Everyone loves to smoke the weed, bake the weed, taste the weed, and vape the weed, but unless you have an endless supply, pretty much everyone hates buying the weed. This is especially true if the best option available to you is to buy it on the black market.
This article is all about how to navigate this process, and most importantly, how to SAFELY purchase weed on the black market. Perhaps the particular phrasing of this chore makes it sound much more nefarious than it really is. And it’s unfortunate that an act as simple as buying your cannabis gets lumped into the criminal category due to some arbitrary legal and sometimes cultural standards.
What is “Black Market” Weed?
So, to clarify, when we say “black market,” what we really mean is any kind of marijuana product that isn’t being purchased from a legal dispensary. Unless you have the privilege of being young enough or living in the right state, most of us can recall that not too long ago, all weed was black market weed, at least in the U.S. This means everyone’s been buying black market cannabis forever, and probably your grandma too.
There are pretty much only two reasons why people buy marijuana on the black market: either because it’s cheaper and more convenient than dispensary prices or because marijuana isn’t yet legal.
If your situation falls into the latter category, this makes the whole thing considerably more miserable. I don’t know about you, but just thinking about having to expend the energy to deal with some shady kid that looks like he came from under a bridge just to get some low-quality cannabis is enough to make me want to poke an eye out.
I hate having to deal with random people in order to get weed today as much as my nerdier, awkward teenage self did. Well, almost, anyway.
The good news is that nowadays, the people you’re buying your black market weed from are more likely to be friends, coworkers, or even your across the street neighbor. And, high-quality marijuana is typically plentiful and easy to find. Nonetheless, any type of interaction outside the safely sanctioned borders of legal cannabis dispensaries is always going to carry at least some risk.
That’s why, if you are thinking about buying black-market weed, it’s important to learn some important basics in order to assure the best that you are both safe and satisfied.
Why People Buy Weed on the Black Market
Probably the number one reason people buy weed off the black market is that marijuana is still illegal. So before you decide to go out and buy those pot brownies from your kid’s babysitter, you really want to know what you’re getting into, and specifically, what kinds of legal consequences your particular location is putting in front of you.
This is really important because some states can be particularly harsh, and it’s not surprising that the scariest states happen to be in the bible belt. For example, in Kansas, any amount of weed is illegal to possess. What’s more, the variance in state cannabis policies means that in one state, you might be looking at an inconvenient fine, while the same situation in another state could possibly land you jail time and even hit you with a felony.
That’s why you need to figure out if you happen to be living in the category of states that have the worst, harshest cannabis legislation. Kansas is one of them, so check your own state’s current law before you buy. A simple offense like marijuana possession could also potentially put you in a circumstance that makes you more vulnerable to police, and therefore likely to get harassed and accused of some other crime.
Often, police will use suspicion of marijuana possession as an excuse to harass, search, and charge people with other, unrelated crimes. People of color are disproportionately targeted in this way, which makes it vital that you arm yourself with some familiarity with your state’s particular laws. It’s pretty unreal that something as innocuous as a gram or two of Jack Herer or OJ Kush could really be swept up into some insidious crime category as if your favorite weed strains are breaking into houses, burning down churches, and stealing people’s kids.
Buy from Someone You Know / Don’t Buy from Strangers.
This should be obvious. Follow your 3rd-grade teacher’s advice, and don’t talk to strangers! If you can help it, anyway. Buying marijuana from someone you know or someone you know will ensure more than anything else that you are treated fairly and safely. To avoid stranger danger, ask around your friend group-you’d be surprised at how common it is for people to have at least a little something from their stash to share.
How to Find a Marijuana Connect
If you don’t already know someone that can hook you up, you’re going to have to find a connection on your own. It might feel awkward, but it’s not the worst thing in the world. We’ve all been there at some point or another. If you’re new to an area, in a community that doesn’t engage with marijuana, or otherwise need to maintain strict anonymity. The easiest way is to find a social circle. If you don’t have one, try a Google Hangout, or a knitting circle, or your work family (casually). Marijuana is common, even in places where it’s illegal. Now is a great time to get friendly with your neighbors–maybe you guys can bond over your mutual love of OG Kush, and maybe someone can either sell or gift you some as well. Typically, if you hang around any group of people long enough, there will be weed to follow.
People and places who are most likely able to hook you up with weed: Servers–with the amount of bullshit these people put up with, there’s no way that at least someone in that restaurant isn’t toking up during shift breaks. Just check outside the back of any restaurant to see what I mean. Don’t forget to ask nicely, and of course, leave a tip! Also, consider lawyers-especially the maniacal big-business types.
