A cannabis strain is a buy medical marijuana strain; they are pretty much all the same. Nothing could be further from the truth. The psychoactive and physical effects of different cannabis strains can be very unique. This is why patients develop a list of strains they prefer, which may work better than others for their wellness needs.
But while you are hunting for the best deals at your local dispensary, it’s hard not to wonder how “high” buy medical marijuana prices can go. Not just in the cannabis market in the United States but worldwide.
Paying $90 to $130 per ounce can feel uncomfortable, but when you consider the most expensive weed strains in the world, starting at $800 per ounce, your perspective may change.
We went looking for some of the best weed strains and the most expensive buy medical marijuana strains to learn which ones earned the “elite” status and why they cost so much.
What Makes a Medical Marijuana So Expensive?
When you visit a medical cannabis dispensary, one of the first things you’ll notice is that prices can vary significantly. Naturally, most patients are looking for the highest quality medical marijuana strains at the most affordable prices.
There are four different reasons why some cultivar’s best weed strains of cannabis are more expensive.
THC Content
The general rule is that cannabis flowers with more than 25% THC levels or content are going to come with a higher price tag. In the United States, most strains below 20% THC are less expensive.
There is a myth that higher potency strains provide better results. Patients using medical cannabis regularly to help with symptoms can achieve their goals with lower potency strains. Higher levels of THC do not equate to better results. But the myth that cannabis potency alone is perpetuated by premium pricing in dispensaries for high-potency strains.
Unique Combinations of Terpenes and Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is only one of hundreds of cannabinoids that may offer wellness benefits. When you research medical marijuana strains online, you will notice that many popular strains also have minor or secondary cannabinoid content.
Some of the other cannabinoids you may find in premium-priced medical marijuana include:
- Cannabinol (CBN)
- Cannabidiol (CBDL)
- Cannabidiol (CBD)
- Cannabicyclol (CBL)
- Cannabielsoin (CBE)
- Cannabidiol (CBT)
- Cannabigerol (CBG)
- Cannabichromenes (CBC)
Scientific studies into the psychoactive effects of cannabis have revealed that while THC is the most psychoactive, other secondary cannabinoids are essential, too. Research suggests that cannabinoids work best together (the entourage effect) and can provide enhanced psychoactive effects when combined.
Terpene Type and Ratio Affects Medical Marijuana Prices
Terpenes are also essential when choosing medical cannabis strains. Expensive weed strains typically have higher than average terpene content. Terpenes occur naturally in all plants, but specific terpenes are present most in a potent strain. Can you buy medical marijuana with has?
Science has identified over 20,000 different varieties of terpenes that may positively impact well-being. The cannabis plant, depending on the strain, has about 200 terpene variations.
Both caryophyllene and myrcene are commonly found in more potent strains of cannabis strains. Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Bisabolol, Humulene, Delta 3 Carene, Perpineol, Valencene, and Humulene are some terpenes found in cannabis strains.
Want to learn how terpenes work and which ones may offer wellness benefits? Check out this blog post, “Why Are Cannabis Terpenes a Big Deal?“. Find out which terpenes can help with symptoms of anxiety, inflammation, pain, and more.
Cultivation Difficulty and Rarity
Some cannabis strains are straightforward to grow. Auto flower varieties, for example, mature quickly and are more resilient to environmental conditions that can make other cannabis plants fail.
Other types of Medical Marijuana plants have particular agricultural needs. They need to be nurtured with precise amounts of light and darkness, moisture, and, in some cases, specialized nutrients. Can you buy marijuana in virginia without a medical card?
Sometimes, plants may have a small bud structure and produce fewer flowers. Generally speaking, the more difficult cannabis cultivation strains are not usually picked by commercial growers because they are more time-consuming and expensive to cultivate.
But some strains of cannabis are worth the extra effort. Cultivators may produce small quantities of speciality flowers if there is a local demand for them. In those cases, you may find the “high maintenance” strains are less frequently available or sell out quickly because they are coveted for their unique medicinal properties.
Medicinal Applications
If you have researched strains online at websites like Weedmaps or Leafly, you know that much of the information about strains comes directly from consumers. People who have experience with cannabis leave reviews that hint at some of the attributes that a specific strain can provide.
Some of the most popular weed strains believed to provide more medicinal benefits for patients include:
- Blue Dream
- Black Magic Kush
- Cannatonic
- Sour Diesel
- Northern Lights
- Dutch Treat
- LA Confidential
One of the most common uses of medical marijuana is to assist with pain management. It is estimated that more than 100 million Americans currently suffer from chronic pain. About 20% of the global population is believed to have moderate to severe intractable pain. And sometimes, conventional therapies do not work.
