Among weed enthusiasts, a QP refers to a quarter pound of weed. A quarter pound of weed is equivalent to four ounces or 113.4g. In most states, dispensaries are legally prohibited from selling that much weed to an individual for personal consumption. Typically, dispensaries sell weed in ounces. Massachusetts, however, allows you to buy an ounce or its equivalent per person per day.
Therefore, a quarter usually refers to a quarter ounce of weed, which is about 7g. This portion is sufficient to make about 7 -10 blunts. As such, in most dispensaries, what is labeled as a quarter is a quarter ounce. A QP is a big portion of weed, although the exact portion size depends on weed strain and how dense its flowers are. The retail price also fluctuates a lot.
In Massachusetts, on average, a quarter ounce of weed may cost around $100, but an ounce, at the same time, can cost up to $400. When splurging for a QP of weed, you can expect to pay a much higher price tag of around $1600 or more.
So, How Much Is a QP of Weed?
The price of a pound of weed generally averages between $1100-$2200. According to a 2022 survey by Statista, the cost of high-quality marijuana varies by state, ranging from $210 in Oregon to $590 in the District of Columbia per ounce.
Factors That Determine the Price of a QP of Weed
The exact price of a QP of weed varies widely depending on a wide range of factors such as quality and strain of cannabis, the location, supplier, etc. Below is a detailed look at the factors that influence the price of a QP of weed.
Quality
The quality of weed is a major determinant of its price. Quality refers to different elements, including whether it is organic, grown indoors or outdoors, potency, strains, and aroma.
Some strains have distinct flavors and aromas that make them classified as premium. For example, some strains contain terpenes, an aromatic compound that gives cannabis a unique taste and flavor. It provides a complex and enhanced sensory experience making it higher-priced.
Growing conditions and techniques also determine the quality. Premium weed is cultivated under specific conditions with meticulous attention to detail using advanced techniques such as hydroponics. As a result, the cost of production is higher, resulting in higher prices.
Other factors that determine the quality of weed include strain rarity, visual appearance, brand reputation, and testing and certification.
Potency
Highly potent weed is perceived as more valuable and desirable. It is highly sought after by customers looking for an intense high. Therefore, weed strains and products with higher THC content generally command a higher price. Furthermore, the cultivation, handling, and processing techniques of high-potency weed are more intensive. This can lead to increased production costs that are reflected in the end product’s price.
Location
In locations where cannabis is legalized, it is generally more affordable. It is also more affordable in locations the climate and environmental conditions are suitable for growing cannabis outdoors.
Local, State, and Regulatory Costs
Local and state regulations have a great impact on the price of weed. They impose different costs, including licensing and permit fees, local and state taxes, compliance costs, and zoning and real estate costs.
For example, cannabis businesses must pay certain fees to acquire and operate legally. These fees can be quite substantial depending on the type of business and jurisdiction. Many local and state governments impose sales, excise, and other cannabis-related taxes for different types of cannabis businesses.
Cannabis businesses are also subject to compliance costs such as packaging and labeling, which require additional resources, equipment, and systems. Also, rigorous testing and quality control are required to ensure the safety of the products. All these costs are transferred as a markup on the price of the weed.
Administrative, Packaging, Marketing, and Branding Costs
Other major costs affecting weed’s price include administrative, packaging, marketing, and branding costs. Administrative costs include employee salaries and benefits, record keeping and accounting, software, and systems.
Packaging is a crucial element of presenting cannabis products and their preservation. Therefore, cannabis businesses spend a significant amount towards acquiring high-quality packaging, design, printing, and ensuring that the packaging is child, tear, or tamper-resistant.
Marketing and branding are essential for building a strong market presence and attracting a customer base. Brand development, advertising, promotion, social media, and other marketing strategies can be expensive. All these costs are passed down to the customer, influencing the price of weed.
Supply and Demand
As with any other product, the laws of supply and demand apply to cannabis. The higher the demand and the lower the supply, the higher the price. Conversely, the prices are low when there is an oversupply, such as during the harvesting season.
Quantities
You may get a discount for larger purchases. In this case, you may get a volume discount on a QP of weed compared to buying a few ounces.
Conclusion
The price of a QP of weed depends on factors such as quality, potency, location, brand, market conditions, recreational vs medicinal, and all the other factors we have described. However, based on the 2022 Statista survey on the price of good quality weed, a QP can cost between $840 to $2360, depending on your state.
In Massachusetts, however, we see an average price of between $400 and $1600, but since the price fluctuates so much, we can’t pinpoint an exact price.
Remember that weed for personal consumption is typically sold in smaller quantities, such as quarter ounces. Rarely will you buy a QP at once. Research various cannabis dispensaries in your area to determine the average cost of different portions of weed in Massachusetts.