These people are often on so many drugs it’s unreal, and there’s a pretty good chance that one of them will take a break from their coke binge and hook you up with some pretty good flower. And for all you midwestern folks, all you have to do is wait for the next Bassnectar show to come through, and you’ll find yourself in a fragrant sea of weed (and maybe patchouli).
Don’t be a sketch! You’re not buying crack, so don’t act like it! Remember, as much as some law enforcement communities would like you to think; weed is not the vile corruptor of society–Taylor Swift is. You absolutely do not need to meet up in a parking lot or an alley, just for an ounce of Gorilla Glue. Instead, act like a normal person and have whoever you’re getting your weed from meet you at your house, weekly book club, or at your PTA meeting.
Make Your Grandma Buy It
Seriously, older people can get away with anything, and they probably have more money than you. Have you seen what they’ve done to this country in the past ten years? You might not remember what it was like to make 50k a year and live in anything other than a closet with a hot plate, but they do. And on top of that, grandma’s probably savvier than you as well. Think about it–who would know their grams, ounces, and conversions better than someone who has baked you all of those delicious cookies and pies every time you visit? So tell Nana to step her game up and start baking some legitimate hash brownies. And I guarantee you, if anyone gets busted, you’ll want it to be her–what cop on earth could arrest such a precious little lady?
Learn Basic Marijuana Measurements
Ah, here’s an important one to know. If you are going to buy weed outside of a dispensary, it may be difficult to know exactly what you are buying and how much. This is particularly true for people purchasing marijuana for the first time. You’ll want to know what kind of measurements marijuana is typically sold and consumed by. Not only will it ensure that you aren’t overwhelming yourself with a quarter pound of weed, when you actually smoke light enough to stretch a mere 8th of an oz into weeks, but it will also keep you from spending more than you should be.
How much is an 8th of weed?
This is one of the most commonly consumed quantities of weed. An 8th is short for an 8th of an ounce, or about 3.5 grams. This amount of weed is roughly enough to fill two complete joints. For many, this amount is enough to last for a week or more. If this is the case for you, then enjoy that awesome low tolerance and the incredible savings it allows you.
Ounces and Grams
People talk about marijuana in terms of both ounces and grams. So, if you haven’t learned your conversions yet, now is a good time to do it. If you’re too lazy to do your homework, here’s a little cheat-sheet for the questions you’re most likely wondering:
How many grams are in an 8th? There’s about 3.5 grams in an eighth of an ounce. Grams are always the little guys in the equation. From there, you’ll want to know how many grams are in a quarter of an ounce, how many grams to a half ounce, and how many grams are in an ounce. The conversions look like this: 7 grams to a quarter of an ounce, 14 grams to a half ounce, and finally 28 grams to an ounce. If you are a first time smoker, these handy measurements will make sure you know what you’re getting when you’re buying your weed from your friend’s little brother. And you never know, maybe one day you’ll need enough weed to be curious about how many ounces are in pound?!
Not only should you be familiar with the basic measurements and terms that people use when buying marijuana (whether it be black market or dispensaries), you should definitely know roughly how much your weed should cost you. This is a really big one because while your friend or friend of a friend is most likely chill and trust worthy, it’s always possible for some folks to ask for prices that are unusually high, especially to people who may not know the difference.
| Amount | Grams | What the post says |
|---|---|---|
| An eighth (1/8 ounce) | About 3.5 g | Roughly two joints; a week or more for many people |
| A quarter (1/4 ounce) | 7 g | – |
| A half ounce (1/2 ounce) | 14 g | – |
| An ounce | 28 g | – |
Black market weed is cheaper
Undeniably, the best thing about getting weed on the black market is that weed is way cheaper than what it would cost at the dispensary. At least it should be, anyway.
Related: Weed Measurements: Everything You Need to Know
Watch Out for THC Vapes
I can’t say this one enough. Marijuana is very, very safe. A fatal overdose from marijuana alone is extremely unlikely. With that said, sometimes, the way that certain black market THC oils are processed for vapes has ingredients that can really harm your body. I’m serious right now–not too long ago, there were reports of people getting seriously ill from smoking black market, janky-ass THC cartridges. The reason this is happening is because black market cannabis products aren’t subjected to the rigorous testing and tracking that legal marijuana undergoes. Unfortunately, there’s no quality control in the black market weed industry, so that’s the price to pay for beating dispensary prices.
Related: Some of the Best Ways to Smoke Weed Without a Pipe
Grow Your Own
The easiest way to bypass all the stress, energy, and awkwardness of buying weed from someone you’d rather not hang with or suffer the small talk is to simply grow your own. Remember, you’re a grown-up now; you don’t have to live this way!
