Cannabis wax, often called dabs, is a highly concentrated form of cannabis processed to isolate the plant’s desirable compounds. This potent substance typically contains 60% to over 90% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The price for an ounce is not fixed, spanning a wide spectrum depending on market and production factors. Consumers can expect prices ranging from approximately $200 for lower-grade products to well over $1,200 for premium extracts.
The Typical Price Range for an Ounce
The typical price for an ounce of mid-to-high-grade cannabis wax in established legal markets generally falls between $300 and $600. This range represents the most common price point for quality concentrates balancing potency and flavor. The ounce (28 grams) offers a significant financial advantage over purchasing smaller quantities.
A single gram of concentrate often retails for $20 to $40, though premium products can exceed $60 per gram. Purchasing 28 individual grams at an average price of $30 per gram totals $840. Buying the full ounce unit provides a substantial bulk discount, frequently saving the buyer between 10% and 25% compared to the cumulative cost of single grams. This makes the ounce the preferred unit for regular users.
How Quality and Production Method Affect Cost
The specific method used to create the concentrate is a large determinant of its final price. Standard Butane Hash Oil (BHO) wax and shatter are solvent-based extracts, using a chemical like butane to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. This efficient process yields a high volume of product, which keeps the price of BHO-derived concentrates lower.
More expensive concentrates are distinguished by their starting material and extraction complexity. Live Resin, for example, is a BHO product made exclusively from fresh-frozen cannabis plants, not dried and cured material. Freezing the plant immediately after harvest preserves a fuller, more complex profile of volatile terpenes, responsible for the product’s aroma and flavor. This preservation commands a higher price point.
The most expensive concentrates are typically solventless extracts, such as Rosin. Rosin is produced by applying only heat and pressure to the cannabis material, mechanically squeezing out the resin without chemical solvents. This labor-intensive method results in a much lower yield, sometimes only 3% to 6% of the starting material’s weight. The low yield and consumer preference for solvent-free products drive the price of premium Rosin to the highest tier, often exceeding $1,000 per ounce.
The Impact of Location and State Laws
Geographic location and the regulatory environment create massive price disparities across the country. In areas where cannabis remains illegal or is only permitted for medical use, prices are inflated due to inherent risks and lack of regulated supply chains. Conversely, states with mature, competitive recreational markets tend to have the lowest prices.
State and local excise taxes are directly added to the consumer price, significantly impacting the final cost. Some states, like Washington, impose high ad valorem taxes, which are a percentage of the retail price, sometimes reaching 37%. Other states, such as New York and Connecticut, utilize a potency-based tax structure, where the tax is calculated per milligram of THC.
States with a high volume of producers and a long history of legal sales, such as Oregon and Colorado, benefit from market saturation and competition, which drives prices down. Newer markets, including states like Illinois or New Jersey, often have higher prices due to limited supply and high initial demand.
Tips for Getting the Best Value
Consumers can employ several strategies to get the most value when purchasing concentrates. The most effective way to save is by taking advantage of the inherent bulk discount, specifically purchasing the full ounce or a half-ounce (14 grams) instead of multiple single grams. This unit size provides the best price-per-gram ratio for regular users.
It is beneficial to monitor dispensary promotions, as many retailers offer daily deals, holiday sales, or special pricing on specific brands. Signing up for a dispensary’s loyalty program can also provide access to exclusive discounts and reward points that reduce the cost of future purchases.
If maximum THC content is the primary goal and a complex terpene profile is secondary, selecting a less expensive concentrate like standard BHO wax or shatter over premium Live Resin or Rosin results in significant savings. These lower-cost options still deliver high potency while reducing the expense associated with specialized extraction and preservation techniques.