groundbreaking meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Oncology this month reviewed more than 10,000 peer-reviewed studies covering nearly 40,000 individual data points related to medical cannabis and cancer. The conclusion? Cannabis offers “significant” therapeutic benefits for patients living with cancer—particularly in managing pain, inflammation, appetite loss, and chemotherapy-induced nausea. The research even hints at potential anticancer properties, though that part of the science is still early and evolving.

“Our findings strongly suggest that medical cannabis can significantly improve quality of life for cancer patients,” said Dr. Marcin Chwistek, a palliative care specialist who contributed to the review.

That should be a mic-drop moment. But instead of making headlines, this kind of evidence often gets buried under layers of stigma, regulatory inertia, and pharmaceutical gatekeeping.

What the Study Actually Says (and Why It Matters)

Unlike many smaller or anecdotal reports, this was not a one-off trial or industry-funded white paper. This was the first large-scale systematic review to pull from real-world patient data, clinical trials, lab studies, and pre-clinical research to paint a global picture of how cannabis interacts with cancer care.

Key findings include:

  • Robust support for using cannabis to relieve chronic pain in cancer patients, often with fewer side effects than opioids.
  • Evidence that cannabis can reduce nausea, vomiting, and anorexia caused by chemotherapy.
  • Signals that cannabinoids may have anti-inflammatory and even tumor-suppressing properties—though this area still needs deeper exploration.
  • Patients overwhelmingly reported improved quality of life, including better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved mood.

So why isn’t this the standard of care yet?

A Legal Industry, Still Treated Like a Crime Scene

Here’s where the frustration—and hypocrisy—kicks in. Despite medical cannabis being legal in 38 U.S. states and a growing list of countries worldwide, patients and doctors alike are operating in a legal gray zone.

  • Federal law in the U.S. still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug—on par with heroin.
  • Physicians often lack training or confidence to prescribe cannabis, thanks to outdated curricula and risk-averse healthcare systems.
  • Patients have to self-medicate, navigating dispensary menus without guidance while dodging insurance hurdles and social judgment.

If this were any other drug—especially one backed by thousands of studies—there would be a pharma giant running national commercials, lobbyists pushing legislation, and glossy brochures in every hospital waiting room. But cannabis?

Still controversial.

Still marginalized.

It’s Not Just Medical: It’s Political

The Guardian’s recent coverage of this study rightfully noted the disconnect between mounting scientific evidence and glacial policy change. Cannabis remains a politically charged substance, often debated through the lens of moral panic rather than clinical data.

Even in places where medical cannabis is legal, access is uneven. Many cancer patients—especially in rural, lower-income, or conservative regions—struggle to get legal access or face stigma from their care teams. Others simply can’t afford the out-of-pocket costs because cannabis isn’t covered by insurance.

This isn’t just about science anymore—it’s about power, politics, and who gets to control healthcare narratives.

The Blunt Take: Let the Science Lead, Not the Stigma

We’ve reached the tipping point. The science says cannabis helps. The patients say cannabis helps. So what are we waiting for?

If we’re serious about evidence-based medicine, it’s time to:

  • Deschedule cannabis federally and integrate it into mainstream care.
  • Mandate cannabis education in medical schools and continuing education programs.
  • Fund longitudinal research into cannabis not just as a palliative tool, but as a potential anticancer agent.
  • Give patients access, insurance support, and dignity—without treating them like criminals or guinea pigs.

This isn’t a radical idea. It’s a rational one.

Because if 10,000 studies don’t prove the point, maybe it’s time to stop questioning the plant—and start questioning the system.

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