Cannabis News
How Much Are You Spending on Weed Per Month?
How much are you spending on weed?
A Reddit user recently posed an intriguing question to the cannabis community:
“I crunched numbers and found I spend 5.37% of my gross income and 7.04% of my net on weed. That’s $3,120 a year! Based in Phoenix, I spend $80 for an ounce every paycheck, totaling $240/month. My girlfriend and I consume about 3 grams a day. Do you think that’s excessive or just lifestyle costs? How does your ‘green budget’ compare? Let’s talk.”
This honest look at their personal cannabis spending relative to income raises interesting points. In this article, we’ll explore the concept of an appropriate weed budget that balances lifestyle enjoyment against costs.
First, we have to consider context. Is $80 an ounce a fair market price for quality cannabis in Phoenix? How does the poster’s usage compare to average? These factors allow us to better assess if the spending is truly excessive or within reason.
We’ll also look at ways to reduce costs if needed through more bulk buying, home growing, or simply moderating usage. Not from an anti-cannabis lens, but a practical one. There are always ways to optimize spending while preserving enjoyment.
It can also be illuminating to compare monthly weed costs against things like alcohol, coffee, eating out, or other hobbies. This provides perspective on it as a chosen lifestyle expense.
Ultimately, it’s about aligning your cannabis budget with your personal values and finances. But thinking critically about it compared to peers and as a percentage of income can be constructive.
Let’s explore the concept further.
What is the average consumption of the typical cannabis consumer?
When assessing if someone’s cannabis spending is excessive, it’s useful to look at average usage statistics. This provides a baseline to compare against, rather than arbitrary moral judgments.
For regular consumers in legal states, total monthly consumption generally ranges from 3-7 grams per week. This works out to roughly an ounce per month for most people. Some may use a bit less or more, but an ounce a month is fairly standard for daily cannabis enthusiasts.
The Reddit user reported total monthly consumption of about 3 grams per day between himself and his girlfriend. Assuming a 31 day month, that comes out to 93 grams total, or about 3.3 ounces.
Compared to the average range, this usage is definitely on the higher end, but not extreme by any means. Plenty of medical patients need much more due to their conditions. And tolerance can factor in as well. But for a recreational user, 3.3 ounces per month verges on the upper boundaries of typical.
Of course, this is the consumption of two people. In reality we should split this in two to create an accurate comparison. In reality, they are consuming 1.65 grams per day, which comes out to about 10-12 grams per week. Which means on average they are consuming each about one and a half ounces of weed per month.
Next we have to consider pricing. The user pays $80 per ounce, which adds up to that $240 monthly expenditure. This is quite reasonable compared to average costs of legal cannabis. In some states, an ounce can run $400+ at the high end.
Given the poster consumes about an ounce more than the common range, but is paying low prices, overall their monthly cannabis spend does not appear egregiously high at all. It’s somewhat above typical recreational usage, but well within reasonable limits for their lifestyle and location.
How Does This Compare to Your Average Beer Drinker’s Spending?
To better contextualize the Reddit user’s cannabis budget, it’s useful to compare it against spending on legal recreational substances like alcohol. While not an apples to apples comparison, it provides perspective.
According to market research, the average beer drinker in the United States spends around $50-60 per month specifically on beer. This would equate to roughly 5 cases of beer each month. Many casual drinkers actually spend much more going out to bars and restaurants.
For all alcoholic beverages combined, average monthly spending clocks in around $100 per month. People tend to underestimate their alcohol expenditures since purchases blending into grocery bills and social occasions. But it adds up quickly.
Coffee presents another apt comparison. Your typical daily coffee drinker spends $40-60 per month at cafes, on average. Even daily home brewers drop $15-30 per month on beans. Most working Americans buy coffee habitually.
Taking these benchmarks into account, the Reddit user’s $240 monthly cannabis budget remains very reasonable for a recreational consumer. It’s just slightly above what an average beer or coffee drinker spends on their regular habit.
And cannabis arguably provides more experiential benefits and health advantages compared to alcohol and caffeine. While not totally equivalent comparisons, looking at spending on legal intoxicants provides useful perspective.
