Are you curious about how much you could save by growing your own cannabis at home? With the rising costs of weed from dispensaries, a lot of smokers are exploring the option of home cultivation. In this article, we’ll break down the costs of buying cannabis from a dispensary versus growing it yourself, compare the pros and cons of each option, and provide an analysis of how much you could save. 

How Much Does Cannabis Cost from a Dispensary?

These prices below are based on state dispensaries, some from recreational states and others with just medical dispensaries.  

How Much Does It Cost to Grow Your Own Cannabis at Home?

Growing your own cannabis can seem like an appealing way to save money and have more control over your supply. Let’s take a look at how much growing at home might set you back. 

Initial Setup Costs For Indoor Growing

Investing in the initial setup for growing cannabis includes several key components. Below is a breakdown of these costs. These are average costs for mid-range gear, with an average sized grow of 4-5 plants in a grow tent.

Seeds or clones

When you are choosing to grow your own weed you will have the option of growing cannabis seeds or using clones. Growing seeds allows you more choice and costs less, however, it does take more time as you will need to germinate the seeds and then get them through the seedling stage. In the interest of keeping costs down, for this calculation, we will assume you are choosing to grow from seed.

Outdoor Growing

Growing cannabis outdoors generally involves lower initial costs. The primary expenses are:

• Cannabis seeds: Prices range from $10 to $100 per seed, depending on the strain and seed quality.
• Nutrients: Basic nutrients cost about $30 to $100 for a growing season.

The total initial investment for outdoor growing mainly depends on the cost of seeds and nutrients, which can be relatively low compared to indoor setups.

Indoor Growing

Indoor growing, while it is a bigger upfront cost, gives you much better control over the growing environment, which might be better suited if you are in a region where the weather isn’t suitable for cannabis.

• Nutrients: Similar to outdoor growing, $30 to $100 for a season.
• Water: Minimal, typically adds $10 – $30 to monthly utility bills.
• Electricity: Can increase your monthly bills by $30 – $150, depending on your setup and local electricity rates.

Including the initial setup costs, starting an indoor grow operation can be a significant investment but can pay off with more consistent production and the ability to grow year-round regardless of weather.

Growing vs Buying Cannabis

When you’re deciding whether to grow your own cannabis or purchase it from a dispensary, there are several factors you need to consider, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Buying Cannabis from a Dispensary

Pros:

• Hassle-Free Experience: You can simply buy what you need when you need it without the effort involved in growing.
• Quality and Variety: Dispensaries offer a wide range of strains, including top-shelf bud, which are often lab-tested for quality and safety.
• Immediate Access: No waiting for months; buy and enjoy the same day.
• Small Amounts: Ideal for occasional users who don’t need large quantities.

Cons:

• Higher Cost Over Time: Regular purchases can be more expensive compared to the cost of growing your own.
• Less Control: You have less control over the growing process and the chemicals used.

Growing Weed at Home

Pros:

• Cost-Effective Long Term: After the initial setup, the cost of growing weed at home is relatively low, and it can yield a significant amount of cannabis.
• Full Control: You control the strains you grow and the methods used, ensuring no unwanted chemicals are involved.
• Personal Satisfaction: Many find the process of growing their own cannabis to be a rewarding hobby.
• Variety: You can choose to grow multiple strains that might not be available or are too costly at local dispensaries.

Cons:

• Initial Investment: The startup costs for equipment and supplies can be substantial.
• Time and Effort: Requires time, knowledge, and regular attention to maintain and harvest the plants.
• Regulations and Legal Issues: You must understand and comply with local laws, which can restrict how much you can grow and require security measures.

Buying from a Dispensary

Calculating potential savings from growing your own cannabis versus buying from a dispensary involves understanding both the upfront and ongoing costs of each option. Here’s how you might calculate the savings over the course of a year:

Cost Comparison: Dispensary vs Home Growing

Let’s assume you consume one ounce of cannabis per month:

1. Buying from a Dispensary:
   • Average cost per ounce: $300 (based on typical prices in various states).
   • Yearly cost: $300 x 12 = $3,600.
2. Growing at Home (Indoor Setup):
   • Initial setup costs (average): $710 (from previous breakdown).
   • Additional yearly costs (nutrients, water, and electricity): $160 + $120 + $600 = $880.
   • Total first year cost: $710 + $880 = $1,590.
   • Subsequent years, avoiding initial setup costs: $880/year.

Yearly Savings

• First Year: $3,600 (buying) – $1,590 (growing) = $2,010 saved.
• Subsequent Years: $3,600 (buying) – $880 (growing) = $2,720 saved per year.

So, there you have it, growing your own weed at home could save you a significant amount of money, if you are willing to lay out the initial set up costs and put in the effort. After the first year, once the initial setup costs are covered, the amount you can save will be even greater. 

But it isn’t all about saving money, you also gain the benefits of having complete control over your supply, the choice of strains, and the satisfaction of growing your own product. The savings increase the more you consume, making home cultivation a great option if you use weed regularly.