Other symptoms associated with chronic pain include mood variance, depression, anxiety, and emotional reactivity. Expensive weed strains may help reduce pain symptoms better and provide some relief for mental health disorders, which is why they may be pre for patients.
The Five Most Expensive Cannabis Strains in the World
If money was no object, would you spend top dollar for some of the most expensive cannabis strains in the world? You may be tempted to try a small quantity of a few of these top strains of 2024, assuming you can find them in the United States. After all, they have been cultivated from world-class genetic material.
Here are the top five most expensive weed strains in the world.
1. Loud Dream
Another strain of cannabis to add to your luxury wish list is Loud Dream. In 2024, the cannabis strain was selling for an average of $800 per ounce. It has several unique attributes inherited from its parent plant, the famous Blue Dream strain.
Strain Profile
- THC: 14% to 16%
- CBD: >0.02%
- Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, and Limonene.
Loud Dream has a unique tropical flavour with spicy herbal and orange citrus notes. According to consumer reviews, this strain has caused paranoia and dry mouth.
Less Expensive Alternatives
- Sweet Diesel
- A-10
- Golden Strawberry
- 66 Cookies
Individuals looking for help with pain or anxiety symptoms may find that Loud Dream is effective. This strain has been sold for up to $800 per ounce.
2. Oracle
When the Oracle cannabis strain was introduced, almost no one had heard of strains that topped 45% THC levels. That is more than double the average THC content found in strains sold in the United States. But the THC levels and the legendary 4-week flowering time are topics of much debate.
The cost of a single seed for the Oracle strain has sold for more than $200 (per seed). And a cloned Oracle plant can sell for up to $1,000. It was introduced in America in 2009, and one of the reasons why it is so highly-priced is that it is rare and has some impressive medicinal attributes.
Oracle’s high THC levels, ranging from 25% to 45%, make it one of the most potent strains available, attracting both curiosity and scepticism within the cannabis community. Its unique combination of cannabinoids and terpenes contributes to its strong psychoactive effects, making it a sought-after choice for those seeking a powerful experience.
Strain Profile
- THC: 25% to 45%
- CBD: 7% to 9%
- CBC: 0.14% to 0.55%
- CBG: 0.40% to 1.2%
- CBN: 0.06% to 0.25%
- THCV: 0.39% to 0.52%
- Dominant Terpenes: Carene, Geraniol, and Ocimene.
The Oracle marijuana strain may make you feel creative, uplifted, and energetic. If you have a lot of things to do, it may be the perfect strain to try if you have problems with chronic fatigue.
Less Expensive Alternatives
- CBD Fix Automatic
- Fruity Pebbles
- Runtz
- Isla OG (not less expensive)
The flavour profile of Oracle cannabis is described as nutty, with lemon (on exhale), skunk, and earthy undertones. Oracle can sell for over $800 per ounce and is bred from three rare cultivars. But it may have some negative side effects, including panic attacks (anxiety), dizziness, and problems sleeping (insomnia).
3. White Fire OG
This Indica-dominant hybrid strain is 60% Indica and 40% Sativa. You may also find this strain of medical marijuana under the name WiFi OG or WiFi Kush in some dispensaries. The White Fire OG strain was bred from Fire OG and The White, a prevalent type of marijuana strain.
Strain Profile
- THC: 22% to 30%
- CBD: 1%
- Dominant Terpenes: Myrcene, Caryophyllene, Pinene, and Limonene.
Some patients who have used White Fire OG medical marijuana have shared that it can make you feel emotionally uplifted, focused, energetic, and relaxed, which may make this particular strain ideal for daytime use.
Less Expensive Alternatives
- Jesus OG
- Tangerine Dream
- Jacky White
- The White
- White Wedding
White Fire OG has some interesting flavours, with sour citrus, spicy earth undertones, and notes of mellow herb. Some people state that it has a peppery taste at the back of the throat, which can induce coughing. This strain can sometimes be found for less than $200 per ounce but has been sold for an average of $400 to $600 per ounce.
4. Isla OG
This Indica dominant hybrid is known for producing both a head and body high. That is because it is almost pure Indica (97%). The common psychoactive and physical effects of Isla OG are relaxation and euphoria. For a short time, if you manage to stay awake after taking Isla OG, you may feel zero stress.
Strain Profile
- THC: 25% to 27%
- CBG: 1%
- Dominant Terpenes: Over 1.98% terpene content in Isla OG. The dominant terps are B-Myrcene, B-Pinene, and D3-Carene.
Many people have reviewed the strain and commented that it doesn’t make them sleepy, which is different for a potent Indica-dominant hybrid. High Myrcene content (the “couch lock” terpene) is present. The Isla OG strain was bred from Legend OG with Orange Blossom Trail.
