Association of THC Content and Price in Herbal Cannabis Products by Dispensaries in California

Eighty percent of medicinal cannabis users are pain patients. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a main component of cannabis, reduces neuropathic pain at low potency (<15%) with limited side effects. However, we discovered high potency products (>15% THC) dominate the legal U.S. cannabis market, medical and recreational. Even though demand could be a reason for this, financial gain could also play a role. We hypothesize that there is an association between THC content and price. We tested this hypothesis in CA since this was the first state to legalize medical cannabis in 1996. We randomly selected dispensaries across California, screened for a web presence, and noted product menu, THC content for herbal products, CBD content, price, type of product (flower or preroll), and chemovar (Sativa, Indica or Hybrid). We observed that more potent products (>15% THC) were more prevalent and more expensive than low potency (<15% THC) products. This potency and price association was found in both flower and preroll products. Similarly, this association was found in Hybrid, and at some extent in Indica, but not in Sativa products. Flower products have higher THC concentration than preroll products, however preroll were more expensive than flower products. We did not find differences in THC content among Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid products. Considering CBD, high potency THC products with 0% CBD were generally more expensive than those with CBD; however, for low potency THC products, the presence of CBD increased the price. High THC content is associated with higher prices in most herbal products, but some factors influence this association (i.e. preroll, Sativa or CBD). Our data indicate that economic motives may influence, at least in part, the composition of medical cannabis market. This study offers evidence to guide policy and help ensure a safe marketplace for patients. Department of Anesthesiology-Wake Forest School of Medicine Funds.