Study: Medical marijuana is more expensive in Virginia

• The review found Virginia has some of the highest medical marijuana prices in the country, driving would-be patients to other sources.

By the numbers: Marijuana flower sells in Virginia medical dispensaries for an average of $14 per gram, per the study, which was completed by Cannabis Public Policy Consulting.

• Meanwhile, medical patients in Florida and Pennsylvania pay an average of $10 per gram. The price is $9 in Arkansas.

What they're saying: A survey of Virginia patients found just 23% patronized a regulated dispensary in the prior month, compared to more than 50% who said they obtained marijuana from a dealer, legally grew it themselves or received it as a gift from someone else.

• 66% cited cost as a barrier to accessing medical dispensaries.

The big picture: To bring down prices, the study's authors suggested increasing competition among medical providers, who currently operate as state-sanctioned monopolies within five districts.