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bostondotcom OP t1_j071gl7 wrote

From reporter Ross Cristantiello:

Recreational cannabis has never been cheaper in Massachusetts than it was this year.

Prices have been steadily decreasing for more than a year, and those running businesses in the burgeoning industry expect them to keep dropping. While customers may be rejoicing over greater access to marijuana, the lowering of prices has some concerned about the ramifications for cultivators, small businesses, and the employees that make it all run.

Examining cannabis prices and the reasons they have decreased so significantly offers a peek into the state of an industry at a crossroads.

Cheaper than ever

In October, the average price for a gram of flower (the buds of the cannabis plant that are typically ground up and smoked) dropped to $7.76, an all-time low, according to the most recent data from the state’s Cannabis Control Commission.

The average price for a gram did rise slightly in November, back up to $8.04. Still, that was below September’s average price for a gram of flower, $9.17. The average price in September was also an all-time low at the time. So was the average price in August.

Cannabis prices stayed relatively consistent from late 2018, when recreational sales began, through 2019, 2020, and most of 2021. The average price for a gram of flower did drop to $9.74 in April 2020 as the pandemic upended business in a number of ways. But prices shot back up, hovering above $14 for a gram until June 2021. Prices decreased every month since then, with the steepest drop coming between September and October of this year.

Recreational cannabis sales revenue is also going down. Adult-use marijuana sellers in Massachusetts brought in $112.2 million in November, the lowest amount since February of this year, according to data from the CCC. Sales numbers peaked in July, with $132.4 million earned. Sales revenue fell steadily through the fall, but a significant decrease occurred between October and November.

Read more: https://www.boston.com/news/business/2022/12/13/cannabis-prices-recreational-massachusetts-plummet-dispensary-owners-future/

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Greengrass30 t1_j074rud wrote

I went to a dispensary once. There was like 10 people working the storefront and another 1 or 2 checking ID before letting you in. I went in and they just pointed me to a touchscreen to place an order. Wasn't the experience I thought I was going to get

−4

pab_guy t1_j07ave5 wrote

Yeah the regulations were designed by assholes who wanted the experience to suck. So stupid and pointless and wasteful. Plus you can't even see the fucking product before purchase. Fuck all of that.

3

MrRileyJr t1_j07bq1h wrote

Did you try talking to any of the 10 people? I've never had a problem talking with them about what to get, and seen others do the same. The only time they point at the screen was to have me take a look at something, because they're basically the menu. Whenever I talk they're always happy to help & knowledgeable, usually get better stuff that way too. This has been at several dispensaries too, not a one-off.

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asscheeseterps710 t1_j07bu13 wrote

Grow it yourself Massachusetts people. You will produce terps and actually get high unlike Massachusetts dirty large scale grows. Read 1 book about growing weed watch 1 grow journal that has every step germinating, veg, flower, dry and cure it’s so easy a idiot like me can do it.

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Sirhc978 t1_j07efcv wrote

The thing is, I have never bought flower at a dispensary. I only go there for vape carts or edibles. I especially like those 1:1 pill looking things. I can't even remember the last time I smoked a joint or hit a bowl.

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FitPossibility1268 t1_j07h04k wrote

I want these new businesses to succeed, but there have been WAY too many new shops opening for it to be sustainable. Not shocking, unfortunately.

90

PuritanSettler1620 t1_j07haw8 wrote

I hope this does not incentivize people to do more drugs but I do hope it hurts the industry. Hopefully also putting an end to the Cartels operations in Massachusetts.

−41

Thendsel t1_j07he3h wrote

The question is whether prices dropping is a result of the market being saturated, or whether it’s because customers’ discretionary income is being affected by rising housing and living costs.

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NativeMasshole t1_j07l8o1 wrote

That has nothing to do with regulations. We actually had some deli-style places before covid killed that. I've had some places pop a canister to show me the product. They probably just don't want you to see it because it's all dry AF.

