In the US, weed has become a hot commodity. Carefully engineered top-shelf strains have been introduced to the market that costs more than your local dealer probably made last month. Here are the world’s five most expensive strains… Fruity Pebbles Engineered and initially distributed by Alien Genetics in 2012, Frui Curious about what are the most expensive weed seed strains in the USA? The most expensive is Cannabis Caviar (or the related Black Caviar strain) at a whopping $1400 an ounce. If you want to know the four other most expensive, high-quality marijuana cultivars in the US, read the full article from Goldleaf here. Enjoy! What’re the most expensive weed strains in the world? Why is it so pricey? Here’s the story on where to find it and encounter effects of epic proportions.
Hotshot Pot: The Most Expensive Weed In The World
In the US, weed has become a hot commodity. Carefully engineered top-shelf strains have been introduced to the market that costs more than your local dealer probably made last month. Here are the world’s five most expensive strains…
Fruity Pebbles
Engineered and initially distributed by Alien Genetics in 2012, Fruity Pebbles is an indica-dominant hybrid containing elements of Granddaddy Purple, Tahoe Alien and Green Ribbon. The vibrant and colorful strain was most certainly one of the most potent on the market when it was released; packs of seeds are said to go for $1,500.
Sold at up to $800 an ounce, the world’s most expensive marijauna is Loud Dream. A rare sativa backcross of the world-renowned hybrid, Blue Dream. This strain seems almost caffeinated and has been cited as the perfect bud for a wake ‘n’ bake. It’s certainly an investment if you want to work it into your morning routine.
Isla OG Canned Cannabis
Trimmed and popped into a can to cure and remains sealed until you open it, Isla OG Canned Cannabis can go for $100 an eighth. Sold at up to $800 an ounce, many cite the natural benefits to it’s packaging process as a reason for steep price. The hybrid’s high THC content will continue to make it a go-to for traditional bud-lovers.
Watch out kids, this strain’s for grownups! A crystal coated sativa-dominant, J1 is one of those less rare strains on this list, but still cost an arm and a leg in just about any dispensary you can find. Sold at over $350 an ounce, this strain proves high in it’s THC concentration and sometimes hits like a shot of espresso.
What Is The Most Expensive Weed In The US?
Cannabis Caviar sells for around $1400 per ounce. The four other most expensive weed seed strains are Loud Dream (~$800/oz), Isla OG Canned Cannabis (~$800/oz), Oracle (~$800/oz), and White Fire OG (~$600/oz).
How Much Does Weed Cost in the United States?
The average price for a typical ounce of weed purchased at a dispensary varies dramatically across places with legal recreational cannabis. On the high end, in Washington D.C., you’re looking at spending approximately $500 for an ounce. On the low end, in Oregon, an ounce of weed tends to cost only about $185.
And, while we certainly don’t recommend this illegal route, the black market tends to offer significantly lower prices. One source states that the average price for a gram of cannabis at a dispensary is $9.99 per gram, whereas a gram of cannabis from the streets costs about $6.40 per gram. That means that an average ounce purchased illegally in the United States would probably cost you just around $180. Still, no amount of money saved is worth the possibility of imprisonment, so proceed accordingly.
What Are The Factors That Influence The Price of Weed?
The biggest factor that influences the price of legal weed in the United States is the fact that state governments license, regulate, and tax cannabis. Taxes on cannabis tend to be high—higher than beer, wine, or liquor, for point of reference—with the justification being that these funds are allocated towards financing social programs. On a related note, since cannabis is a new industry with a complicated set of legal and financial codes, dispensaries often hire accountants and sometimes attorneys as well. Naturally, like any other business, dispensaries must turn a profit in order to survive. And so, in order to deal with the myriad of expenses—rent, licenses, taxes, product costs, employee salaries, contractor salaries, etc.—dispensary owners have to sell their cannabis at somewhat inflated prices to remain in business.
Another factor that’s worth noting should be familiar to anyone who has taken an economics class: supply and demand. Oregon’s initially lax cannabis laws led to an abundance of licensed growers; the large yields they produced flooded the state’s market with enough cannabis to last six years. While this situation has since leveled off due to policy changes, Oregon remains the state with the lowest legal cannabis prices because of its abundant supply. Similarly, issues related to low supply, like environmental and agricultural challenges that can affect cannabis crops (wildfires, for example), have led to increases in the price of cannabis.
