What is the reason behind the high cost of legal marijuana in Alaska?

When you step inside an Alaskan cannabis dispensary, you’ll immediately notice the newly renovated space. The products on offer have undergone rigorous testing and preparation in a tightly regulated market. The knowledgeable salespeople, referred to as budtenders, are always available to address any queries you may have.

However, it is important to keep in mind that the experience comes with a higher price tag.

The commercial marijuana market in Alaska is currently facing a challenge with high prices. As a result, there appears to be a divide between those who are willing to purchase marijuana legally and those who still opt to buy from the black market due to the cheaper prices it offers.

Legal pot prices may not be decreasing anytime soon despite the opening of new retailers in the market.

Leif Abel, who is one of the co-owners of Greatland Ganja, proudly displays their marijuana drying on racks in a photo taken on September 21, 2016. The image, captured by Marc Lester of Alaska Dispatch News, showcases the company’s dedication to producing top-quality cannabis products.

Leslea Nunley, representing Tanana Herb Co., a cultivation facility in Fairbanks, expressed her surprise at the shortage of supply in the market, stating, “We’ve all been kind of surprised at the way it’s gone so far…I really thought there would be more supply out there.”

The Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office has reported that as of late April, a total of 23 retailers were operating throughout the state, while 45 growers, both small and large, had received their final approval.

However, it’s important to note that not all of these growers have begun producing yet. It’s also worth mentioning that marijuana is a crop that takes a significant amount of time to grow. Given the limited number of cultivators, this results in a highly competitive market for shops attempting to establish their presence.

According to Nunley, Tanana Herb Co.’s crop is already accounted for even before it is planted.

According to Nunley, the cost of high-quality commercial marijuana sold in bulk is ranging between $4,200 to $5,800 per pound.

Growers are currently able to name their own price due to the shortage in supply.

According to Leif Abel, the owner of Greatland Ganja, his current rate for a pound of marijuana, which includes packaging, taxes, and delivery, is $5,000. Despite having 20 retailers interested in his product, Abel believes he could charge even more.

Abel stated that the buyers have minimal bargaining power and there is no reason for them to lower the price.

According to the Office of Research and Analysis in Colorado, the average market rate for marijuana was $1,471 per pound from May to October in 2016. It is worth noting that Colorado was the first state to legalize recreational marijuana, and therefore had a more established cannabis industry compared to Alaska.

When wholesalers sell their products to retailers, the latter often mark up the prices to make a profit. This practice is common in all types of businesses, including retail. For instance, the price of a product that costs $1,000 at wholesale may be sold to customers for as much as $9,000 to $11,300 per pound.

As a consumer, you can expect to pay around $20 to $25 for a single gram of bud or flower. If you’re looking to purchase an eighth of an ounce, which weighs 3.5 grams, you can expect to pay between $60 to $88.

Alaska’s regulations allow individuals to purchase a maximum of one ounce of cannabis at a time from a dispensary.

According to Abel, purchasing marijuana from the black market can be quite expensive. In Alaska, the cost of an eighth of an ounce can be as high as $40, especially in urban areas. Meanwhile, the price of black-market marijuana per pound ranges from $2,000 to $3,600.

According to businesses, the elevated price of legal marijuana can be attributed to various factors, including supply. However, they also point out that commercial marijuana comes with additional costs.

The expenses involved in this include a state tax of $800 for every pound of wholesale marijuana, as well as the requirement for lab testing for each 5-pound batch, child-resistant packaging, and insurance. Additionally, some argue that the cost of doing business in Alaska is generally higher than in other states.

Abel commented that his revenue gets consumed quickly.

According to Daniel Peters, co-owner of Goodsense, a retail store located in Fairbanks, they offer marijuana for sale at prices that are comparable to those found in the black market. Peters attributes his success to the fact that the store is connected to its own cultivation facility.

According to him, getting an edge with customers is a top priority.

According to Peters, he simply opts not to take the maximum profit.

On September 21, 2016, the workers at Greatland Ganja were busy processing marijuana plants, as captured in a photograph by Marc Lester from Alaska Dispatch News.

The Tax Man: An Overview

Taxation is an integral part of any government’s revenue-generating mechanism. The entity responsible for enforcing tax laws and collecting taxes is commonly referred to as the “tax man.” The tax man’s role is crucial in ensuring that individuals and businesses alike comply with tax laws and regulations.