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rolandofgilead41089 t1_j07lvf5 wrote

A more accurate title would be that prices are dropping to where they should be.

446

ekac t1_j07oob7 wrote

They are actively skipping federal regulations around medicinal product quality. That's why it's not federally legal. It's a giant grift. It's "medicinal", with no FDA oversight.

If you have even a mild curiosity - get some home grown. What's sold in dispensaries is manufactured with no quality oversight or enforcement. They have lobbied to raise limits on mold and bacteria. Even testing is just a marketing gimmick. The guy who smokes his own, puts a LOT more care into his product than a giant corporation growing thousands of plants at a time and whose annual profits depend on selling any contaminated or infected product.

It's just a matter of time before people start dying (again) because of lax regulatory oversight and enforcement.

1

7screws t1_j07rwx5 wrote

That’s all well and good, but I’m out really interested in growing weed in my small back yard or one of my few closets when I have a 5 year old running around the house. Plus making many of the edibles I enjoy is a lot harder than the cost of just driving down the street and buying them once a month.

14

BozoDidtheW t1_j07sduy wrote

I genuinely couldn't give a shit about owners of dispensaries. They were all millionaires to begin with. Prices are still way, way too high. A gram of rosin here is like $120. Last time I was in CO I got 14 grams of high quality wax for $300 from dispensaries.

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5teerPike t1_j07twlf wrote

The market is evening out and becoming more affordable.

15$ 4 packs of THC infused seltzer are awesome

50

redravenblue1911 t1_j07ue4g wrote

We grow a lot and hit the dispensary as well. My other half loves the hobby/skill of it and bringing joy to others for Christmas, Birthdays, Fridays, etc. Once you grow you have the start to producing any sort of edibles one can think of. No shortage of brownies or gummies in my household. I personally like the standardization from a vape pen as well.

4

Ok-Lengthiness446 t1_j07uhs0 wrote

What would the investment be to be able to do it in a 400 sq ft apt, since I don’t own a home. On disability for PTSD, so I get dispensary medical prices, but it’s still $3-400/ month for my medicine even with disability discount.

2

InfantryMatt t1_j07vi9q wrote

I would also have throw in that Harvest time for outdoor growers falls around the time these sales start to plummet. People who grow their own aren't buying in dispensaries when they have their own stash

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ozzgift t1_j07xgyj wrote

The prices here are beyond fucked and that's even before you factor in the low quality from this state. Up in the 207 you can get a gram of fire rosin for as low as 30 no more than 80 a G for top shelf full melt.

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coachwoodcock t1_j0815u7 wrote

I'm sure it's only going to get worse with CT opening recreational dispensaries after the new year. I can see some of the border town dispensaries in MA taking a hit.

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Wareve t1_j08179t wrote

I don't know. Dispensaries are the new Liquor Stores. It's hard to hit saturation in a growing market with lots of demand. Most towns could probably sustain one. Many could probably sustain a few.

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LitherLily t1_j0823ns wrote

Personally, I love paying for safe, friendly operations. If I can get 1gram prerolls for $5 from smiley happy budtenders I don’t see one thing to complain about. I don’t want to grow it and I think you all forget about how much of a hassle it used to be to acquire in the bad ol days.

What I wish they’d do away with is the stupid and excessive packaging. No need for any of the fancy, annoying packs that I have to completely destroy to get into.

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nixiedust t1_j082nf3 wrote

I've noticed lower prices...whatever the reason, I'm happy. I grow a few plants a summer, but like to share so it doesn't last that long. But my local dispensary has generated a ton of revenue for our town and they are excellent corporate citizens. Fair wages, a diverse and well-trained staff, and good community engagement. I don't mind my money going there when it has to!

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JoshSidekick t1_j084j3m wrote

Look, stop paying outrageous prices. All you need is to read 1 book about growing weed watch 1 grow journal that has every step germinating, veg, flower, dry and cure. Then distill into an oil and package into it's container. Just some money for a couple plants, the parts for your diy vape, some youtube videos, a degree in chemistry and engineering and a few months of your time. it’s so easy a idiot like me can do it.