Lastly, we can’t gloss over the fact that some cultivars and products are priced high because legalization has brought a wealth of advancements to the science of cannabis. The drive towards higher THC content, specialized portfolios of cannabinoids and terpenes, and other hallmarks of our present-day green revolution all contribute to the steep cost of some varieties of high-quality marijuana.
The Most Expensive Weed Strains (or Cannabis Cultivars) In The United States
#5 – White Fire OG
Price: $600 per ounce
Average THC Content: 25%
Common Effects: Creativity, happiness, relaxation
Consider For: ADHD, depression, fatigue, nausea, pain relief, stress
White Fire OG is an indica-dominant hybrid of two other hybrid cultivars, Fire OG and The White. This high-quality marijuana cultivar was first bred by OG Raskal Genetics, and it is known for its thick trichomes, green nugs, and energetic, yet chill high.
#4 – Oracle
Price: $800 per ounce
Average THC Content: 1%
Common Effects: Focus, relaxation
Consider For: Anxiety, depression, epilepsy, fibromyalgia, lupus, migraines, nausea
This cultivar is one of the most controversial in the cannabis space, being known for both its high amount of CBD (8-14%) and baggage. It had been falsely claimed that Oracle has about 45% THC—despite testing at closer to 1%. Furthermore, California lab The Werc Shop discovered that Oracle had the same terpene profile as the far less costly ACDC cultivar. Still, if you are looking for a cultivar that won’t get you stoned, but will provide a lot of therapeutic relief because of its abundance of CBD, Oracle may be worth a try. This may be one of the most expensive weed seed strains, but do your wallet a favor and purchase it as ACDC instead!
#3 – Isla OG Canned Cannabis
Price: $800 per ounce
Average THC Content: 25%
Common Effects: Creativity, relaxation
Consider For: Anxiety, depression, migraines
Are you fond of the finer things in life? If so, it’s hard to top the pedigree of this LA Island-produced cultivar. After all, rapper 2 Chainz and Dr. Dina (the real Nancy Botwin of Weeds fame) puffed away on this high-quality marijuana cultivar during an episode of the rapper’s Most Expensivest Shit video series on GQ’s YouTube channel; fittingly, they rolled their Isla OG joint using 24-karat gold papers. One of the more unique aspects of Isla OG is that it is immediately placed into aluminum canisters to cure after being trimmed, then sold to consumers in those same canisters. It’s hard to beat that level of freshness!
#2 – Loud Dream
Price: $800 per ounce
Average THC Content: 16%
Common Effects: Arousal, focus, happiness, relaxation
Consider For: Anxiety, chronic pain, depression, eating disorders, inflammation, muscle spasms
Despite the fact that this hybrid is an indica-dominant cultivar, Loud Dream produces an energizing effect that makes it perfect for tackling work, making love, or just starting the day off right with a wake and bake session. However, you’ll still have those traditional stony indica effects that can balance out even the most Type A of cannabis enthusiasts. We strongly recommend this one, even if it is one of the most expensive weed seed strains.
#1 – Cannabis Caviar
Price: $1400 per ounce
Average THC Content: 32%
Common Effects: Happiness, hunger, relaxation
Consider For: Anxiety, depression, eating disorders, insomnia, nausea, pain relief
This one is for those who don’t just want marijuana; highest THC strain weed or hit the road. Many consider caviar the king of foods, and it is priced accordingly. And so goes it with Cannabis Caviar as well. It’s unclear who produced this high-quality marijuana cultivar. Its genetics, likewise, remain a mystery. However, few dispute the incredible nature of this cannabis. With buds covered in kief, Cannabis Caviar will leave you euphoric, sedated, and, unless your tolerance is really up there, asleep in short measure. We’re not saying break the bank if you have the chance to pick up some Cannabis Caviar, but, at the very least, this may provide the impetus to finally get your friends to pay back that money they owe!
BONUS – Black Caviar Strain
Okay, okay, so we know what you’re probably thinking: Isn’t this Black Caviar weed strain basically the same as Cannabis Caviar? Well, not quite, but you’re not wrong either (how’s that for a non-answer?) The Black Caviar strain is a relatively similar specimen to Cannabis Caviar. However, this Black Caviar weed strain does have a clearly known grower (Gas No Brakes) and distributor (24K Exotics), which makes it even more of a proven commodity. But hey, why not try this Black Caviar strain yourself and see which one you prefer?
