Side Note

Here’s the state with the most expensive weed

A new story by Reuters tracks cannabis prices in states that have legalized recreational and/or medical use of the substance — an endeavor that has long been stymied by the federal prohibition. In the process of covering this burgeoning industry, the news site gave stoners and casual smokers across the country what it is they really want: hard data on which states really do have the cheapest (and most expensive) weed.

A big ol' bag of weed.

A big ol' bag of weed.

The Pacific Northwest is informally known for its affordable prices on good-quality weed, but according to the new data (which is dated March 9), Colorado actually has America’s cheapest weed at $1,008 per pound. And while many a West Coaster would like to think the East Coast has the country’s most expensive buds, that misfortune actually belongs to Alaska, where a pound is currently worth $5,496. (Meaning, if your dealer really loved you and gave you wholesale prices, you’d get an eighth in Colorado for about $7.87 and one in Alaska for a disappointing $42.94.)

According to the piece, as the legal cannabis industry grows, hard data will come to replace word of mouth more and more when it comes to selling and marketing the product. For the average consumer, that kind of transparency will hopefully mean no more getting ripped off when you’re new in town.