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LeslieMarston t1_j084mcr wrote

Prices were way too astronomically high to begin with now they’re much more reasonable

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Lurchie_ t1_j08582p wrote

I've been to dispensaries in MI and OR this year after having done the MA dispensary experience for a couple of years. I was expecting to have to go through the whole double-airlock security screen like we do here, but was surprised at how laid back the places in other states are. They basically check your ID when you pay and it's like pretty much any other retail establishment. I guess that's what I get for living in a nanny state?

3

BeerGeekington t1_j085msi wrote

When I see what people pay nationally, it's not that bad. I'm all for cheaper though. One of my local dispensaries does smalls OZ for 100 locationally and I stock up when I see the deal.

3

bangharder t1_j085x7a wrote

Let me explain out for them, there’s an oversupply, cuz you greedy jerks charged too much from the onset and everyone who was for the legalization just kept going to their regular street dealer cuz they had better prices, you’re welcome

3

LitherLily t1_j086azy wrote

Bernardston - Heirloom

It’s a hike but I loaded up on prerolls last time I was there because it felt like losing money if I didnt - I can’t grow or roll my own as nicely, total no brainer.

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manual_tranny t1_j087n7s wrote

One of the only requirements to grow weed commercially in MA was to prove you had access to a lot of cash, like a couple hundred thousands dollars if my memory is working properly.

And I'm sorry, but they are still selling enormous volume. It may have gotten a lot cheaper (I have seen $120/oz for pre-ground flower) but they are still making money hand over fist. While they now worry about 'where's the bottom' of the market, several years of insane profit taking have gone by. If they already blew all that money they made, that's their problem. Welcome to capitalism, dispensary moguls.

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jesseMc420 t1_j088aom wrote

I mean 400 a pz is pretty over priced which was the norm u til about 6 mo ths ago.

6

greyrabbit12 t1_j08bteg wrote

Plus MA made a ton of swag flower and I find that’s what being sold right before it expires. So the decent stuff is still $40-$50 an eight which is too high. The prices are only good for old people who don’t know good weed, no disrespect tho

3

Greenman_on_LSD t1_j08cy7o wrote

I only started going within the past few months. Before that, the price/quality was way better with illegal dealers, it is what it is. Now I'm finding 100mg for $10 or decent OZ for $100, so the dispensary has become the better option. Free market, it had to happen eventually.

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TheyMikeBeGiants t1_j08d3o6 wrote

Dispensaries don't need to compete against oneanother for my dollar. They gotta compete against the same guy I've known for years, and the priced he sells at.

That's why the prices are low. If I want bud, I can go to my bud. That's who they gotta beat.

−3

heresdevking t1_j08d6p5 wrote

It was no picnic back when you had to go to Wayne's house and listen to whatever paranoia fuel conspiracy while he measured out a QP on a filthy coffee table, strewn with paraphernalia, and get a ziplock of crap dried out weed that was mostly shake.

3

MonsieurReynard t1_j08e7q2 wrote

Couldn't happen to a more deserving bunch of profiteers.

Grow your own if you can.

3

MonsieurReynard t1_j08enl2 wrote

They have already taken a huge hit since NYC decided to look the other way as hundreds of gray market dispensaries have opened there. A huge part of the boom in far western Mass was NYC money. Not any longer.

13

MonsieurReynard t1_j08esln wrote

Yeah having my ID recorded by computer on every transaction drove me to getting really serious about growing my own. No way, government.

ETA what did I trigger a g-man? Imagine if the state kept a log of every beer you bought? I prefer freedom.

3

MonsieurReynard t1_j08fo6k wrote

Just harvested 12 pounds of killer Blue Dream and Gorilla Glue. Costs cents per gram to grow outdoors. I give most of it away and have all I could ever use anyway. And it's fun, and if you're already any kind of gardener, not hard.