The Best of Both Worlds
If you’re able to find even one of these cultivars (especially that Black Caviar weed strain), then consider yourself more fortunate than the majority of cannabis aficionados. However, unless you have more zeroes in your bank account than the average American, you’ll probably want to relegate these high-quality marijuana cultivars (again, even the Black Caviar weed strain, unfortunately) to just the occasional splurge.
And, if your state allows it, you may want to consider growing your own cannabis; you can reduce costs in the long term while also having control over what you’re growing.
If this sounds appealing, we know that our Grow Planner journal, article about which tools you’ll need to grow your own cannabis, and blog post about how to cut growing costs will be sure to help!
The Most Expensive Weed In The World
Isn’t it impressive that the most expensive weed has become a global phenomenon? Almost every industry in the market merits its finest products with grand stature and marijuana is no different. As the supply and demand of cannabis products increases, so do their prices.
So what does it take to be considered the most expensive weed in the world? Amaze yourself as we unwrap the finer details of some pricey cannabis strains and determine why they come with hefty price tags. We also highlight where you can find it and how it makes you feel.
Read on to find out all you need to know about the creme de la creme of cannabis strains.
What makes a strain luxury?
Perfecting the most expensive pot isn’t as easy as it seems. Products with heavy price tags are carefully produced and processed to provide consumers with an end product of great virtue.
The same goes for producing the most expensive marijuana. Cultivating cannabis seeds is a tedious yet rewarding journey that (depending on the strain you use) requires a lot of attention and maintenance.
Whether you’re a novice or seasoned grower, I’m sure you’ve had your good and bad days with taking care of your cannabis crops, all of which is graciously rewarding in the end.
In creating the most expensive weed in the world, top-of-the-range strains are used. Mid-grade weed, unfortunately, won’t cut it for this line of superiority. Cultivars with the key terpene profiles and legendary genetics fit the criteria perfectly.
Growers spend a lot of time and cash to ensure that the crops’ needs are attended to from seed to harvest. In this case, time is money.
So yes, what we’re getting at is—to provide cannabis enthusiasts with the best weed, cultivators need to do some physical and financial splurging too.
Factors that affect the price of the weed
Let’s look at some factors that influence the pricing of the most expensive strains so that you can see where the hefty prices come from:
- The price paid for legendary strains with landrace genetics
- Ideal and controlled cultivating environments
- Maintenance procedures and lighting
- The use of pH regulated water
- Harvesting procedures
- Curating procedures
- Packaging materials
- Marketing and advertising
- Legal fees
Over and above all of that, growers who breed on a larger scale require more growing space—industrial machinery and staff, along with other admin related overheads, become part of the equation:
- Legal fees
- Cannabis tax
- Employee salaries
- Property rental
- License fees
- Production costs
Some cultivars are also on the “most expensive weed in the world” list due to economic, political, and social elements that affect the supply and demand of the herb.
Marijuana is more readily available in states where laws are more relaxed, as there are more breeders and dispensaries. When a product is easily accessible, competition among suppliers tends to drive prices down.
The race to sell the most expensive weed is not one that cultivators want to run, but business is business. If consumers are looking for superior cannabis strains, they need to be willing to pay the price for it.
What makes the most expensive weed strain a luxury? That feeling you get when harvesting the buds or puffing on a joint holding the dankest bud. The proud perception of superiority that overcomes you, knowing that you’re delving into someone’s (if not your own) hard work—appreciating every puff and every sensation that envelops the mind and body.
What is the most expensive weed in the world?
Anything with a hefty price tag is considered to be something of great caliber. People with expensive food tastes indulge in caviar as an appetizer—coincidently, the most expensive weed in the world is called Cannabis Caviar.
Cannabis Caviar is a weed concentrate that also runs under Marijuana Caviar, Caviar Moon Rocks, and Caviar Gold. It’s one of the most impressive marijuana products available on the market due to THC levels of 80%.
Boasting with the title of the most expensive weed in the world, it confidently provides consumers with a psychedelic stone of note. The effects are out of this world, or should we say, you’ll feel like you’re sitting on top of the world by putting your money where your mouth is.
