The Cheapest Places to Buy Weed in the U.S.

Photo by on

?

When the national conversation about cannabis reform turned from whether to legalize weed to how, Americans began looking at where they could legally purchase cannabis. If you’re an avid user who doesn’t grow your own, it might seem like a no-brainer to get weed from a dispensary as soon as possible. After all, every minute spent waiting for Weedmaps deliveries or running errands is a minute you can’t be spending getting high. But the legality of cannabis varies widely by state. While some have legalized medical and/or recreational weed, others have not yet enacted any legislation that protects its users from being arrested for having and/or selling it. This means that if you live in one of the many places where marijuana is still not legal, searching for dispensaries that sell weed locally will likely prove more challenging than purchasing it online or even getting it delivered.

How to Buy Weed Legally in the U.S.

If you’re in a state where weed is legal for medical or recreational use, you’re in the clear. Shopping for cannabis in these states generally involves a simple process of finding a dispensary that sells medical or recreational weed, and then taking it home. Most states allow patients to buy medical weed from dispensaries that also sell recreational weed, allowing you to use it for whichever purpose you prefer. In other words, you can buy medical weed from a dispensary that also sells recreational marijuana. Some states, however, have begun legalizing the sale of “recreational marijuana only” dispensaries. So if you live in one of these places, you can find a dispensary that only sells medical marijuana, but not one that sells recreational weed.

Where to Buy Weed in the U.S.

For those who prefer to buy weed in person, the easiest way to find a dispensary that sells marijuana in your area is to check out a map website like Leafly or Weedmaps. Each of these sites has user-submitted reviews of dispensaries in your area, so you can quickly see which ones are most popular among the cannabis community. Other options for finding dispensaries include simply asking around at a local medical marijuana forum or subreddit, or perusing Weedmaps’ online search results. You can also try posting an online “wanted” ad, like the one below, to see if you can connect with any sellers nearby.

Cheapest Places to Buy Weed in the U.S.

One way to save money and time on your cannabis shopping trip is to shop for weed at a local farmers market. Many cities have a monthly or weekly market where local farmers and artisans sell fruits, vegetables, crafts and other products. While you’re likely to find less expensive items at these markets than at most dispensaries, you might also be able to find some organic, wild-grown cannabis if you’re willing to go to the market a bit early in the morning or a bit late in the afternoon when most of the other vendors are gone. Another option for buying weed at a cheaper price is to shop at a convenience store. Depending on the type of market your area has, you might be able to find a store that sells cheap, generic weed offerings (like buds in a plastic container or in bulk) that are identical to those sold at dispensaries. Look for a store that sells cheap, generic weed offerings (like buds in a plastic container or in bulk) that are identical to those sold at dispensaries.

If You Live in a State Where Marijuana is Legal

If, despite all your efforts, you still can’t find a place to buy weed in your area, you might be in luck. In some states, residents have been able to find ways to purchase weed despite the fact that it’s currently illegal. If you live in one of these states, you might be able to find someone who’s willing to sell you some weed. Alternatively, if you have an extra $50 or $100 burning a hole in your pocket, you might be able to buy a small amount from a “cash-only” dispensary. Some of these states also allow private cannabis clubs and/or events, like pot-focused networking groups, where you can socialize with other cannabis enthusiasts and/or meet other people who are interested in joining an informal buying club.

Colorado

Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana use, when voters approved the measure in 2012. Since then, an increasing number of states have followed suit, making it one of the most commonly-used types of cannabis in the U.S. While recreational weed is legal in all of Colorado’s 64 counties, it has the peculiar distinction of being the only state where the cannabis is considered legal by state law, but not by federal law. This means that while you can’t be arrested for possessing or selling weed in Colorado, the federal government could still arrest you, making it a risky state in which to purchase cannabis.

Washington State

Washington is another state where marijuana is legal for recreational and medical use, but its particular distinction is that it was one of the first states to enact full-blown legal protections for cannabis consumers. Starting in 2014, the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the state’s cannabis consumers were not “criminals” and could sue the state for legal protection as a result. Today, Washington residents who consume cannabis legally enjoy civil liberties protections such as the right to sue the state for damages for arresting them for having weed, the right to carry their weed anywhere they want, and the right to consume cannabis in private.

Oregon

Oregon is another state that has been on the forefront of marijuana reform, with full legalization becoming the law of the land in 2014. Since then, Oregon has been a hub for cannabis research and development, with a robust medical marijuana program and a budding culture of cannabis entrepreneurs. One of the state’s most unique features is that it allows people to buy unsanctioned cannabis in “gifts” of under 10 grams, avoiding the strict limitations imposed by most other states. This means that while you might not be able to buy marijuana in person at a store, you can still buy non-commercial amounts of bud in person, in a car, or at a concert.

California and Arizona

California, Arizona, Nevada and Maine are all states that have traditionally permitted medical marijuana, with Colorado and Washington also having legalized recreational weed. Together, these nine states make up over 70% of the U.S. population, making them a key focal point for cannabis consumers. Unfortunately, none of these states has yet passed any kind of legalization bill that would protect marijuana consumers from criminalization by federal government. And although President Trump has pledged to respect state marijuana laws, it’s still a federal crime to possess or sell cannabis in most parts of the country. That means that, in the absence of any state-level protection, weed consumers in these areas are still subject to arrest and prosecution by the federal government, despite the fact that a majority of Americans now support cannabis legalization.

Conclusion

The best way to find a place to buy weed in your area is to shop around and ask around. Most people who smoke weed will be happy to give you the lowdown on their favorite dispensaries, so feel free to ask everyone you know. You may be able to find a friend that has a connection to a dispensary that sells weed. Another way to find a place to buy weed is to check out online marketplaces that sell cannabis, like Weedmaps or Leafly. These sites allow users to search for dispensaries based on reviews from other users, as well as where they’re located. And if all else fails, you can always try your luck at a cannabis market. These events are usually held at night and are designed for people who want to find a place to purchase marijuana in their area.