The Cost of Cannabis: See the Top 5 Most and Least Expensive Cities in the World

It’s no secret that some cities are more cannabis-friendly than others, with some destinations strictly prohibiting the substance and others not just legalizing it, but embracing and hyper-commercializing it. 

Beyond legality, there is also a huge range when it comes to the cost of cannabis. With price points that stretch from highly accessible to near-luxury, cannabis takes on different meanings across the world due to cost. 

Whether you’re curious how your city fares or you’re wondering how much cannabis will cost in your next vacation spot, these are the top 5 most and least expensive cities for cannabis around the world. 

Top 5 Most Expensive Cities 

In their Cannabis Price Index, the Center for Advancing Health (CFAH) collected data on marijuana prices from 140 cities worldwide. They found these to be the top 5 most expensive cities:

5. Stavanger, Norway

Coming in as the 5th most expensive city for cannabis with prices at $20.8/gram is Stavanger, Norway. Cannabis is illegal in all of Norway, and regulations against cannabis have historically been strict throughout the country. This may contribute to Stavanger’s ranking on the list, as CFAH concluded that “Legalizing cannabis is more likely to cause a price decline in the market, with prices falling by 11.13% on average.”

4. Rishon Letsiyon, Israel

With prices at $21/gram, Rishon Letsiyon is almost tied with Stavanger. In spite of the hefty price tag, however, significant progress has been made in recent years with cannabis-related legislation, and cannabis is now decriminalized in Israel. 

3. Tallinn, Estonia

In Tallinn, Estonia, you’ll find cannabis for an average of $22.1/gram. Much like Rishon Letsiyon, Tallinn has decriminalized cannabis usage, with possession of amounts smaller than 7.5g only considered a misdemeanor. 

2. Dublin, Ireland 

Visit Dublin, however, and cannabis possession without a prescription is completely illegal. This may be part of why the city is the second most expensive in the world for cannabis, with prices averaging $22.5/gram.  

1. Tokyo, Japan

Coming in at the #1 spot is Tokyo, Japan, with cannabis prices a whopping $33.8/gram. While Tokyo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, you should be aware that the substance is not only expensive in this city, but also highly illegal. 

Top 5 Least Expensive Cities 

Are you more interested in where you could find cannabis at a super low price point? According to CFAH, these are the 5 least expensive cities for the substance. 

5. Vancouver, Canada

At $6.3/gram, cannabis prices in Vancouver are leaps and bounds more affordable than those from the previous list. Fun fact: Canada was the first major industrialized country to legalize access to cannabis for non-medical purposes. That means that cannabis is completely legal in Vancouver! 

4. Kabul, Afghanistan

In Kabul, Afghanistan, unfortunately, cannabis is illegal. Despite this, you can find prices of only $6.3/gram. While cannabis has been cultivated in Afghanistan for centuries, due to political and economic shifts, it has been illegal since the 1970s. 

3. Notre Dame, Canada

Another Canadian city cracked the top 5, with Notre Dame prices averaging only $6.2/gram.

2. Bangalore, India

Across the world, cannabis prices in Bangalore come in at just $6.0/gram. But, note that the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act of 1985 made the production and consumption of cannabis illegal throughout the country. 

1. Montreal, Canada

And the #1 most inexpensive city for cannabis? Montreal, with prices at just $5.9/gram. Like the other Canadian cities on the list, Montreal is a spot in which you can enjoy the benefits of cannabis completely legally. 

What About in the US? 

Wondering about where the states stand? While no city in the US cracked the top 5 most or least expensive in the world, there are some notable mentions. D.C. and Washington are in the top 10 most expensive cities, clocking in at nine and ten respectively. In the top 10 least expensive, there is only one US city on the list, with Portland as number 9 at just $7/gram. 

If you’re interested in traveling somewhere new, keep this list in mind for a cannabis-friendly (and affordable) spot!