How much is a gram of the most expensive weed?
Quality products come with high prices that the elite usually calls dibs on. Consider yourself noble for even having an interest in trying out the most expensive weed in the world.
If you’re going to be toking on premium quality buds that cost you $1400 per ounce, how can you not want a seat at the table of cannabis nobility?
What makes Cannabis Caviar so expensive?
As much as we would like to believe that the most expensive weed is grown from some unicorn strain that started off as a secret government program, you’d be surprised to know that it’s not.
To clear up any confusion—the finest strains known to man like Jack Herer play a crucial role in the procreation of Caviar Gold. But the end product is an amalgamation of some of the finest cannabis products available.
To get the worlds’ most expensive cannabis, something extraordinary must be happening for it to hold such prestigious qualities. So what exactly makes this cultivar so expensive that it makes you feel like you’re puffing on a joint in the backseat of a Rolls Royce.
It’s quite simple, to have the mother of all highs, you need to make a strain that produces effects like no other. As mentioned before, the time and efforts cultivators put into perfecting a strain or cannabis product affect its price.
Other pertinent things like cannabis tax, legal fees, and government laws add to the admin that goes into the availability of the most expensive marijuana strains at dispensaries.
Therefore, the production process is the gatekeeper to this strain and is the main reason for its high price. It’s created with absolute integrity and perfection—which we’ll get to in a bit for those eager beavers who want to try their hand at making it themselves.
To make the top-quality cannabis products labeled as the most expensive weed—some of the best marijuana strains are used like:
The delectable buds of these power strains are soaked in a concentrated cannabis liquid called hash oil and then rolled in kief to add to its potency.
How to make your own Cannabis Caviar
- Fresh buds from your favorite high-quality strain
- Hash oil
- Small brush or ear dropper
- Tweezers
- Snap off a small part of your buds using the tweezers.
- While holding the buds with the tweezers, gently brush them with the hash oil, or if you’re using an eyedropper, cover the buds completely.
- Roll your oily buds in the kief until it’s fully covered.
- Then set the buds aside to dry.
You can make hash oil and kief at home, but this delays your production of Cannabis Caviar, and it’s just so much easier getting it from a dispensary.
Whether you’ve made your Caviar or bought it online, be mindful of how you smoke it.
The product tends to be a lot stickier than the dried buds, making the puffing process trickier and the effects more potent.
Here are some tips:
- When you are ready to indulge in your Cannabis Caviar, place it onto a flat surface to cut into pieces using a sharp tool.
- Being mindful of the THC content, only grab enough to sprinkle over ground flower buds to roll into your joint.
Where can you get the most expensive weed?
Luckily the most expensive weed in the world is readily available to those who feel like spending their hard-earned dollars without having to DIY. Most dispensaries stock a variety of expensive strains along with the finest Cannabis Caviar.
The primary hot zone to get your hands on this expensive Marijuana Caviar is in North America or coffee shops in the Netherlands.
If you’re not anywhere near these regions and keen to try out some of the strongest strains of weed, Homegrown Cannabis Co. has you covered.
What are the effects of the most expensive weed?
Now, the best part of talking about expensive marijuana is the effects. Cannabis Caviar undeniably provides you with a potent stone that makes you feel like you’re mentally and physically detached from yourself.
This trippy weed effect has a slow release. Thirty minutes after a few puffs, the caviar high starts creeping in from the head down to your toes. Even if you were standing, you wouldn’t feel the ground. A pleasant state of psychedelic sensations illudes your perceptive ability.
Novice tokers should puff in moderation. The sensations are long-lasting, if you’re not used to a hard-hitting high, you’ll feel overwhelmed by the effects of the most expensive pot.
Either way, the euphoria this herb offers is well worth every dime spent.
If you’re trying out Caviar Gold for the first time by yourself and you’re left twiddling your fingers at home, or at least trying to feel them—keep your mind busy with things to do while you’re high.
That’s why it’s best to use a quality strain with exceptional genetics to make sure your stone is potent, classy, and aromatic.
What are the most expensive weed strains?
Apart from the most expensive weed in the world, Cannabis Caviar—which isn’t a cultivar but a manufactured creation of absolute wonder—you also have the luxury of very expensive weed strains.
