Cannabis Prices by State

Cannabis prices vary dramatically across U.S. legal markets, with flower ranging from $2.96 per gram in Michigan to $8.28 per gram in Maryland. This price tracker compiles official data from state cannabis regulatory agencies to provide the most accurate, up-to-date pricing information available for legal adult-use cannabis markets.

Why Cannabis Prices Differ by State

Cannabis price variation across states is primarily driven by federal prohibition of interstate commerce. Unlike most consumer goods, cannabis cannot be transported across state lines, forcing each state to operate as an isolated market with its own production capacity. This creates dramatic price disparities between efficient and inefficient state regulatory frameworks.

Licensing density and market structure are the dominant factors in pricing. States with restrictive licensing caps create artificial scarcity that elevates prices, while markets with competitive licensing see prices driven down through market forces. Market maturity compounds this effect - established markets like Colorado and Oregon have developed efficient cultivation operations and distribution networks over years, while newer markets like Maryland face higher prices as infrastructure develops.

Regional production costs play a secondary but significant role. West Coast states benefit from favorable outdoor growing climates and lower energy costs for year-round production. East Coast markets face higher overhead expenses for indoor cultivation facilities, climate control, and energy. Some states implement wholesale excise taxes collected at the cultivation level, which are embedded in retail pricing, but these represent a minor component compared to structural market efficiency factors.

State-by-State Cannabis Price Analysis

Low-Price Markets (Under $4/gram)

Michigan ($2.96/gram) offers highly competitive pricing driven by a large number of licensed cultivators and robust market competition. Colorado ($3.18/gram) and California ($3.20/gram) represent mature West Coast markets with established supply chains and efficient production. Oregon ($3.33/gram) completes the low-cost tier, benefiting from favorable growing conditions and competitive licensing.

Mid-Range Markets ($4-$6/gram)

Massachusetts ($4.01/gram) maintains moderate pricing despite its East Coast location, benefiting from a well-developed cultivation infrastructure and competitive retail environment. Illinois ($6.25/gram) shows higher pricing typical of Midwest markets, where cultivation costs are elevated and the market is still maturing since recreational legalization in 2020.

High-Price Markets (Over $6/gram)

Maine ($6.38/gram) reflects pricing dynamics in smaller East Coast markets with limited economies of scale. Maryland ($8.28/gram) represents the highest prices tracked, characteristic of a newer market (adult-use sales began July 2023) still developing cultivation capacity and distribution networks. As Maryland's market matures, prices are expected to decline toward the national median.

Data Sources and Methodology

All pricing data is sourced directly from official state cannabis regulatory agencies. We compile the most recent available data for each state, which typically represents average or median retail pricing for cannabis flower (also called "buds" or "usable marijuana"). Data collection dates vary by state based on their reporting schedules - most states publish monthly or quarterly market data.

Price calculations are standardized to per-gram pricing for direct comparison across markets. Some states report wholesale prices (California), while others report retail prices inclusive of state taxes. Where applicable, notes indicate the specific calculation methodology used. All source links connect directly to official state data portals for transparency and verification.

Cannabis Price Trends and Market Outlook

The overall trend in cannabis pricing shows continued decline as markets mature. Colorado, for example, has seen prices drop from over $9/gram in early years to current levels around $3/gram. This pattern reflects increasing cultivation efficiency, market competition, and reduced regulatory uncertainty. Newer markets typically start with higher prices that gradually decrease as supply chains optimize and more licenses are issued.

Federal prohibition remains the primary factor maintaining price disparities across state markets. Interstate commerce restrictions prevent efficient arbitrage between low-cost and high-cost markets. If federal legalization occurs, experts predict significant price convergence, with high-cost markets likely to see the most dramatic price reductions as cultivators in low-cost production regions gain access to national distribution.