Let’s face it - times are tough for many Virginians. Between record-high gas prices and rising inflation, many residents are feeling the economic pinch and coming to the realization that every dollar counts. Virginia medical marijuana patients may find themselves having to choose between their medicine and other financial burdens.
That’s why we’re here! We'd like to offer some tips on how to get the most bang for your buck in these trying economic times. We’ve got some tips and ideas for you in regard to shopping smart at dispensaries and some handy advice on how to make your cannabis supply last as long as possible.
Flower Offers the Best Price Point
When we say “flower,” we are referring to the smokeable part of the marijuana plant. Simply put, buying marijuana flower is going to provide the most bang for your buck.
There are many colorful and exciting options when you first step foot into a dispensary. Medical marijuana comes in many forms including tinctures, pre-rolls, patches, beverages, edibles, and more. These products are great to try out if you’ve got a surplus of cash, but if you’re looking to save a few bucks, loose flower is one of the least expensive options available.
Purchasing cannabis flower requires less packaging and processing, so it tends to be at the lowest price point of any medical marijuana product. You also have more flexibility as far as what you can do with unprocessed marijuana. Some options for how to consume your flower product include, smoking, or vaping. You can also create your own DIY products, such as tinctures and homemade edibles with recipes like this one for cannabutter.
Shop Around for the Best Deal
For the most part, you are going to find that the prices at different dispensaries are pretty similar. However, you may have some luck if you take the time to compare prices at the dispensaries nearest to you.
If you’re looking to get the best deal, take the time to call or visit your local dispensaries and ask about the prices for various strains. These dispensaries are trying to attract the business of Virginia’s medical marijuana patients and when they strive to make their prices competitive, you stand to benefit.
Get High Off Your Own Supply
If you consider yourself to have a green thumb, put it to use by growing your own medical marijuana. It may take a bit of trial and error, especially if you are new to gardening, but the payoff can be substantial. You will save money overall by growing your own cannabis, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you grew your own medicine so you know exactly where it came from.
Indoors or Outdoors? The Choice Is Yours
The results of your cannabis growing efforts will differ depending on whether you decide to grow in a greenhouse, your basement, or your backyard.
Growing in a greenhouse is the largest monetary investment at the beginning, however it may be the most rewarding down the line. Sunlight is free compared to the artificial light that you’d have to pay for when growing indoors. The money you save on electricity costs may pay for your initial investment over time.
Cultivating indoors allows you to control your grow operation; you don’t have to worry about the weather destroying your crop. However, grow lights can be expensive and very hot, so you’ll want to keep that in mind.
Growing outdoors is the most cost effective route, however, you will be at the whim of the ever-changing weather. In Virginia, you’ll need to keep the weather and seasons in mind and make sure to harvest before winter has a chance to destroy your plants.
Take the Time to Learn How to Successfully Grow Medical Marijuana
Cultivating your own cannabis supply can be extremely rewarding. Now that approved patients can legally do it in Virginia, there are more resources available than ever. It’s worth taking the time to educate yourself on how to successfully grow your own medical marijuana plants. Here are some tips on how to get started:
I Love Growing Marijuana is a great website that offers a free grow guide, strain reviews, grow journals, grow calendars, how-to videos, and seed sales.
Seek out classes - Courses are popping up all over that will give you instruction and support for growing cannabis at home. The Elite Home Growers Academy offers courses on indoor and hydroponic growing, and the Weed Squad offers consulting and assistance with designing your entire growing system.
Ask an expert. Seek out someone you know who grows their own cannabis. If you know a DIY marijuana gardener, ask them some questions. Marijuana growth enthusiasts usually love to talk about their hobby, and they are more than happy to share their wisdom with a fellow cannabis patient.
How to Stretch Your Stash
Saving money on cannabis isn’t just about the right price point - it’s about making your supply last as long as possible. Here are a few tips on how to stretch your medical marijuana supply to make it last longer:
Use a Grinder
If you don’t already have a grinder, GET ONE. This tool is essential for making your medicine last as long as possible.
Grinding up your marijuana is time-effective and it catches the kief which you can save in the grinder compartment. If you are having one of those days where your symptoms are flaring up, you can pack yourself a highly-potent kief bowl. Another pro of grinders is that they make sure those all-important trichomes don’t stick to your fingers, which can reduce the potency of your medication.
Switch Up Strains
Switching to a stronger strain is a good way to get the most out of your cannabis, because you will be able to use a smaller amount of a more potent strain. Whether you are purchasing flower products or growing your own, inquiring about a strain’s potency is worth your time.
Follow Recommended Dosing Instructions
Regardless of how you decide to consume your cannabis, each delivery method has varying dosing instructions. The advice we typically give new patients is to “start low and go slow.” Even if you are an experienced cannabis user, it’s worth revisiting this rule, especially if you’re trying to save money. Chances are, you will be able to get to the point of desired relief while consuming less marijuana.
If you are using a vape or a cannabis concentrate, start off with one hit (or, for flower product, 1-2). Then wait fifteen or twenty minutes, and if you still haven’t reached the desired effect, take another hit or two. If you are using edibles, start off with a single dose (or smaller, if you aren’t used to them), then wait 45 minutes to an hour before consuming more.
By following the recommended dosing instructions, you may find that you are actually able to reach the desired effect from your medical marijuana while using less. This can go a long way when it comes to stretching your stash and making it last as long as possible. You deserve relief, no matter what your economic situation.
Relief Is Something You Can’t Afford to Miss Out On
If you don’t have your card yet, we’re here to help. Our medical staff is standing by to take you through a quick and easy evaluation to see if you qualify.
Schedule an evaluation online today, and we’ll make an appointment for you with one of our knowledgeable, compassionate doctors. Not only will you discuss your condition and options during a virtual appointment in the safety of your own home, but if you reserve an appointment online today, you’ll also save $25 off the cost of the appointment!
We’ll even refund the total appointment cost if you and your doctor conclude that medical marijuana isn’t right for you. You have nothing to lose, and a world of potential health benefits to gain!
Doctors Who Care.
Relief You Can Trust.
At Virginia Marijuana Card, our mission is helping everyone achieve wellness
safely and conveniently through increased access to MMJ. Our focus on
education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce the stigma for our patients by
providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
Call us at (888) 633-5808, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in Virginia!