At the end of the day, it comes down to aligning your cannabis budget with your lifestyle and priorities. For some, $50 a month is too much. For medical patients, $500 a month is necessary medicine. There are no universally “right” spending levels.
But relatively speaking, this Reddit user’s weed budget is likely average or only slightly above for a cannabis enthusiast. It’s not irresponsible levels of spending, especially considering they live in a legal state with recreational access. Their costs seem reasonable compared to peers.
How to Optimize Your Weed Spending
For cannabis consumers looking to reduce costs while maintaining enjoyment, plenty of tips exist to stretch your supply further. With some adjustments to consumption methods and frequency, you can optimize spending.
First, consider cutting back on expensive blunts and joints. These continuously burn flower whether you’re hitting them or not. Options like pipes, bongs, and dry herb vaporizers use less per session. A gram in a joint might last one evening – that same gram could provide 3-4 pipe sessions.
Vaporizers are especially efficient. Not only do they activate cannabinoids at lower temps with smaller amounts, but you can save the ABV (already been vaped) bud for edibles or low-dose joint filler. It’s like double usage from your flower.
Strategically limiting the times of day you consume can also help moderate spending. For example, only allowing yourself to smoke at night to unwind prevents constantly firing up. And your first toke of the day will get you highest, so make it count.
Consider setting weekend-only guidelines as well. While not for everyone, cutting back to just Fri/Sat sessions substantially drops monthly usage. You may even find tolerance lowering and appreciation growing from less-is-more moderation.
Tolerances themselves impact budgets heavily. Try taking periodic multi-day breaks to reset your sensitivity if you notice constantly needing more to get high. Bringing dosing back down saves money.
Finally, weigh costs vs benefits of your use case. Are most of your sessions truly enhancing your quality of life? Consider which provide the most value and limit peripheral use. Track spending details to identify waste.
With some mindful adjustments and creative consumption tactics, you can reduce spending while keeping cannabis an enriching part of your lifestyle. Prioritize quality over quantity and find the right balance for your needs.
The Sticky Bottom Line
Based on typical market prices and average consumer usage, monthly cannabis budgets for regular enthusiasts generally fall in the $100-$300 range. This covers around an ounce purchased per month give or take.
On the lower end, $100 affords you budget buds or special deals to keep costs down but still regularly enjoy the plant. $300 monthly provides plenty of top-shelf grams and concentrates for daily connoisseurs. Of course, medical patients may require much more.
For recreational consumers, aiming for $150-$200 monthly is fairly reasonable if cannabis is a regular part of your lifestyle. This allows ample quality supply while keeping costs sustainable long-term. Only you can define what fits your individual lifestyle though.
If you find your expenses trending higher, the tips covered earlier can help curb spending. But also evaluate if the amount you use truly makes your life better, or if patterns lean toward excess. Moderation enables long-term enthusiasm.
For those on tight budgets, growing your own can be a game changer. Around $300 upfront purchases equipment and seeds to start cultivating. Within 6 months you can harvest over 6 ounces, reducing cost to around $30 per ounce! Additional grows just require nutrients and electricity. Take control of your supply.
While enjoying cannabis frequently on a middle-class income, the Reddit user’s reported $240 monthly budget seems within reason. Compared to alcohol and coffee habits, it aligns with being a plant enthusiast. Their costs to live this lifestyle don’t appear detrimental or excessive.
But only you can decide what cannabis spending level is appropriate for your situation. This perspective simply aims to provide some reference points based on typical usage and budgets. Take what serves you and supports moderation.
At the end of the day, being a conscious consumer enables long-term enthusiasm. With so many ways to optimize spending, you can absolutely indulge your passion for the plant while being financially prudent. The two harmonize beautifully when approached intentionally. Just try not to burn through all your greens on green!
MONTHLY WEED BUDGETS, READ ON…
“How Long Does One Puff of Weed Stay in Your System?”… This topic can be difficult to answer since it is dependent on elements such as the size of the hit and what constitutes a “one hit.” If you take a large bong pull then cough, it might linger in your system for 5-7 days. A moderate dose from a joint can last 3-5 days, whereas a few hits from a vaporizer may last 1-3 days.