If not already a gardener, or if you don't have an outdoor space, even very limited indoor space can keep a moderate user supplied for life. Indoors costs more and has a big carbon footprint, but the resources for learning how to do it, get seeds and equipment, etc. are astounding now.

Many people can't grow due to living situations etc. But if enough of us do it, we keep driving down the price of commercial cannabis, so win/win.

Also just a pro tip: befriend an amateur but experienced grower. We always have so much more than we need. Offer to help out with trimming (the only real intensive labor involved) and expect a handsome reward.

Been smoking the stuff for 45 years, and I would put my own bud up against anything I've ever had from a dispensary.

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TheSausageKing t1_j08fz81 wrote

Increase in supply causes prices to come down. Who knew. Let's try that for housing too.

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MonsieurReynard t1_j08gfjn wrote

About $500 could set you up very nicely with a 2x2 tent and a 200 watt LED setup and fans, budget $200 for seeds and fertilizers and a decent pH pen (those are like $50 for quality). Grow two autoflowers at a time in staggered rotation. It would not be unreasonable to harvest 1/4 pound every 2 months with that setup done carefully.

Come join us on r/GrowingMarijuana or check out GrowWeedEasy.com

1

pjk922 t1_j08il93 wrote

Because the other reply was a joke, just wanted to say YES. They absolutely can forbid you use or possess weed on the premises.

Defacto most probs won’t give a shit unless it becomes a “problem”, but the threat is always there. Also, not all things in the lease may be “legal” per se, but landlords have lawyers, renters typically don’t

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DarkLamont t1_j08in7j wrote

Yeah no shit lol, turns out $70 1/8ths isn't sustainable.

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Master-Ota t1_j08k68o wrote

Good. Prices are absolutely ridiculous for what you're getting, especially for concentrate.

1

StargazingJuniper t1_j08l4oo wrote

For real. I grew close to 15 ounces off of two plants. Why the fuck would I ever pay $45-60 a slice? I may MAY buy something I cannot easily make like a vape cart or trad hash, but I'll not be getting flower until we start seeing WA-$1-a-gram-prices.

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skyhoppercc t1_j08o1hm wrote

Rather pay 20 an 1/8 than deal with others. Which when you surf the local menus you’ll find plenty, I live in wester part and no shortage of deals. 1 gram of concentrate you can find for 20/30. Same with carts.

1

COVID_2019 t1_j08ua7i wrote

Like a year ago, I was spending $130+ every visit. Now I'm paying ~$70 for the same amount of THC. I'll take it for sure! Edibles have helped me cut back on drinking significantly.

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COVID_2019 t1_j08us0z wrote

Sure, it's easy. But a dispensary is convenient. People are willing to pay for convenience, me included. Does that make me an idiot? Probably, but I have way too many things and too many projects I'm working on to take on something else.

4

Schweatyturtle t1_j08vs9b wrote

I know Mass isn’t anywhere close to it, but Oregon definitely hit saturation not that long after they legalized. Multiple shops per town even in the small towns and dozens in larger cities

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TheSukis t1_j08vv1r wrote

I actually used to grow a few plants in my apartment many years ago, but I stopped smoking because it started making me anxious. I was hoping to get something that had a more calming effect at the dispensary. Is that doable with what’s available?

2

Tacoman404 t1_j08yeli wrote

Noho could sustain 10+ because they were a destination for it. Out of staters knew it was there. Meanwhile dozens (feels like 100) more have opened up in Western MA alone that have better business models or are in better spots. HEKA, while in a terrible spot, is massive and has cultivation on site. Well it is good that it’s just off the Pike but if you’re local it’s in kind of an odd spot.

3

Fred_Sav4ge t1_j090hg1 wrote

Good, shit was taxed AF for the longest time as it is, and that’s not even counting the 20% tax.

1

WilcoLovesYou t1_j0917ps wrote

I think we have about 7 out here in Pittsfield, and I think 2 or 3 more are trying to open. It's insane. I know that we're on the NY border, but they're getting legal weed next year, so that's going to make business crash.

