How Much Does Weed Cost in New York?

Recently, there has been more interest in the use of medical marijuana in the United States. Over 30 states have currently legalized weed to use medically. Some of the states also allow for recreational use of cannabis, and others only allow you to use the herb for medicinal purposes. 

Thanks to the legalization of medical cannabis in New York — and additional research that might expand its use in the future — you might have a lot of questions about the costs that go into using medical cannabis. If you are wondering what you can expect to pay for medical marijuana in the state of New York, keep reading. 

What Influences the Cost?

A number of factors influence the cost of medical cannabis in the United States. Better understanding each of these factors will help you get a better understanding of the true cost of the herb based on your personal situation. However, because cannabis is considered a Schedule 1 drug under federal law, your insurance company isn’t allowed to help you pay for your products. You will need to use your own money to buy cannabis from a medical dispensary in New York.

Location of Your Purchase

Where you get your cannabis and the quality of your herb will both be important in influencing how much you can expect to pay. In New York, getting a 30-day supply might cost around $50 or even several hundred dollars. It all depends on what you purchase. The quantity and type of product also play a role. But remember that under New York law, you are only allowed to possess a 30-day supply at most. 

Types of the Herb

Because medical cannabis is so popular, you can now get it in many different forms. You can find tablets, capsules, vapes, oral sprays, and tinctures. You might also be able to get concentrates, and these will come at different prices depending on the product you choose. It is prohibited to use edibles or smoke cannabis in the state of New York.

Tinctures

Think of tinctures as being concentrated forms of medical marijuana. They come in a liquid form, and you can usually get 1-ounce bottles. You will use a dropper to apply the tincture under your tongue, and this will usually be done every four to five hours. Then, you can expect it to take effect after about half an hour. Many medical marijuana users consider this to be a very cost-effective method of getting a dose. You can expect to pay around $15 to $50 for one bottle, depending on how strong your concentration is. 

Some people believe that heat can cause the cannabinoids to break down, so they find that tinctures are better for trying to manage their symptoms. You will want to start at around 2.5 milligrams of the tincture and then go up gradually, so you can avoid taking too much. To prevent the substance from breaking down, you should store your tincture in a cool, dark area. 

Vaping

Inhaling vapors is very popular. You can expect to pay around $70 to $85 for one vape. Using your vape supplies is simple, and just like with smoking, you can expect to feel the effects nearly immediately. However, the vape will not last as long as your tincture. It will often only last for about two to three hours. But it is good if you need an immediate dose of marijuana. 

When you vape marijuana, you are essentially heating the active ingredients and boiling them. This turns them into a vapor that you can then inhale. The vaporizer will stay under 428 degrees, so you do not reach the temperature that causes the cannabinoids to combust. 

If you combust them, then you are potentially creating toxic components, such as carbon monoxide and benzene. If you smoke cannabis, then you are consuming those components. Vaporizing does not create these toxins, but it can still deliver the cannabinoids and the terpenes to your bloodstream quickly. 

Vaping has a very similar process to smoking. You will inhale the vapor, hold it for around three to five seconds, and then exhale. If you cough, then the vaporizer might be too hot and is most likely producing smoke. You might not taste your cannabis when you are vaping. 

It is easy to take too much marijuana when vaping because it is not as harsh as smoke is. You should start out with a low dose and go slowly. Then, you can work your way up to find the right dose for your symptoms. Remember, if you get too high, you might not be benefiting from the substance, and you will end up wasting the product that you paid for. 

Capsules and Tablets

This is one of the most expensive products. But one of the advantages is that like with edibles, capsules or tablets can last for as long as six to eight hours. That makes it a more desirable option for many people, especially if they have unrelenting, chronic pain. But you can expect to pay over $200 for your month’s supply of capsules. 

Topicals

Topicals are becoming more popular, and some people believe that they can be anti-inflammatory. As technology becomes more advanced, companies are creating new methods to enhance how your body absorbs the cannabinoids through the skin. You can find creams that are infused with CBD or THC, and some people use them to try to relieve muscle spasms or pain. 

The price will vary depending on the size you choose. But they do not have psychoactive effects, so many people use them to get more localized effects. Topicals are also good if you are on the go. Some people use them to try to help with psoriasis or eczema, as well.

Closing Thoughts

Getting your medical marijuana card is not hard, and you can often do it through a telemedicine appointment. This saves you time and prevents you from having to ever leave your home.