Less Expensive Alternatives
- Alaska Thunder Grape
- Apple Kush
- Heatwave
- Lemon Gelato
The flavours of the Isla OG marijuana strain are described as notes of peach, tar, and pineapple. The price per ounce for Isla OG has been as high as $800 U.S. per ounce.
5. XJ-13
The XJ-13 is so loaded with secondary cannabinoids and terpenes they couldn’t come up with a better name for it. This strain is a 50% Indica and 50% Sativa hybrid and is recognized to be a potent strain.
This bud contains thirteen (13) different cannabinoids and terpenes, making it a luxury strain; few strains have a 30%+ cannabinoid content. The XJ-13 strain sells for approximately $350 per ounce.
Strain Profile
- THC: 28%
- THCA: 16%
- CBGa: 14.13 mg/g
- CBCa: 4.16 mg/g
- CBG: 0.57%
- CBD: 0.05%
- Here are the primary terpenes found: B-pinene, Humulene, A-pinene, 3-Carene, Terpinolene, Linalool, Y-Terpinene, and P-Cymene.
The XJ-13 strain may help with anxiety, concentration, focus, insomnia, muscle spasms muscle tension, headaches, and fatigue. Many of the terpenes in XJ-13 are believed to provide a mood boost, so they may be suitable for patients who struggle with symptoms of depression.
Less Expensive Alternatives
- Jack Herer
- G-13
What does XJ-13 taste like when you smoke it? Dank skunk, citrus, earthy and sweet. The XJ-13 strain is not impossible to find in the United States and averages around $350 per ounce.
Are Expensive Weed Strains Worth It?
For some people with debilitating mental or physical health conditions, the quest for strains that help is endless. The search for effective relief can be challenging, leading many to wonder if some of the most expensive strains in the world might offer better results. After all, these premium strains come with a high price tag for a reason, often due to their unique medical marijuana profiles, terpene content, and cultivation methods.
However, you do not have to use a high-THC strain to achieve good results. There are always cheaper alternatives available at your local dispensary that can be just as effective. You can find high-quality buds that suit your needs by doing thorough research without breaking the bank. Many affordable strains offer excellent therapeutic benefits and can address many symptoms.
It’s always a good idea to consult with your local dispensary for advice based on your specific symptoms and wellness goals. Dispensary staff can provide valuable insights and recommend alternative strains that may work well for you.
Remember, the most expensive strain isn’t always the best choice for everyone, and finding the right strain for your needs often involves a bit of experimentation and guidance.
Celebrity Favorite Strains
Snoop Dogg – Northern Lights
Snoop Dogg, a renowned figure in the buy medical marijuana industry and community, has always been vocal about his love for cannabis. One of his favourite strains is Northern Lights, an Indica-dominant hybrid known for its potent effects and deep relaxation properties. This strain has earthy undertones and is perfect for stress relief and chronic pain management.
Willie Nelson – Blue Dream
Country music legend Willie Nelson prefers Blue Dream, a Sativa-dominant hybrid that provides balanced effects. It’s one of the most popular weed strains due to its high THC content and sweet flavour. Blue Dream is often used for treating pain, depression, and nausea.
Rihanna – Jack Herer
Pop star Rihanna enjoys Jack Herer, a Sativa dominant strain known for its uplifting effects and complex flavour profile. Named after the famous buy medical marijuana activist, this strain is great for anxiety, stress relief, and boosting creativity, making it a favourite among buy medical marijuana enthusiasts.
Seth Rogen – Pineapple Express
Comedian and actor Seth Rogen is a fan of Pineapple Express, a hybrid strain that gained fame from the movie of the same name. This strain combines the potent effects of hybrid strains of Trainwreck and Hawaiian, offering a sweet, tropical flavour and a balance of euphoria and relaxation.
Whoopi Goldberg – Purple Urkle
Whoopi Goldberg, who has launched her cannabis brand, enjoys Purple Urkle for its soothing effects. This Indica strain is known for inducing deep relaxation and is often used for pain relief and alleviating chronic stress too.
Conclusion
The world of cannabis strains is diverse, with each strain offering unique benefits and effects. While some strains are priced higher due to their rarity, potency, and distinctive profiles, there are always more affordable alternatives that can provide similar therapeutic benefits.
Whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain or anxiety or simply looking to explore the rich flavours and effects of buy medical marijuana, there’s a strain out there for you. Always consult with knowledgeable dispensary staff to find the best strains for your needs, and remember, the most expensive strain isn’t always the best choice. Happy exploring the best buy medical marijuana strains in the world!