2

WilcoLovesYou t1_j091ucs wrote

I'm not a weed enthusiast, but I do like to get high. Stuff you buy at the store will get you plenty high. No complaints here for what I've bought over the last few years.

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handyrandy t1_j093y6p wrote

I dunno my friend (who is smart) is on their 4th batch and the quality is never as good as what I get from dispensaries. I'm sure some people can grow good quality weed but it must be more difficult than you say

3

ShadowGLI t1_j0942i1 wrote

I have literally got the same brands, same product (1 g vaporizer cartridges) usually about 40 to 75% less in Arizona, Illinois, and California.

I remember the stand out was getting four 1g select brand cartridges for $99 including tax in Arizona. A single cartridge of the same type was $114 Massachusetts after tax.

I was in AZ last week and they were 2x for $77 plus tax, so still less than 1/2 price.

0

handyrandy t1_j0954g7 wrote

I still don't buy from dispensaries because I thought the cost was ridiculous. Seeing this article made me start to look around but I'm still seeing $45+ an eighth prices. Where are these low prices near Boston? Still too much for me to stop buying from my dealer

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Shnikes t1_j095hgm wrote

I rarely smoke but when I’d o stuff from the dispensary is still too potent for me. I enjoyed the act of smoking but can barely handle more than a hit or two. I wish I could grow or buy weed that was only 5-10% THC.

2

SouthShoreSerenade t1_j097iuq wrote

Several companies keep track of where you're located at all times via your phone. Every time you use a credit card you're essentially lifting your hind leg and attempting to mark your territory. Go to any website and hundreds of companies have your preferences. I don't know. I think there's a little more to it than "freedom is when megacorps know more about me than I know about myself but showing a government ID is the real problem".

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dennho t1_j09bdi1 wrote

I thought so, but someone gave me some Banana Sundae he grew behind his deck from seed in Red Hook NY. Said he kept it trimmed but didn't do much else. Really nice stuff. I'm gonna try this season.

3

GroomedScrotum t1_j09irvf wrote

Temescal will be fine too. They always have a good amount in the parking lot. All NY plates. There were lots of upstate NY towns/counties that voted against dispensaries. VT will have dispensaries too. Competition will be good!

1

TheBetaBridgeBandit t1_j09mrvm wrote

Totally understandable. If you don't smoke often or have a low tolerance then ~$50 of dispensary bud will likely last you as long as a good bottle of whiskey lasts most people. I think prices are honestly fairly affordable for the occasional partaker. A bit high (pardon the pun), but quickly becoming reasonable.

I personally enjoy growing even though I don't smoke as often anymore. I like having flower that isn't super duper strong and having lots of it to either give away or make fun stuff with. But growing definitely isn't accessible for people living in small apartments, demanding work schedules or with children etc., so I can see why the demand is still there. I would also assume that outdoor grows are more difficult in MA than some places which ups the difficulty and initial investment.

3

TheBetaBridgeBandit t1_j09obir wrote

Same here but I'm more like your SO. I enjoy growing and having flower on hand because it's a fun hobby, but we still enjoy visiting dispensaries every once in a while for high quality vapes or precision-dosed edibles. Doesn't have to be one or the other.

I wouldn't, however, buy flower from a dispo for almost any reason.

1

TheBetaBridgeBandit t1_j09ouer wrote

I'm not sure if they can forbid you from possessing it on the premises, but I'm certain they can forbid growing and smoking cannabis on-premise.

I could be wrong about possession but that feels a bit beyond normal restrictions unless federal law applies somehow.

2

wooodaben t1_j09slp0 wrote

When’s it’s legal to grow why does anyone not? You can grow a few lbs easy with 12 plants.

0

MVeezus t1_j09sr05 wrote

Most dispensary buds are trash. Sucks that peeps who do use dispensary’s tho located in Boston are limited to the few out there. Welcome to Worcester we got like 20 right in the hood waiting for ya.