Growing your own marijuana is by far the safest way to get weed outside the dispensaries. It is the only way to have true privacy. Once your weed comes from home, you will never have to put yourself at risk of law enforcement in the same way ever again, and you won’t have to deal with strangers, either. You have complete control over your product, which means you know exactly where your cannabis has been, and that it’s entirely safe to consume. And, knowing that everything about your cannabis is happening safely at home might make the occasional weed paranoia (if you’re prone to these) significantly less stressful.
If you get the sense that growing weed is somehow an impossible feat best left to the professionals, you’re completely wrong. Yes, you can turn growing into a lifelong pursuit and endlessly dive into the techniques, botany, and nutrient regimens that you can get into, but it’s easy to forget that, like any other plant, the magic of marijuana still boils down to sunlight, soil, and water.
Not feeling like investing in a major botany project? No problem! Lots of people don’t want to deal with the hassle involved with sourcing equipment and navigating the incredibly confusing mass of sources claiming different ways of growing weed, and they also don’t feel like making their life’s work all about growing pot. The great news is that there are all-in-one kits that are easy to purchase on the internet, and they are a perfect choice for professionals, busy students, or really anyone else that wants the convenience of having all of the hard parts done for you. Seeds are sold separately, so you pick the strain you want.
Related: Best Strains to Grow for Beginners
Should You Buy Marijuana Seeds?
There are benefits for growers that buy marijuana seeds online. When purchasing over the internet, you keep more money in your pocket, plus you save time and effort. You get to order seeds from the comfort of your home with every detail needed to understand what type of seeds you are getting laid out right there on the website.
Everything from the type of harvest, grow methods, benefits, and THC level is provided in one centralized place. If, for any reason, the website you are on does not offer the seeds you want, guess what? You did not waste any time getting dressed and driving to a dispensary only to be disappointed. See? Patronizing an online store is quick and easy.
Should You Grow Clones or Seeds?
One of the first possible variables a marijuana grower must consider is whether they use clones or seeds. There are good and bad reasons for both options; knowing this information could be the difference between success and disappointment in the end.
Here are the pros and cons of clones vs. seeds.
Pros of Growing Clones
With clones, the gender of your plant is exactly what you would expect. Seedlings from a female mean the clone is going to be female and the same thing vice versa. Clones will have a running start over seeds because they come from a mature plant with settled roots. This means they grow faster. Every grower likes a healthy yield that comes sooner than later.
You will know exactly what type of plant you will get in the end because clones are always an exact match to their parents. However, quality is essential. Robust, mature plants ensure the new clone plant won’t have their parents’ ailments and problems. One of the biggest pros of clones is that they can provide you with an endless amount of marijuana plants. All it takes is one plant to produce several clones, which can lead to more clones.
Cons of growing clones
A bad cloning job could cause your plants to die or go into a state of long-term trauma. If this happens, your clone plant is a waste! If the parents have health concerns, clones are likely to have the same issues. Some health problems may include fungus, root rot, and the inability to fight off pests.
Clones are also sensitive and must be handled with more care when it comes to nutrients and light.
Sourcing quality clones can also be a challenge. It is easier to find and buy marijuana seeds, especially online unless you know a good clone grower.
Pros of growing seeds
Seeds are natural and automatically have the necessary strength to protect them from bugs and infections. Unlike clones, plants produced from seedlings never have issues passed on from the parent. Clones do not last long; therefore, they need to be grown or else they will be useless. Seeds, on the other hand, last a while and are easy to store for later use.
Cons of growing seeds
Seeds need to germinate, which means they take a lot longer to grow. Plus, trying to germinate a cannabis seed may require some extra knowledge and effort. It’s also easy to damage plants during the germination process, so growers must be careful.
In general, seeds require extra care and attention to grow into lush marijuana plants.
Can’t You Just Find Seeds?
When you purchase marijuana and find seeds in the bag, you may be thinking; this is perfect! While it seems like it would be fitting to just use these, think again. Experienced growers warn others against using bag seeds for many reasons. They are not entirely useless, but you are more likely to be wasting your time than not. Yes, it is possible to produce an amazing harvest with bag seeds, but generally, the plant will turn out subpar or male.
Should you grow bag seeds?
In general, no.
Purchasing seeds at a quality seed bank online just guarantees better results, and the grower is less likely to waste time, energy, and effort by going this route. Growers who find the best place to buy marijuana seeds online will generally get healthy seeds that create a bountiful yield.
Those wanting to take a shot at growing bag seeds should likely consider this option if they have no high-quality weed seeds to choose from. Unfortunately, many bag seeds are no good because marijuana seeds will go bad, and, over time, the genes deteriorate. Fresh seeds are always best. You can also sometimes look at the seed to determine its health. Soft, light-colored seeds are low quality and less likely to germinate or grow into good pots.
