Edibles VS Smoking Cost Compared: Which Is Cheaper?

Aside from smoking flower, weed edibles are one of the most common ways to consume cannabis.

Smoking offers the most rapid effects. But the high isn’t as strong and doesn’t last as long.

Cannabis-infused baked goods, hard candies, pot brownies and other different edibles are also totally discreet. And they taste absolutely delicious, making them super popular with all types of cannabis consumers.

But how much do edibles cost compared to smoking weed? Are cannabis infused products more expensive than flower?

That’s exactly what we’ll look at here. Keep reading to discover if weed edibles cost more money than smoking flower, or if you’ll save money by popping a few fruit chews rather than packing a bowl.

Key Takeaways

• When comparing weed edibles cost to smokable products like flower, cost depends on product quality, the type of product and how often you consume cannabis.
• Unlike smoking which requires things like pipes, bongs, papers and other accessories, eating edibles doesn’t require any equipment which can decrease overall cost.
• When comparing the edibles vs smoking cost, also consider the price of other consumption methods like vaping, tinctures and capsules to better understand the average price of different products.

The Cost Breakdown of Edibles vs Smoking

So which costs more, eating edibles or smoking flower?

Honestly, it all depends. When it comes to comparing the costs of edibles and smoking, there are a few factors to consider.

These biggest are the quality and price range of your preferred cannabis products and how often you get high.

Let’s take a deeper look at both.

How Quality Impacts the Cost of Edibles and Flower

You know you best when it comes to weed.

Is your personal cannabis preference more top shelf flower, gourmet brownies and extra fancy infused canna confections? Or are you good with mid-grade marijuana and pot brownies made from your neighbor? Maybe you fall somewhere in between?

The quality and price of cannabis products vary greatly depending on the type of product you choose and where it’s purchased.

Most edibles will typically have a higher price per milligram of THC compared to smoking cannabis flower. This means paying more for THC infused gummies and other edibles.

A lot of this has to do with additional processing, packaging and branding that goes into creating cannabis edibles.

That said, the price range of edibles can span from $5 to $60, depending on factors such as the THC content, brand and type of edible. All edibles aren’t created equal, and a good edible is going to cost more than some subpar cannabis infused product.

In comparison, the cost of cannabis flower for smoking can range from $5 to $20 per gram and higher, depending on the quality of the bud.

Keep in mind that different dispensaries and even different states may price their cannabis products differently.

For example, some dispensaries may price bulk items differently when it comes to edibles or price their cannabis flower higher or lower than others.

Frequency of Use and This Impacts Costs

How frequently you consume cannabis also plays a significant role in determining the overall costs of edibles vs smoking.

For frequent users, cannabis infused edibles could be more cost-effective in the long run, as they typically provide a longer-lasting experience (up to six to eight hours or longer) and require fewer purchases.

Unlike smoking one joint, a single edible can provide a full day’s worth of effects for as low as $2, making it more economical than smoking cannabis all day.

The occasional cannabis consumer, however, might find that smoking is a more cost-effective option. This is because the initial cost of smoking accessories such as pipes, bongs, and rolling papers tends to be lower than the cost of buying edibles.

Ultimately, the cost comparison between edibles and smoking will vary depending on the individual’s consumption habits, preferences and budget.

Edibles vs Smoking Effects and Overall Experience

Cost is only one aspect, though. It’s also important to consider the effects per milligram that edibles and smoking provide.

Each method offers its own unique experience, onset time, duration and potency. To better understand how these factors play a role in the overall experience, let’s explore the onset time, duration, and intensity of edibles and smoking.

One of the most notable differences between edibles and smoking is how quickly effects are felt. Edibles take longer to kick in, ranging from 30 minutes up to two hours, but the edible effects last for 6-12 hours or longer. 

Smoking weed is different, with effects felt pretty much immediately. This rapid onset time makes smoking popular, especially with medical marijuana patients interested in rapid pain relief or other therapeutic effects.

The high from smoking is shorter than eating cannabis infused products, though, and typically only lasts for 1-3 hours. Smoking can be ideal for a quick recreational high, but it doesn’t last long.

Per milligram, the intensity of the effects of weed edibles and flower is also different. Edibles are typically more potent because of the way THC is metabolized in the liver.

Smoking cannabis flower doesn’t hit as hard or last as long. The effects can be strong, but consuming the same amount of flower per milligram won’t typically make consumers as high as edibles.

The intensity of effects from smoking is generally less potent than edibles, making it potentially less suitable for those seeking strong, long-lasting relief.

It’s important for users to consider how intense you want your experience to be when choosing between edibles and smoking. Each offers a unique experience fit for different occasions depending on the unique needs of the consumer.

Edibles vs Smoking Cost of Accessories You Need For Consumption

Both edibles and smoking have associated costs for tools and accessories that can impact the overall expense of cannabis consumption.

You can’t smoke weed without a pipe, bong or papers, which can add to the overall cost of smoking flower. And you can’t make your own edibles without the necessary ingredients. 

Here we’ll take a closer look at the costs of smoking accessories and edible consumption tools to better understand how these factors contribute to the price you’ll pay.

Things You Need to Smoke Weed

Smoking cannabis might seem simple, but requires all kinds of accessories. Grinders, pipes, bongs, rolling trays, storage containers, cleaning tools, lighters and rolling papers all add to the cost of smoking weed.

The costs of these things can range from as low as $5 for a simple pipe to upwards of $250 for a high-end bong. These costs can add up quickly, especially for those new to smoking cannabis.

Smoking accessories like rolling papers and lighters are relatively inexpensive and easily replaceable, but pipes and bongs can cost a pretty penny. They also require proper maintenance and cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

These factors can contribute to the overall costs of smoking cannabis and should be considered when comparing the costs of edibles and smoking.