1

zxcoblex t1_j09t5o4 wrote

How much of that “usage dropping” is due to nearby states legalizing recreational?

No need to drive to MA when you can buy it in your own home town.

3

zxcoblex t1_j09t9cc wrote

Also, nearby states have started legalizing, so sales in MA are dropping (not that anyone would think of crossing state lines to buy recreational weed).

2

X-Maelstrom-X t1_j09yrak wrote

It’s a massive bubble. Way too many businesses and none of them are really adding anything special to the market. I’m from Oklahoma and we don’t even have legal recreational yet, only medicinal, but there are still two dispensaries on every street. They’re like Starbucks at this point.

6

Sbatio t1_j0aavb0 wrote

This is the right answer. It will also squeeze the off book sellers and drive more business to the shops, which with have higher sales volume to make up for reduced margin. (Unless we open too many shops)

I think the shops will eventually look like liquor stores, but I really hope not. I love how nice they are, in my town they built a $5M(guess) building and property. It looks amazing and is constantly packed. I assume it drives business to the shops around it too

3

Sbatio t1_j0abann wrote

Ice water. Its so good, I replaced soda and alcohol with it (still have both occasionally but rarely).

/r/hydrohomies can show you the way…although we are divided on ideal temperature

4

galaxsija t1_j0abd58 wrote

Today I bought a 1/2 oz of Jelly Rancher (≈19%) "popcorn nuggets" (much larger than I expected, really just regular sized lol) for $60 (including tax) - I am pleased as punch yo! Find brand from Curaleaf is surprisingly excellent considering the price, really happy to see prices falling and generally just a wider range of price options.

1

rmadd454 t1_j0aclqq wrote

So are you saying they can only prohibit it if it’s clearly stated in the lease? What if someone grew it and the landlord said I don’t want this here but the lease doesn’t specify the tenant can’t grow it.

1

somegridplayer t1_j0bdkhn wrote

Alright, let's address this.

Most of us don't fucking want to. We don't have the time or patience. We don't give a shit how easy it is. I have a thousand other things I'd rather be doing than checking on some stupid plants in a stupid grow tent. I can hop on my phone, check my two local dispensaries, then drive to one of them and buy whatever I want right then and there.

Cool bro, you're totally down and growing dank ass weed. Nobody gives a shit. The rest of us are happy just hitting the dispensary.

1

MRBUNDLEs__ t1_j0bfdvh wrote

Lol have you been to NYC lately we have 1000 dispensary’s with the weed people actually want (cali work) and none of them are compliant legal..but also no one is doing Anything about it .. so I’m my opinion no one from NYC is flocking to mass for bud … I have an Amsterdam coffee shop across the street ..I wish Boston had a don’t give a fuck approach to weed when they legalized .. instead everyone was scared af to go up against the powers that be but that’s politics for ya .. anyways yeah if your in NYC hit up stacks_packs_ on instagram
Or Frankie’s corner on 119 and pleasant ✅✅✅ 10dollar eights 20 dollar eights 20-30 dollar disposables Edibles Thc drinks Ok y’all Know where to go If your in NYC for the holidays Now … but seriously wish Boston had the dgaf approach ..if I ever come back I’ll open a speakeasy cafe for all my fellow Pot heads ..good morning Rant over have a good day !!

1

deadliftothersup t1_j0bph1e wrote

That might also indicate that this might not be such a crazy bubble as well. Convenience and liquor stores don't individually add anything special to the snacks and booze markets, but people enjoy convenience much the same. They won't make VC startup money, but it could simply turn into lower profit margin steady business.

We can only hope that it doesn't all end up consolidated.

3

ItsHATTM t1_j0drvjl wrote

5-10 years after federal legalization, it’ll be in the grocery stores. (Same as alcohol and tobacco)

Firstly they’ll move to be controlled by the alcohol commission.

Then medical will be restricted to pharmaceutical capsules/tinctures.

0