The length of time that marijuana stays in the body varies based on a number of factors, including metabolism, THC levels, frequency of use, and hydration.
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is the primary psychoactive component of cannabis. THC and its metabolites, which remain in your body long after the effects have subsided, are detected by drug tests.
Since these metabolites are fat-soluble, they cling to bodily fat molecules. They could thus take a while to fully pass through your system, particularly if your body fat percentage is higher.
THC is absorbed by tissues and organs (including the brain, heart, and fat) and converted by the liver into chemicals such as 11-hydroxy-THC and carboxy-THC. Cannabis is eliminated in feces at a rate of around 65%, while urine accounts for 20%. The leftover amount might be kept within the body.
THC deposited in bodily tissues ultimately re-enters the circulation and is processed by the liver. For frequent users, THC accumulates in fatty tissues quicker than it can be removed, thus it may be detectable in drug tests for days or weeks following consumption.
The detection time varies according to the amount and frequency of cannabis usage. Higher dosages and regular usage result in longer detection times.
The type of drug test also affects detection windows. Blood and saliva tests typically detect cannabis metabolites for shorter periods, while urine and hair samples can reveal use for weeks or even months. In some cases, hair tests have detected cannabis use over 90 days after consumption.
Detection Windows for Various Cannabis Drug Tests
Urine Tests
Among all drug tests, urine testing is the most commonly used method for screening for drug use in an individual.
Detection times vary, but a 2017 review suggests the following windows for cannabis in urine after last use:
– Single-use (e.g., one joint): up to 3 days
– Moderate use (around 4 times a week): 5–7 days
– Chronic use (daily): 10–15 days
– Chronic heavy use (multiple times daily): over 30 days
Blood Tests
Blood tests generally detect recent cannabis use, typically within 2–12 hours after consumption. However, in cases of heavy use, cannabis has been detected up to 30 days later. Chronic heavy use can extend the detection period in the bloodstream.
Saliva Tests
THC can enter saliva through secondhand cannabis smoke, but THC metabolites are only present if you’ve personally smoked or ingested cannabis.
Saliva testing has a short detection window and can sometimes identify cannabis use on the same day. A 2020 review found that THC was detectable in the saliva of frequent users for up to 72 hours after use, and it may remain in saliva longer than in blood following recent use.
In areas where cannabis is illegal, saliva testing is often used for roadside screenings.
Hair Tests
Hair follicle tests can detect cannabis use for up to 90 days. After use, cannabinoids reach the hair follicles through small blood vessels and from sebum and sweat surrounding the hair.
Hair grows at approximately 0.5 inches per month, so a 1.5-inch segment of hair close to the scalp can reveal cannabis use over the past three months.
Factors Affecting THC and Metabolite Retention
The length of time THC and its metabolites stay in your system depends on various factors. Some, like body mass index (BMI) and metabolic rate, relate to individual body processing, not the drug itself.
Other factors are specific to cannabis use, including:
– Dosage: How much you consume
– Frequency: How often you use cannabis
– Method of consumption: Smoking, dabbing, edibles, or sublingual
– THC potency: Higher potency can extend detection time
Higher doses and more frequent use generally extend THC retention. Cannabis consumed orally may remain in the system slightly longer than smoked cannabis, and stronger cannabis strains, higher in THC, may also stay detectable for a longer period.
How Quickly Do the Effects of Cannabis Set In?
When smoking cannabis, effects appear almost immediately, while ingested cannabis may take 1–3 hours to peak.
The psychoactive component THC produces a “high” with common effects such as:
– Altered senses, including perception of time
– Mood changes
– Difficulty with thinking and problem-solving
– Impaired memory
Other short-term effects can include:
– Anxiety and confusion
– Decreased coordination
– Dry mouth and eyes
– Nausea or lightheadedness
– Trouble focusing
– Increased appetite
– Rapid heart rate
– Restlessness and sleepiness
In rare cases, high doses may lead to hallucinations, delusions, or acute psychosis.
