How To Save Money On Cannabis

This Is Your Ultimate Guide on How To Save Money on Cannabis and Edibles

Alright friend, let’s be honest, if you’re visiting this site it’s likely because you use cannabis. You may even use it on a daily basis like me. We love cannabis, but like everything else the cost of cannabis is going up and we don’t love that. If you’re fortunate enough to live in a legal jurisdiction you’ve probably had this happen. Standing at the dispensary counter, heart fluttering with excitement, only to have it sink when the budtender announces the after tax total. It’s a bittersweet moment, isn’t it? You’re about to embark on a journey of relaxation and euphoria, but your bank account is going to take a hit. So how to save money on cannabis?

What if I told you that you could have your top-shelf cannabis and delicious edibles for a fraction of the price? It’s not a pipe dream; it’s the reality of becoming a savvy cannabis consumer. In this guide, you and I are going to embark on a fun and enlightening journey to explore how to save money on cannabis. How to be a smart shopper at the dispensary and, more importantly, how to unlock even more savings by growing your own and making your own edibles at home. We can all stand to keep that cash in our own pockets so read on to see how you can save green on that green.

Smart Shopping at the Dispensary: Becoming a Cannabis Connoisseur on a Budget

While the ultimate savings lie in the soil of your own garden, not everyone has the space, time, or legal freedom to cultivate their own cannabis. But don’t worry, my friend! You can still be a budget-conscious consumer. It’s all about knowing when, where, and how to shop. Think of it as a treasure hunt, where the prize is premium cannabis at a bargain price. Here’s how to save money on cannabis at your dispensary.

Become a Deal Hunter Extraordinaire: Dispensaries are businesses, and in today’s competitive market, they want your loyalty. Most offer a smorgasbord of deals and loyalty programs. Your side quest, should you choose to accept it, is to become a deal-hunting ninja. Sign up for their newsletters, follow them on social media, and enable text alerts. You’ll be the first to know about BOGOs (buy one, get one), daily specials, and holiday discounts. Major cannabis holidays like 4/20 and 7/10, as well as Green Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) and Black Friday, are like the Super Bowl for cannabis deals. Some dispensaries even have “Weed Wednesdays” with mid-week deals to boost sales. [1]

Pro-Tip: Create a separate email address just for dispensary newsletters to keep your inbox organized and your deals in one place.

Loyalty Really Does Pay Off: If you find a dispensary you love, make sure you’re enrolled in their loyalty program. It’s a simple concept: the more you spend, the more you save. You’ll earn points with every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts, free products, or even exclusive merchandise. It’s a simple way to get more bang for your buck, and it makes you feel like a VIP every time you shop. Plus developing a relationship with your favorite budtenders will also go a long way to finding the best deals.

Buy in Bulk (Like a Cannabis Costco Pro): Just like at your favorite wholesale club, buying in larger quantities saves you money. A single gram is always the most expensive way to purchase flower. If your budget allows, opt for an eighth, a quarter, or even a full ounce. The per-gram price drops significantly the more you buy. To keep your bulk purchase fresh and potent, store it in an airtight glass container in a cool, dark, and dry place. Throw in a humidity pack and you’re weed will stay fresh until the next time you need to re-up. Think of it as a wine cellar for your weed.

Embrace the Popcorn Nugs and Shake: Don’t judge a bud by its size! Popcorn nugs are smaller buds that don’t have the same visual appeal as their larger, more photogenic counterparts, but they often pack the same punch. They’re often sold at a discount and are a great way to get high-quality cannabis for less. And let’s not forget about shake! Shake is the collection of small bits of cannabis that have fallen off the larger buds. It’s perfect for rolling joints, making edibles, or packing a bowl. Ask your budtender if they have any popcorn nugs or shake available. You might be surprised at the quality and the price.

The Ultimate Savings: The Joy of Growing Your Own Cannabis

Now, for the main event: home cultivation. This is where the most significant savings are realized. The initial investment might seem daunting, but the return is well worth it. Imagine a world where you have a never-ending supply of your favorite strains, grown exactly to your liking. It’s a beautiful world, and it’s within your reach. Here’s how to save money on cannabis by growing your own.

The Astonishing Economics of Home Growing

The numbers don’t lie, and they’re pretty staggering. A 2022 Leafly analysis found that while store-bought cannabis can cost anywhere from $5 to $20 per gram, homegrown outdoor cannabis can be as low as $0.45 per gram. For an indoor setup, the first harvest might cost around $5.80 per gram, but subsequent harvests drop to a mere $1.34 per gram. [2] Let that sink in for a moment. You could be enjoying premium, homegrown cannabis for less than the price of a cup of coffee.

Getting Started: Your Home Grow Shopping List

Ready to start your own cannabis garden? Here’s a more detailed look at the essential equipment you’ll need for an indoor setup:

Grow Tent: This is your plant’s home. It provides a controlled environment and keeps your grow discreet. Look for a tent with a reflective interior to maximize light efficiency and metal poles to hang the light.

Grow Lights: LED lights are the industry standard for a reason. They’re energy-efficient, run cool, and produce a full spectrum of light that your plants will love.

Pots or Fabric Planters: Fabric planters are a great option for beginners as they promote healthy root growth and prevent overwatering. Regular pots are also a great choice and can be less expensive or easier to find. Either type of pot will work.