Below we’ll discuss a few options for you to delve into while deciding if you’re ready to splurge some hard-earned money on Cannabis Caviar. Medium to high-quality marijuana usually costs approximately $231 per gram, with THC levels averaging at roughly 19% across the range.
Loud Dream
Loud Dream is a sativa dominant hybrid known for its kicker THC levels of 26–28%. Thanks to its enticing potent smoke, it’s categorized as one of the most expensive weed strains.
Backcrossing Blue Dream with itself, breeders created an ideal wake and bake cultivar with almost duplicated growth patterns, effects, flavors, and aromas. Every puff is smooth with fruity, spicy, and earthy flavors. Upon every exhale, sweet notes of lavender, spice and wet soil fill the air.
The trichome-coated buds of this expensive weed strain generously enhance the effects. Starting with an energized cerebral buzz, sparking focused energy and creativity is soon preceded by a mellow sense of calm that envelopes the body.
If you want to tap into this dreamy expensive marijuana strain, be prepared to fork out up to $800 per ounce for cured buds at dispensaries.
Fruity Pebbles
Since its release, fruity Pebbles has been one of the most potent cultivars on the market. Inheriting the genes from stellar parents like Grandaddy Purple, Tahoe OG, Green Ribbon, and Alien Kush, it’s no wonder these trichome-covered buds are highly favored.
Listed as one of the most expensive weed strains with THC levels ranging 18–20%, tokers experience potent effects including euphoric buzzes, increased creativity, and relaxed feelings.
Upon every inhale, prepare yourself for the amazing flavors and aromas of berry, citrus, and spices. The exhale leaves you with a sugary, fruity aftertaste—just like its namesake cereal.
Across dispensaries, these seeds could cost you anything up to $1500. Although Homegrown Cannabis Co. doesn’t stock these delightful pebbles yet, try out the parent strains in the meantime to get a taste of what’s to come.
White Fire OG
The White and Fire OG cross creates the most sought-after strain called White Fire OG. This expensive marijuana has 60% sativa and 40% indica characteristics. It delivers the ultimate cerebral high, boosting your mood and relaxing your body.
This cultivar with THC levels of 24–28% provides the body and mind with fired-up effects upon every toke. There are no slow burn sensations over here—after the first puff, your mind is instantly induced with euphoria and amped up creative energy.
This OG has a lasting and potent high that leaves you in a blissful mood for hours. It’s soon coupled with a body calm leading you straight into a peaceful slumber. Infused scents and aromas of herbal, pine and pepper notes delight the senses with every inhale and exhale.
Getting your hands on this expensive marijuana will cost you $600 per ounce of dried buds.
The Oracle
Let’s call it the trick-or-treat of the most expensive weed strains, shall we? The initial emergence of this cultivar had cannabis fans in a frenzy, with everyone wanting their share of this pricey weed.
With the hoodwinked idea of 45% THC levels and CBD of 20%, only great stories came from puffing on a blunt holding these indica dominant buds. Up until routine lab testing revealed the true nature of this strain.
The Oracle was nothing more than a replica of the ACDC strain, holding more CBD content than THC. Even so, consider it a gentle smoke holding great therapeutic benefits that’s still listed under the most expensive strains of weed.
An ounce of The Oracle cured buds costs anywhere up to $800.
A puff worth a thousand dollars
The world is evolving, and it would’ve been selfish of cannabis connoisseurs to have expected the marijuana industry to remain the same with regular strains. Cultivators have found ways to create state-of-the-art strains, putting them on the Forbes list of the most expensive cannabis in the world.
It may come as a surprise that the status of weed and its consumption has been elevated, thanks to both legalization and pop-culture hype. Along with this hype comes the need to push the envelope in terms of both quality and exclusivity.
Appreciate the efforts and indulge in the nobility of cultivating the most expensive weed strains or puffing on cannabis with the highest THC level.
Grow your own strains with reputable seeds from Homegrown Cannabis Co. Share your growing journey with other cultivators by following our social media pages. Join the evolved world of cannabis.
About the author: Parker Curtis
Parker Curtis has around a decade of cannabis-growing experience, specialising in soil-less and hydro grows. He’s mastering outdoor, greenhouse, and indoor grows.