The tax man’s primary responsibility is to collect taxes from citizens and businesses. This revenue is then used to fund various government programs and initiatives. The tax man also enforces tax laws and regulations, ensuring that taxpayers file their returns and pay the correct amount of taxes owed.

In addition to collecting taxes, the tax man also provides taxpayers with assistance and support. This includes answering questions about tax laws and regulations, providing guidance on filing tax returns, and helping taxpayers resolve any issues related to their taxes.

The tax man’s role is essential in maintaining a functional government and ensuring that citizens and businesses contribute their fair share to society. As such, it is imperative that individuals and businesses alike comply with tax laws and regulations and work with the tax man to ensure that taxes are paid on time and in full.

As Alaska moves towards legalization, businesses are keeping a close eye on the experiences of other states. The state of Washington, for instance, witnessed a rapid decline in prices during the initial years of legalization as the market expanded and grew more mature. It is anticipated that Alaska will follow suit and experience lower prices in due time.

As marijuana legalization spreads across states, dropping prices have resulted in decreasing revenues for most of them. States like Washington, Colorado, and others have implemented taxes that are linked to a percentage of the sale cost, which has been affected by the price drops.

Alaska has a unique approach to the taxation of marijuana. The state applies a flat rate of $50 per ounce or $800 per pound, which ensures that regardless of the market value of the product, the government will always earn a fixed amount of money.

According to drug policy expert and Stanford University professor Keith Humphreys, The Washington Post reports that Alaska’s flat tax is beneficial for the state since it provides stable revenue, despite price fluctuations.

According to Lily Bosshart, the co-owner of Dankorage, some businesses prefer the percentage tax. However, she believes that a tax based on the actual market value would be more logical and fair.

According to Bosshart, the more you sell, the more money you make when it comes to state percentage tax. He believes if the state would remove the price cap, they would be able to sell more and increase their profits.

Other states are experiencing prices that bottom out, but with the flat rate system, this will not happen.

According to Bosshart, obtaining a high-quality gram for $10 or $11 is unlikely.

On April 5, 2017, an image was captured at Calm N Collective cannabis cultivation facility in Houston, Alaska. The image depicts the growth of marijuana and was taken by Bill Roth, a photographer for Alaska Dispatch News.

“You don’t have to fake liking me.”

With prices remaining high, the black market – also known as the “unregulated market” – is still operating.

According to Bosshart, “Our prices are missing out on a whole market segment, and as a result, our business is flourishing.”

According to business owners, the majority of customers who visit commercial marijuana shops are aged 50 or above. These individuals have unique reasons for purchasing marijuana from a legitimate source, unlike those who buy it on the black market. Some are unwilling to engage in illegal activities, while others seek guidance on which products are best suited for their needs.

Loren Dreyer, the owner of Alaskan Leaf, a growing facility and retail shop in Anchorage, stated that her target market highly values the quality of their tested products.

According to Peters, partnering with Goodsinse has made shopping for customers a lot easier as opposed to buying from the black market, which often involves uncertain, underground transactions.

According to Peters, “There’s no need to fake liking me, you simply enjoy my weed.”

During the grand opening of the first legal marijuana store in Alaska, Valdez resident Michael Holcombe was the first customer at Herbal Outfitters. After a long wait of 46 years, Holcombe finally got the chance to purchase legal marijuana. The historic moment was captured in a photograph, which shows Holcombe proudly displaying his purchase.

The Magic of a Crystal Ball

According to some experts, prices might decrease towards the end of summer as outdoor growers finish harvesting their crops and increase the supply. However, most believe that this dip will be short-lived, and prices will continue to be high throughout the summer of 2018 until the third round of outdoor growers brings their produce to the market.

The regulatory process is one of the main factors causing the delay.

Growers have been urging the Marijuana Control Board to schedule an additional meeting in May to ensure timely approval for planting crops this summer. In response to these requests, the board has agreed to hold a meeting on May 15 in Anchorage.

Nunley and Abel both share the goal of improving their efficiency over the next few years to increase their marijuana production while reducing costs. They are optimistic about eventually being able to offer lower prices to their customers.

Abel expressed his preference for a more balanced and consistent market, despite the current benefit for growers from the high prices.

Abel expressed his desire to be part of the effort to generate more revenue for the industry. He believes that until this happens, the industry will not be perceived as mature or legitimate.