Editor’s note: This article previously indicated Nova Scotia had private cannabis retailers. In fact, cannabis is only available at the government regulated NSLC. Global News regrets the error.
Cannabis is now available to purchase across the country for recreational use, and we’re finally getting a look at how the plant is being priced.
The price point has been a hotly debated issue, as four in 10 Canadians have said the price of pot will determine whether they buy cannabis legally.
MORE: For the launch of our weekly newsletter Cannabis IQ, we’re giving away $100 Visa gift cards. Click here to find out more.
According to the Statistics Canada, on average, the price of pot on the black market was around $6.83 per gram.
Canadians are willing to spend a little more to make sure they get their weed legally — but experts say the price can’t be too high or buyers will stick with the black market.
Michael Amlung, a behavioural neuroscience assistant professor and a faculty affiliate of the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research at McMaster University, said his data shows that between $10-$14 per gram is the optimal price for Ontario.
WATCH: Alberta cannabis store Fire & Flower explains different strains of pot
Provinces and territories are responsible for regulating pot sales, and new online shopping sites, both government-run and private, show there is a wide variety of marijuana with a variety of prices. Here’s a look at pot prices across the country:
B.C. –
In British Columbia, cannabis is available online and in government approved private stores. The government-run website offers dried cannabis flowers at $6.99-$16.28 per gram.
For the more expensive ones, you can buy at around $50 for 3.5 grams. You can also get a pre-roll for $4.20.
Alberta –
Private retailers will sell cannabis along with the official AGLC website. Prices range from $9.24-$15.42 a gram, but pot is also sold at $49.99 per 3.5 grams.
You can get a pre-rolled cigarette for $6.64.
WATCH: Cannabis company CEO says there’s no precedent or business model to follow so he’s following legalization in Canada closely
Saskatchewan –
Private retailers are allowed to set their own price. Retailer Eden in Edenwold, Sask. told Global News they are selling at $18.99 a gram, which would make it the most expensive province in the country to buy just a single gram. You can buy larger quantities for a cheaper per gram. Retailer Fire and Flower has listed their pot at $13-$16 per gram.
Manitoba –
The province has licensed four stores, which are allowed to sell online or in a traditional storefront. Delta 9 Cannabis is selling online for $12 a gram, but supplies sold out within hours of opening.
Ontario –
The government-run website is selling cannabis for between $7.95-$13.25 per gram, though an oral spray can cost more than $100.
Private stores are expected to be up and running in April.
WATCH: Grow your own pot crop — cannabis experts explain process ahead of legalization
Quebec –
Quebec has previously said products will be priced at $5.25 a gram, taxes included. Marijuana will also be available at private retailers.
WATCH: Big lines ahead of cannabis store opening in Quebec
New Brunswick –
New Brunswick’s official government retailer has listed prices from $8.50-14.99. A joint can cost $7.50 or more. Private retailers are also available.
READ MORE: Cannabis legalization could prompt new trade battle in the Maritimes
Nova Scotia –
Cannabis is available from the official government retailer from $6.33-$10.99 for “value cannabis,” $9-$10.98 for “core cannabis,” and $10.99 and above for “premium cannabis.”
PEI –
Prince Edward Island has cannabis priced from $5.65 and up from government retailers. Private retailers are also available.
Newfoundland and Labrador –
The first province that was able to sell marijuana priced it out at $4.79 for a pre-roll, and the dried flower is selling for $6.89 and up per gram on the online government website. There are also privately owned stores.
WATCH: Newfoundland makes history with first sale of legal recreational marijuana in Canada
Yukon –
Officials told local media that pot will retail between *$6-$20* a gram, but the cheapest variety won’t be available on Oct. 17. The cheapest variety available at the beginning of legalization is expected to be around $8.
Nunavut –
Private stores approved by the government are allowed to sell in store and online. The only retailer approved for online sales was Tweed, which didn’t list prices.
Northwest Territories –
Along with private retailers, the government’s online store was selling cannabis from $13.13-$17.50 per gram.
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