Now that cannabis and cannabis derivatives are becoming more mainstream, people are starting to become more curious and are wanting to know more about them. One question that we get a lot here at E1011 Labs is, "How much should CBD cost? What's the standard price for CBD?" To help answer this question, we've put together a list of common CBD products and their costs.
What is CBD?
Before we dive into CBD products, let’s first discuss what CBD is. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a naturally occurring compound found in the Cannabis Sativa L. plant. It is one of more than a hundred cannabinoids found within the plant.
CBD can be derived from hemp or marijuana, but by itself is not intoxicating. Consumers will not feel the traditional “high” from cannabis products when using CBD.
Is CBD Legal?
With all the CBD products now on the market, consumers may be wondering about the ingredient’s legality. Since most CBD is derived from hemp, it is legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. The bill decriminalized hemp and allowed for the production of hemp derived products, like CBD.
While it’s still up to each individual state to set its own laws regarding hemp and CBD, the vast majority of them have elected to legalize hemp. So, for the most part, hemp is now legal to sell and cultivate throughout the United States.
Bioavailability and Biodelivery
Bioavailability and bio-delivery are terms we use to describe how CBD enters our bloodstream and important factors to consider when calculating CBD price.
Bioavailability refers to the total amount of CBD our body is able to use and will vary based on your consumption methods. In general, CBD has lower bioavailability meaning most of the cannabinoid doesn’t make it into our bloodstream to produce its wanted effects.
Bio-delivery measures the time it takes for the compound to become effective. Similarly to bioavailability, these rates are largely dependent on the intake method. If a method has higher bio-delivery, that means there is less time between the initial consumption and when the effects are felt.
For CBD products, inhalation methods, like traditional smoking, offer the highest bio-delivery and bioavailability. When using inhalation methods, bioavailability can be as high as 50%, and bio-delivery takes only a matter of minutes. Sublingual methods, like tinctures, come in second for bioavailability and bio-delivery followed by edibles, with topicals having the least amount of both properties.
So while an edible product may be cheaper than a tincture on a per milligram basis, overall the tincture is the better value for your body since it has higher bioavailability and bio-delivery.
Standard Price of CBD
The price of CBD products can vary greatly depending on factors such as the source of the CBD (hemp vs marijuana), the method of extraction, the concentration of CBD in the product, and the brand. In general, however, CBD oil tinctures tend to be the most economical form of CBD, with prices ranging from $0.05 to $0.25 per milligram of CBD. Other forms of CBD, such as gummies, capsules, and topicals, can be more expensive. Some high-end, premium brands can even sell products at a price of $50 or more for a single item. The most expensive CBD product is Epidiolex, a medication used to treat seizures.
Epidiolex
Epidiolex is a prescription medication that is used to treat certain forms of epilepsy caused by Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), Dravet syndrome, or tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The medication is made by GW Pharmaceuticals and contains a purified form of CBD (cannabidiol), which is one of the active ingredients found in the cannabis plant. Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved CBD medication currently in the United States.
The price of Epidiolex is generally around $32,500 for a year's supply as of 2021. Prices for the same can vary depending on location and also the type of insurance an individual has. It is important to note that Epidiolex is not yet covered by insurance and many patients are paying out of pocket for this medication. It is always best to check with the pharmaceutical company or the healthcare provider for updated pricing information.
Tinctures
As mentioned above, CBD oil tinctures tend to be the most economical form of CBD, with prices ranging from $0.05 to $0.25 per milligram of CBD. This means that a 30-milliliter bottle containing 1,000 milligrams of CBD, for example, could cost anywhere from $50 to $250, while some lower-end products can be found in the price range of $20-$30 for a 30ml bottle.
It's worth noting that prices may also be affected by other materials used in the product. Some companies use high quality oils, like olive oil, for their tinctures. While the higher price may be off putting to some, knowing the oil is of good quality will be better for your body in the long run.
Capsules
The cost of CBD capsules can vary depending on the manufacturer, quantity, quality and other factors. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay anywhere from $0.10 to $0.50 per milligram for CBD capsules. For example, a 30-count bottle of 25mg capsules may cost around $25-$35
Pricing may be affected by the addition of other ingredients in the product. Vitaldiol pairs the CBD in their capsules with melatonin, turmeric, and NMN to create products more tailored to consumers’ needs. While Vitaldiol has managed to keep their capsules at an affordable price, other companies may charge more for additional ingredients.
CBD Flower
The price of CBD flower varies depending on the strain and the quality. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $150-$300 for a pound of CBD flower. This breaks down to about $5-$20 per gram for lower-quality CBD flower, while higher-quality buds could cost up to $50 per gram or more. Prices may also vary depending on where you purchase it from and any discounts or promotions that may be available. It's important to compare prices and shop around to find the best deals.
Those looking to try CBD flower should check out E1011 Labs’ stelo™ line. Our stelo™ are filled with premium, sungrown hemp flower and paired with choice terpenes for the best user experience. The stelo™ come prefilled and predosed, taking out the guesswork for new and seasoned users alike.
Cost Conclusion
Overall, there is no set standard price for CBD products currently on the market. Depending on the product type and its ingredients prices can have a wide variation. It is important to do your own research into the CBD products you intend to purchase, making sure to look at quality along with price. Not all CBD is made the same and choosing a cheaper option could be harming, instead of helping your body.