Things You Need to Make Your Own Edibles

Edibles are different, as you’re purchasing just the baseline product.

That said, if you’re interested in making your own edibles, there are several things you’ll need when adding weed to your favorite recipes.

No matter what your recipe calls for, you’ll typically need a weighing scale, thermometer, measuring cup, mesh strainer, cheesecloth, kitchen scale, baking pans and more.

Then there’s the cost of ingredients your favorite recipes call for. This includes the cannabis itself, as well as other ingredients such as butter and oil. If you’re making baked goods (whether an entire pan of brownies or canna cupcakes), you’ll need flour, sugar and other ingredients.

Keep in mind that different grocery stores will offer different prices on some of the ingredients required to make most edibles, but all products cost money despite what you create in the kitchen.

Making edibles at home, however, allows consumers greater control over the ingredients and potency of their products, which can ultimately save them some money and offer a more personalized experience.

Cost Comparison of Homemade vs Store-Bought Edibles 

Something else to consider when comparing the costs of edibles and smoking is the difference in price between homemade and store-bought edibles.

Making edibles at home may save you some money, but it’s essential to weigh the costs of ingredients and equipment against the convenience and pricing of store-bought edibles.

Here we’ll examine the costs of homemade vs store-bought edibles in greater detail.

Ingredients and Equipment Needed For Homemade Edibles

When making edibles at home, consumers will need to invest in the necessary ingredients and equipment to create their desired products.

As mentioned earlier, this will include a kitchen scale, thermometer, measuring cups, bowls, pans, a mesh strainer, cheesecloth and more. Then you’ve got the cost of cannabis itself, as well as other ingredients such as butter, oil, and any other ingredients your favorite recipe calls for.

While the initial investment in ingredients and equipment may be higher than the cost of edibles in most dispensaries, the potential cost savings can be significant over time.

By making edibles at home, you can control the potency and quality of your products, whether making them for special occasions or everyday use.

You can also save money by purchasing cannabis and other ingredients in bulk or on sale.

Cost of Store-Bought Edibles

The cost of store-bought edibles can vary greatly depending on factors such as the brand, type of edible and THC content.

Prices can range from $5 for a small package of gummies to upwards of $60 for more potent and specialized products. Sure, store-bought edibles are convenient and are accurately dosed, but they can also be more expensive than homemade baked goods or other products.

It’s important to weigh the convenience and consistency of store-bought edibles against the potential cost savings and customization of those that are homemade.

When you compare the cost of ingredients and equipment of homemade cannabis goodies with the pricing of store-bought options, it’s easier to make an informed decision for your budget.

Comparing Edibles vs Smoking Cost to Other Consumption Methods

While edibles and smoking are two of the most popular methods of cannabis consumption, there are other options available.

Vaping, tinctures and topicals are alternative methods that can provide different experiences and potentially impact the overall cost.

Vaping

Vaping involves using a vaporizer device to heat cannabis oil or flower to produce a vapor that is inhaled. This method is often considered more cost-effective than smoking, as it requires less cannabis to achieve the same effects.

The cost of vaping can vary depending on whether you’re using a vape cart or flower, but overall costs are generally lower with vaping than with smoking herb.

That said, it’s important to know that vaping is not without its potential risks. Like smoking, vaping has been linked to respiratory issues and other health concerns.

With any cannabis consumption method, however, it’s important for consumers to weigh the benefits and potential risks, as well as the costs, when choosing the method that best suits their needs.

Tinctures and Topicals

Tinctures and topicals are other alternative methods that can offer unique benefits and cost considerations.

Tinctures are liquid cannabis extracts that are usually taken orally, and the cost of such products will vary depending on the type of tincture and the concentration of cannabinoids it contains.

Topical products like creams, balms and lotions infused with cannabinoids and are applied directly to the skin for localized relief. They don’t get you high, but can offer potential pain relief to the area they’re applied to.

The cost of tinctures and topicals can vary depending on the product type and concentration, but these products generally have a higher price than smoking weed or consuming infused food products.

Wrapping Up

When it comes down to it, the cost of edibles vs smoking cannabis depends on a variety of factors.

Quality, frequency of use and the cost of various accessories are all important to keep in mind. Then you’ve got alternative consumption methods like vaping, tinctures and topicals that can cost more or less depending on the product.

Ultimately, you’ll need to weigh all these factors and choose the method that best suits your preferences, needs and budget.

No matter how much money is in your wallet, however, there’s definitely a cannabis product to fit your own unique needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much more expensive are edibles than flower?

The price of edibles can vary greatly depending on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, edibles tend to be more expensive than other cannabis products, with prices ranging from $5-$60 depending on the quality and quantity of THC.

That said, edibles are generally more expensive per milligram than flower and other cannabis infused products.

How much do edibles typically sell for?

Again, the cost of edibles will vary depending on their quality and potency. Most are priced between $25-$50 per gram or $5-$10 per serving.

Delta Munchies, for example, offers a single sour gummy that contains 300mg Delta 8 THC for $8.99. Buying edibles in bulk will typically cut down the price you pay.

Not all brands sell edibles for the same prices, and a superior one may sell more expensive products than a brand passing off a product that tastes awful. As with anything you buy, good stuff costs more than something cheaply produced.

How much does flower typically sell for?

The cost of flower will vary depending on its quality and where you buy it. 

You can expect to pay an average of $10-20 for one gram at most recreational and medical dispensaries for mid to top shelf strains. Extra fancy strains of top shelf flower can cost a pretty penny. Take Island OG, for example. It’s one of the most expensive strains in the world, with a price tag of up to $800 per ounce.