Survey: The price of medical weed in Virginia is too damn high
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The vast majority of Virginia's medical marijuana patients say the cost of their medicinal weed is too high at the state's licensed dispensaries, according to a new survey.
Why it matters: High cost is pushing some Virginians out of state or to unregulated "gray markets" for their medical weed needs.
The big picture: Virginia Cannabis Control Authority, the agency that oversees the state's medicinal program, surveyed just over 800 current marijuana patients over the summer, Radio IQ reported.
- They found that while 80% or more of respondents are satisfied with the program and plan to continue using it, patients were overwhelmingly dissatisfied with the cost of marijuana at the dispensaries licensed to sell it.
By the numbers: 93% of respondents said the price of cannabis in Virginia medical dispensaries is too high.
- 74% strongly disagreed with the statement that the cost of medical cannabis is reasonable.
- 54% reported going out of state to buy it.
- 7% said they've opted to buy from unregulated markets.
Zoom in: At Richmond's licensed dispensaries, 3.5 grams of flower (or about 1/8 oz.) — the most common type of product survey takers purchase — costs around $50-$60, per an Axios review.
- Similar products from D.C.'s medicinal dispensaries — Virginians most common out-of-state destination — are around $38.50-$45.
Yes, but: Despite the high cost, nearly 60% of respondents said they spend $200 more a month on marijuana.
- They purchase on average 28 grams of flower and six edible products per month.
- And 81% use it daily.
What's next: Lowering the cost of Virginia's medicinal weed was the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority's No. 1 recommendation for next steps for the state.