Costs in Utah Dispensaries
In March, the Utah Bee researched the products in our local dispensaries to get an idea of our state’s price points. We also put up a social media post asking the public to share their Utah program experience. We’re pleased so many were willing to provide feedback. Many respondents asked to be identified by their first names only or anonymously. As forward-thinking as our state has come, we are still dealing with the challenges of cannabis use prejudice.
New laws went into effect at the start of the year requiring patients who live in Utah to purchase medical cannabis within state lines and causing patients who were purchasing out of state to suffer sticker shock.
Julie, who is a cancer patient, uses cannabis to help with pain management.
“I have been a black market user my entire adult life. When Colorado and Nevada went legal, I would supply up, again, illegally,” stated Julie.
“I visited the Beehive dispensary last month and was shocked at the prices. Utah is not helping medical patients with these outrageously high prices,” she continued.
Chronic pain sufferer Jess said, “I had an affirmation letter but haven't renewed or gotten a card because the flower was too expensive and there wasn't enough variety.”
Elisha preferred to get her cannabis out of state when it was legal to do so. “It’s absolutely outrageous how much they want for 3.5 gram[s]. If I lived in any other legal state, 3.5 [grams] would go for no more than $40, and even that is pricey.”
Zach Chase has been medicating with cannabis for close to five years, which he credits to get him off opiates. Chase also feels Utah’s prices are high.
“How come I paid 20-30 dollars for the same thing in Colorado and Vegas, but here in Utah, I pay double or triple. It’s horrendous,” said Chase. “No one should have to pay these prices... We’ve got veterans and people who are fixed income who just can’t afford to have peace of mind or body because of the outrageous prices.”
Comparing pricing between Utah, Nevada, and Colorado, Utah consistently came in with the highest prices. I did my best comparing “apples to apples” based on selections available.
Gummies
Beehive Farmacy: Boojum Lemon Up Hybrid Gummies - $30.00 (7.3mg THC); Utah
The Dispensary: Mixed Berry Hybrid Gummies - $25.00 (9.14mg THC); Nevada
Medicine Man: Watermelon Hybrid Gummies - $13.85 (10mg THC); Colorado
Flower
Beehive Farmacy: Good Sun Lavender Jones Hybrid - $60.00 for 1/8oz (21.1% THC); Utah
The Dispensary: Platinum Cake Hybrid - $39.00 for 1/8oz (22.97% THC); Nevada
Medicine Man: Jacki Glue Sativa - $23.98 for 1/8oz (21.5% THC); Colorado
Patients in Utah have four options. First, attempt to follow the law by purchasing cannabis in local dispensaries at inflated prices. Second, break the law by purchasing cannabis on the local black(traditional) market at reasonable price points. Third, break the law by buying cannabis in dispensaries across state lines at affordable price points. Fourth, refuse cannabis therapy as an option.
As of this past legislative session of 2021, a new bill was signed into law, SB192. It states patients can continue to purchase cannabis outside of Utah until June 30, 2021. It also provides for a 15th dispensary intended to services rural counties. While that helps with more access points, we need to examine our cannabis production to help lower cost.
With supply-chain problems still plaguing the program, it may be some time before we see costs fall to reasonable prices for patients on limited incomes.