Cannabis prices: 10 most and least expensive countries

In an open, global market price of cannabis would be set like all other products: by the market, according to supply and demand. But cannabis is not like all other products: it is illegal in most countries.

The variation in cannabis prices depends on a number of factors: proximity to marijuana growers, the level of prohibition, the severity of state restrictions, etc... Where cannabis is legal, The price is modulated by law and taxes. This can result in differences of 1 to 20 between the countries where cannabis is the most expensive and the least expensive.

The cannabis prices in the U.S. is in the middle of this range. In Colorado, a gram of recreational weed costs around 17$. As for medical marijuana, prices hover around 9-10$ in California and Colorado. Prices vary, however, depending on cannabis varieties, quality and demand, which is rising sharply.

The cannabis prices in France is not much lower than in the United States, even though the substance is illegal. On the other hand, overall quality is rather mediocre. A Amsterdam, Prices are similar, starting at €8 per gram.

Countries where cannabis is most expensive

1. Ireland (€11.9 per gram of weed)

In April, Ireland announced that it would study the possibility of decriminalizing cannabis.

2. Japan (€13.8 per gram)

Although the Japanese government maintains strict opposition to the use of marijuana on the island, a legal loophole allows the import of CBD. Japanese law stipulates that consumption of the flower and leaves is prohibited, but says nothing about the stem, from which CBD is extracted. The Japan and cannabis have a great history in common

Vice Japan has produced a documentary on the subject (with English subtitles):

3. Finland (€16.9 per gram)

Marijuana is less common in Finland than in other European countries, so the price is quite high. According to Grasscity, a forum dedicated to marijuana, it's pretty easy to buy cannabis illegally in Helsinki, but the quality doesn't match the price.

4. Estonia (€18 per gram)

In Estonia, cannabis is decriminalized up to 7.5g. If you have more than that on you, it's Estonian prison for 5 years.

5. Norway (€19.4 per gram)

In Norway, possession of less than 15 grams is punishable by a fine of between €160 and €1,600. Beyond that, the punishment is harsher and includes prison. As repression is very strong, consumers pay a high price.

Countries where cannabis is cheapest

1. South Africa (€3.9 per gram)

A proposal for legal marijuana use was introduced in South Africa in 2014. Marijuana is already decriminalized there.

2. Afghanistan (3.8€ per gram)

Afghanistan is a major producer of marijuana, even more so than Morocco. Cannabis grows naturally there, but growing global demand has prompted Afghanistan to industrialize production (between 1,500 and 3,500 tonnes a year).

3. India (€2.7 per gram)

In India, cannabis is considered a sacred plant and has always been grown there. Used in certain regions for ceremonial purposes, marijuana is mostly illegal.

4. Brazil (€2.1 per gram)

Brazil has approved the use of CBD to treat illnesses such as epilepsy. CBD is not produced in Brazil, but cannabis is quite widespread. The pro-legalization movement is growing by the day.

5. Uruguay (1$ per gram, or €0.9)

Cannabis is legal in Uruguay. To put an end to the black market, the price of cannabis has been set at 1$. You can legally grow up to 6 feet of weed.

Note: prices are from Price of Weed, a user-generated database used by the UN to develop its reports on global cannabis trends.