Are Homemade Edibles Cheaper?
With some creativity and cooking, you can turn your favorite recipes into THC-infused edibles, while potentially keeping money in your pocket. But making edibles correctly takes trial and error, and lots of ingredients.
With homemade edibles, the cost analysis will look quite similar to smoking. Depending on the recipe, you’ll need to buy flower, distillate, or a tincture. You’ll also have to consider the cost of things like butter, sugar, flour, and basic cooking tools.
One notable downside here is that homemade edibles are nearly impossible to “dose” consistently. Unless you are willing to mess up a batch or two, which itself can waste some money, it might be best to stick with store-bought edibles.
So, let’s look at the average cost of edibles that you'd find online, which take cooking and the associated costs out of the equation.
Store-Bought Edibles Cost
Since the manufacturers do all the heavy lifting, the price of your average edible can range from $5-$60.
The production of edibles involves some sort of cannabinoid distillate being incorporated into traditional cooking methods. With gummies, the distillate will be infused into the mixture or, with cheaper brands, sprayed on at the end. With baked goods, it will be stirred into the batter before cooking.
The final price will ultimately depend on the quality of the product, the number of servings, and the total amount of THC within them.
You will notice that the higher the concentration of THC in a piece, the higher the price. Things get even more complicated when you throw in potent concentrates such as Live Rosin or if the edible features a “blend” of cannabinoids like THC, CBD, THCP, or THCV. These ingredients will make your experience more intense but also may raise the price per piece.
Another variable that can affect the cost of edibles is the state you live in, applicable taxes, and the company you purchase from.
All things considered, edibles still come out cheaper than smoking when you consider the upfront costs. Just remember that, like with flower, you should spring for a trustworthy product even if it costs you a few dollars more. If you find a dirt-cheap edible, it's probably just a gummy that's sprayed with distillate (which tastes unpleasant and doesn't deliver a consistent experience) or it hasn't been lab-tested. Such products could put your health at risk or even put you in legal jeopardy due to noncompliant concentrations of THC.
Rest assured that all of Hometown Hero's edibles are third-party tested in a DEA-certified lab, and are infused to ensure enhanced flavor and consistency! You can choose from a wide range of baked goods, taffies, or gummies in Live Rosin, HHC, Delta-8, or Delta-9 varieties.
How Do Other Hemp Products Compare?
Back in 2019,
MJBizDaily shared the results of a data analysis on the price of THC in cannabis-infused products.
The data shows that the average price per milligram of THC in edibles is 20 cents or less, with THC-infused topicals and tinctures averaging at 32 cents per milligram.
These prices are high, but keep in mind, that this is based on marijuana-derived Delta-9.
While there is still a lot more data to uncover between hemp brands, we are aware that according to some sources, hemp-derived Delta-8 can average between 6 to 10 cents per milligram. Talk about a huge difference in price!
But beyond the price per milligram, there are many other variables to consider when discussing the overall cost of a high-quality product. Some important factors to look at are taste, quality control, and most importantly, lab testing for safety.
Which is Cheaper: Edibles or Smoking?
Considering the upfront costs of smoking, store-bought edibles come out as the cheaper option. Even premium edibles offer a bang for your buck when you consider how much it would cost to make a comparable edible yourself. These products usually come in a pack that can last you multiple sessions, whereas flower could be gone in a few short sessions.
But remember, the experience you get from an edible will be completely different from what you'd get from smoking. Even when considering the same milligrams of THC, your body will process cannabinoids differently depending on the consumption method.
So if you enjoy the effects of one over the other, you shouldn't compare the two based on price. Instead, choose the product that will meet your needs!
Until next time, happy exploring, and mind your mind.
FDA Disclaimer: The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from health care practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.