Cannabis flower prices and purchase sources varied widely across US state legal frameworks
Survey data from 2019-2020 found cannabis flower prices and purchase sources differed significantly based on whether respondents lived in states with legal, medical-only, or illegal cannabis markets.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Cannabis prices and purchasing patterns differed significantly across states with different legal frameworks. Consumers in legal states had more options and different price structures than those in medical-only or prohibition states.
Key Numbers
Survey data from 2019 and 2020. US respondents ages 16-65 who purchased dried cannabis flower. Prices and sources compared across states with legal, medical-only, and illegal frameworks.
How They Did This
Repeat cross-sectional survey data from the International Cannabis Policy Study (2019-2020). US respondents ages 16-65 recruited through online panels who purchased dried cannabis flower. Analyzed prices and sources by state legal status.
Why This Research Matters
Cannabis pricing affects public health through accessibility, competition with illegal markets, and tax revenue. Understanding how legal frameworks shape pricing informs policy optimization.
The Bigger Picture
If legal cannabis is priced too high, consumers stay in the illegal market. If priced too low, it may increase use. Finding the right balance is one of the most important practical challenges in cannabis policy.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Online panel survey may not be representative. Self-reported prices subject to recall errors. Cannabis market conditions change rapidly. 2019-2020 data may not reflect current markets. Cannot verify purchase amounts or prices.
Questions This Raises
- ?What price point optimally balances illegal market displacement with public health goals?
- ?How have prices changed since more states legalized?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- Cannabis prices and purchase sources differed significantly by state legal status
- Evidence Grade:
- Repeat cross-sectional survey with appropriate methodology. Online panel may not be fully representative.
- Study Age:
- Published 2023. Survey data from 2019-2020.
- Original Title:
- Prices and Purchase Sources for Dried Cannabis Flower in the United States, 2019-2020.
- Published In:
- Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(5), 923-932 (2023)
- Authors:
- Wadsworth, Elle(11), Driezen, Pete(7), Pacula, Rosalie Liccardo(18), Kilmer, Beau, Hammond, David
- Database ID:
- RTHC-05008
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Is legal cannabis more expensive than illegal cannabis?
It varies. This study found that prices and sources differed across state legal frameworks. Legal markets often include taxes that raise retail prices, but competition among licensed retailers can also drive prices down over time. The relationship between legal and illegal market pricing is dynamic.
Where do people buy cannabis?
Purchase sources depend heavily on legal status. In fully legal states, consumers had more source options including licensed dispensaries. In medical-only and illegal states, consumers relied more on social networks and illegal dealers.
Read More on RethinkTHC
Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-05008APA
Wadsworth, Elle; Driezen, Pete; Pacula, Rosalie Liccardo; Kilmer, Beau; Hammond, David. (2023). Prices and Purchase Sources for Dried Cannabis Flower in the United States, 2019-2020.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 8(5), 923-932. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0232
MLA
Wadsworth, Elle, et al. "Prices and Purchase Sources for Dried Cannabis Flower in the United States, 2019-2020.." Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0232
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Prices and Purchase Sources for Dried Cannabis Flower in the..." RTHC-05008. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/wadsworth-2023-prices-and-purchase-sources
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.