Regular cannabis use may have additional mental and physical effects. While research is ongoing, cannabis use may increase the risk of:
– Cognitive issues like memory loss
– Cardiovascular problems including heart disease and stroke
– Respiratory illnesses such as bronchitis or lung infections
– Mood disorders like depression and anxiety
Cannabis use during pregnancy can negatively impact fetal growth and development.
Duration of Effects
Short-term effects generally taper off within 1–3 hours, but for chronic users, some long-term effects may last days, weeks, or even months. Certain effects may even be permanent.
Bottom Line
The amount of time that cannabis remains in your system following a single use varies greatly depending on individual characteristics such as body fat, metabolism, frequency of use, and mode of intake. Frequent users may maintain traces of THC for weeks, whereas infrequent users may test positive for as little as a few days. Hair tests can disclose usage for up to 90 days, while blood and saliva tests identify more recent use. Urine tests are the most popular and have varying detection durations. The duration that THC and its metabolites are detectable will ultimately depend on a number of factors, including dose, strength, and individual body chemistry.
PEE IN A CUP COMING UP, READ ON..
Is kratom addictive? Discover the potential for dependence on Kratom, the risks involved with its use, and how to approach its consumption responsibly.
From 2011 to 2017, over 1,800 calls to poison centers involved kratom in the U.S. This significant number highlights the concern regarding kratom addiction.
However, without Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and due to various consumption methods like teas and capsules, there are significant health risks. Safe use of kratom is now in question due to these issues.
Research debates how dependence develops, outlining signs like loss of control and withdrawal symptoms. These signs are seen in regular kratom users. Ironically, some people switch from drugs like heroin to kratom, looking for a legal alternative.
Understanding Kratom: Origins and Prevalence
Kratom comes from the Mitragyna speciosa tree in Southeast Asia. It can act like a stimulant or like opioids, based on how much you take. People use it in different ways, for a small energy boost or stronger effects at higher doses.
The legal status of kratom in the U.S. is complicated and changing. It’s a hot topic because some worry about its misuse. It’s still legal in several states. This shows how different places handle drug rules. The National Institute on Drug Abuse is looking into its medical benefits. But, the FDA hasn’t approved it for medical use yet. The DEA calls it a “drug of concern,” which means policies might change.
-
From 2011 to 2017, poison control centers in the U.S. got over 1,800 reports about kratom. This shows it’s widely used and might pose health risks.
-
Kratom’s main ingredients bind to opioid receptors very strongly, stronger than morphine even. This fact is key to understanding its effects.
-
As more people use kratom, more are reporting serious health problems. These include liver and heart issues, and tough withdrawal symptoms, particularly in those already sick.
The statistics show mounting worries about kratom in the U.S. As its use grows, it’s becoming more important to health policies and laws. What happens next will depend on further research and legal decisions.
Is Kratom Addictive: Investigating the Substance’s Nature
The question of kratom’s addictiveness focuses on how it affects brain receptors and its long-term health implications. The ongoing debate highlights concerns about dependence and the risk of addiction. Scientists are closely looking at these issues.
How Kratom Works in the Brain
Kratom’s main alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, bind to the brain’s opioid receptors, similar to painkillers and narcotics. This connection suggests a potential risk of dependence. These alkaloids are key to kratom’s pain relief but also point to possible addiction concerns, especially with frequent, high-dose usage.
Patterns and Consequences of Long-term Use
-
Using kratom often, especially in large doses, can increase the risk of dependence and intense withdrawal symptoms, similar to opioid withdrawal.
-
Although some use it for pain or to improve mood, long-term kratom users might see serious health problems, like liver damage and mental health issues.
-
Withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, nausea, and sleep problems, show kratom’s impact on one’s physical and mental health.
Assessment of Addiction Risks
Studies indicate a significant risk of addiction to kratom, especially with high doses or frequent use. Dependence develops as the body gets used to kratom, leading to tolerance and a need for more to feel its effects. Withdrawal symptoms emphasize this risk, as highlighted by health experts.