Soil and Nutrients: Don’t skimp on the soil! A high-quality soil will provide your plants with the nutrients they need to thrive. You’ll also need to supplement with nutrients during the vegetative and flowering stages. You can also look into growing in coco coir and hydroponics.

Ventilation System: This is crucial for controlling temperature and humidity, and for providing your plants with fresh air. A simple setup includes an exhaust fan and a carbon filter to eliminate odors.

Fans: You’ll need a small fan to circulate air within the tent, which helps strengthen your plants’ stems and prevent mold.

Timer: To automate your light cycles. Cannabis plants need a specific amount of light and darkness each day, and a timer will ensure they get it.

Thermometer and Hygrometer: To monitor the temperature and humidity in your grow tent. This will help you create the perfect environment for your plants.

pH Testing Kit: To ensure your plants can absorb nutrients effectively. The pH of your water and soil is crucial for nutrient absorption.

Outdoor vs. Indoor Growing: A Tale of Two Gardens

Outdoor growing is the most natural and cost-effective method. The sun is free, and there’s nothing quite like the feeling of tending to your plants in the great outdoors. However, you’re at the mercy of the elements, and you’ll need to be mindful of pests and security. Indoor growing offers complete control over your environment, allowing for year-round cultivation and potentially higher quality buds. You can dial in the perfect temperature, humidity, and light cycle to maximize your yield and potency. The downside is the initial setup cost and the ongoing electricity bill.

Beginner Tips for a Bountiful Harvest

To avoid costly mistakes and ensure a successful harvest, here are a few tips for first-time growers:

Start with the right genetics: Choose between autoflower and photoperiod strains. Autoflowers are generally easier for beginners and have a shorter grow time, while photoperiods offer higher yields. Feminized seeds guarantee that your plants will be female (rare exceptions do occur).

Don’t overwater or overfeed: This is the most common mistake new growers make. Let the soil dry out between waterings, and always start with a lower dose of nutrients than recommended.

Monitor your pH: The pH of your water and soil is crucial for nutrient absorption. Invest in a pH testing kit and adjust as needed.

Keep it clean: A clean grow space helps prevent pests and diseases, which can be costly and heartbreaking to deal with.

Clone your plants: Once you have a healthy mother plant, you can take clones to create new plants for free! It’s a simple process that will save you a ton of money on seeds.

DIY Edibles: The Sweetest Savings of All

Now that you have a bountiful harvest of homegrown cannabis, it’s time to take your savings to the next level by making your own edibles. Not only is it cheaper, but you also have complete control over the ingredients and dosage. Plus, it’s a ton of fun! Here’s how to save money on cannabis by making your own edibles.

The Magic of Decarboxylation: Activating Your Cannabis

Before you can make edibles, you need to activate the THC in your cannabis through a process called decarboxylation. It sounds like a complicated science experiment, but it’s as simple as baking your cannabis in the oven. Here’s how:

1.Preheat your oven to 220-245°F (105-120°C).

2.Break up your cannabis into small pieces and spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Grinding your cannabis is not necessary. Popcorn buds and trim (also known as sugar leaf) is often considered waste but are excellent to use in edibles.

3.Bake for 30 minutes, or until the cannabis is lightly browned and fragrant. If you’re worried about smell, put your cannabis in a glass jar with a lid to help trap the odours.

Making Cannabutter or Canna-oil: The Foundation of Your Edible Empire

Once your cannabis is decarboxylated, you can infuse it into a fat like butter or oil. This will be the base for all your edible creations.

1. Fill a pot with water. Put your decarbed plant material and fat/oil in a clean glass jar. Put this jar in the pot of water making sure the water level is above the jar contents.
2. Bring the water to a boil and then turn the heat down. Let it simmer for 30 minutes. The low and slow method is key here. You don’t want to burn your precious cannabinoids.
3. Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh sieve to remove the plant material. Squeeze out every last drop of that liquid gold!

Now you have your very own cannabutter or canna-oil, ready to be used in any recipe you can dream of! Brownies, cookies, gummies, salad dressings – the possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Dosing Your Homemade Edibles: A Science and an Art

One of the most important aspects of making your own edibles is dosing. It’s always best to start low and go slow. Use an online edible dosage calculator to estimate the potency of your cannabutter or canna-oil. When you’re trying a new batch, start with a small piece and wait at least an hour, or even two, to see how it affects you before consuming more. Remember, you can always eat more, but you can’t eat less.

The Green Conclusion: A Future of Frugal Fun

Learning how to save money on cannabis is not only possible, it’s a rewarding and empowering journey. By being a savvy shopper at the dispensary and embracing the world of home growing and DIY edibles, you can enjoy high-quality cannabis without breaking the bank. You’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the plant, and you’ll have a ton of fun along the way. So go ahead, get your hands dirty, and start saving some green! Your wallet, and your taste buds, will thank you.

How to save money on cannabis – what are your best tips?

References

[1] Leafly. (2025, May 27). 21 ways to save money on weed. https://www.leafly.com/news/strains-products/21-ways-to-save-money-on-weed (How to save money on cannabis).

[2] Goggins, P. (2022, October 5). Buying weed vs. growing your own: Which is cheaper? Leafly. https://www.leafly.com/learn/growing/buying-weed-vs-growing-your-own-which-is-cheaper (How to save money on cannabis).