Physiological Effects: Kratom’s Impact on the Body
There is a lot of debate about the safety and use of kratom. This herbal extract comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant. It has drawn attention for its possible harmful effects on the body. The FDA has issued many warnings about kratom, raising safety concerns.
-
Kratom Adverse Effects: Kratom users have reported side effects like nausea, vomiting, and confusion. More serious issues include high blood pressure and liver damage. These problems highlight the risks of using kratom.
-
Herbal Extract Safety: Some kratom products contain heavy metals and pathogens. These can cause severe health issues, including death. This shows the importance of safety in herbal products.
-
FDA Warnings and Regulations: The FDA has linked kratom to over 35 deaths and warns against using it. They point out the lack of medical uses and the risk of addiction.
-
Physiological Impact: Kratom’s effects depend on the dose and the user’s body. Yet, it can lead to dangerous outcomes like liver damage and seizures.
-
Safety Concerns from Authorities: Federal agencies like the DEA are worried about kratom’s safety. Although not a controlled substance, monitoring suggests users should be careful.
Kratom might offer temporary relief for some ailments, but it comes with significant risks. The FDA’s warnings should make people think twice. If considering kratom, it’s crucial to talk to a doctor first. Experts stress the need for safety and caution with herbal extracts.
Conclusion
Kratom’s role in health and regulation is complex, with views and research findings widely varied. Some people use kratom for its claimed health benefits, but it’s a hot topic. Experts advise caution and suggest consulting a doctor before using kratom due to the unclear effects.
Clinical studies using scores like SOWS and COWS haven’t confirmed withdrawal symptoms from kratom. This adds to the debate, especially when some users report withdrawal. This makes kratom a controversial subject among different findings and user experiences.
When it comes to treating opioid addiction, kratom can be both helpful and harmful. Some have used it successfully to fight addiction. Yet, some states have banned it. This highlights the need for regulations and consistent product quality. It also raises questions about kratom’s legal status due to mixed actions by authorities.
The situation shows how complex kratom is in the realm of substance use and law. Without clear evidence supporting either its benefits or risks, it poses a challenge. More research is needed to guide regulations and health advice. For now, anyone thinking of using kratom should be careful, seek medical advice, and keep up with laws and health guidelines.
WHAT IS KRATOM ANYWAY? READ ON…
Webinar Replay: Post-Election Cannabis Wrap – Smoke ’em if You’ve Got ’em
I Had Just One Puff
Marijuana firms Eaze, Green Dragon find new life after $10 million capital infusion
Get some rest on Modified Grapes—November’s Leafly HighLight
Is Kratom Addictive? Understanding Dependence, Risks, and Safe Usage
New Rule, December 5: Oregon Cannabis Retailers, Processors and Labor Peace Agreements
The CBD Dog Treat Guide
Trippin’ Golf Balls – Can Magic Mushrooms Help Your Golf Game?
Australian Broadcasting Corp Alleges Military Veterans Have Been Targeted By Medicinal Cannabis Companies Via Social Media & Offered Free “Product”
Medical Marijuana Passed in 106 out of 106 Counties and Cities in What State? A. Florida B. Kentucky C. Ohio D. North Dakota
Distressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
United States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
What you Need to Know
Drug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
NCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
It has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
Cannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
A new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse
Your Go-To Source for Cannabis Logos and Designs
City Of Oakland Issues RFP For Employee Training Programs
-
Cannabis News2 years agoDistressed Cannabis Business Takeaways – Canna Law Blog™
-
One-Hit Wonders2 years agoUnited States: Alex Malyshev And Melinda Fellner Discuss The Intersection Of Tax And Cannabis In New Video Series – Part VI: Licensing (Video)
-
Cannabis 1012 years agoWhat you Need to Know
-
drug testing11 months agoDrug Testing for Marijuana – The Joint Blog
-
Education2 years agoNCIA Write About Their Equity Scholarship Program
-
Cannabis2 years agoIt has been a wild news week – here’s how CBD and weed can help you relax
-
Marijuana Business Daily2 years agoCannabis, alcohol firm SNDL loses CA$372.4 million in 2022
-
California2 years agoA new April 20 cannabis contest includes a $40,000 purse