We suggest growing bag seeds outdoors since indoor growing requires more equipment and expenses. If the plant fails to produce buds, at least you didn’t spend a lot of money. If you have your choice of bag seeds, try to use ones for a plant you know. The more you know about the mother plant, the better your chances of success.
In terms of avoiding male plants, If you purchase seeds, you could choose feminized seeds and not worry about it. You can’t guarantee this with bag seeds.
Either way, feminized or not, the presence of seeds in your weed means some form of natural pollination occurred. Therefore, they are fertile and can grow. The catch is, it may or may not be the results you want.
How to Buy Marijuana Seeds
Every grower needs to know how to buy marijuana seeds. It should be easy, right? There are sellers everywhere promoting cannabis seeds, especially online.
Some may have convincing advertisements, but it is all about getting your money instead of producing quality seeds and honest service. The popularity of marijuana means growers risk encountering scammers on their search for good seeds just as quickly as they come across reputable seed banks.
You may be wondering where I can buy marijuana seeds that are trustworthy? We can help with that. Use this guide to help direct you on how to buy marijuana seeds safely.
Direct from a seller
Social media is a popular place for promoting services and products since it connects people globally with just a few clicks of a button. This makes purchasing weed even more possible. For example, Tik Tok, Facebook, and Instagram have become popular places to find people selling seeds.
Here’s how that might look. For instance, on Tik Tok, users can create short videos advertising their products, website, and special offers. Instagram users can post seeds on their page or go ‘live’ and engage directly with their potential customers. Since the content of people you follow and like (and the content of people they follow and like) may show up in your newsfeed, some growers find sellers through online connections.
The problem is, are those sellers trustworthy?
A reputable seller will generally have a reliable customer service team. Search their website for customer service information, contact them and ask questions. The last thing you want is someone just taking your money and leaving you nothing or claiming to have high-quality seeds, but you end up with a dud. Suspect companies tend to avoid revealing details about who they are, what they offer, and a good way to contact them. A simple google search of the company should reveal quite a bit of information. You should also look for online reviews from real customers.
A sketchy business is unlikely to ensure your package is discreet, and buyers risk never receiving their product. However, on the flip side, sellers must use caution when selling marijuana seeds online, which is to your benefit.
Remember, anyone can claim to be anyone. Beware of companies with social media accounts that have tons of followers but little engagement or posts. Pay attention to how long the company has been around and the longevity of their large social media accounts. Some social media platforms restrict the advertisement of cannabis, making it a little difficult to find sellers; however, this does not stop people from marketing weed online.
From a reputable business
Online seed banks are the way to go since legality is still an issue in some places. Finding seeds in your local area may be nearly impossible or just plain inconvenient. Thanks to the internet, buyers have tons of seeds at their reach. In fact, anyone trying to figure out where to buy marijuana seeds will fare better going online simply because it is cost-effective. Imagine, you no longer need to get up, put on clothes, drive, or catch a ride – going from place to place looking for the seeds you want. Online cannabis shopping saves you money and effort. Just pull out your phone, tablet, or laptop and search from the comfort of your home or wherever you are.
Reputable companies will likely guarantee their product and offer a refund or replace bad seeds that do not germinate. Their website should clearly state the shipping procedures and what to expect. A company you can depend on will guarantee discreet shipping and safe payment options. Discretion ensures no one knows what’s inside. You should be able to find specific information about their seeds on their website. Then, research the business online to decide if you want to buy marijuana seeds from them.
Remember, reliable companies care about making sure your product is delivered safely.
Where to Buy Marijuana Seeds
Getting your pot-loving hands on good quality seeds locally can be challenging, depending on where you live. Even in areas that sell marijuana seeds, growers often run into issues with the seeds they’ve purchased in local dispensaries.
Online is usually the easiest route, and you can browse our feminized and autoflower seeds in the a Pot for Pot seed shop.
Related: Grow Weed Starting From Seed
Now, All You Need Is a Pot
Why spend a bunch of money buying weed when you can easily grow your own at home?
First-timers and experienced growers know our Complete Pot Grow Kits are perfect for their cannabis growing needs. That’s because we know how to grow pot and have created the best system for doing it. With over 25 years of experience, our team has plenty of knowledge to help you achieve your goals.
Want to keep things small? Our 2 Gallon Grow Kit is excellent for anyone working with limited indoor space. They are perfect for windowsills but are also ideal outdoors on balconies or patios. If you don’t have a lot of sunlight, use our grow lamps to supplement natural sunlight and nourish your plants. Even if you don’t have a green thumb, our tested pot grow kits are going to make you love growing at home.
Our grow kits are an all-in-one solution for growing marijuana plants – that means we provide everything you need to successfully grow pot. It is as simple as adding seeds, water, and sunlight. We even include a Grow Guide with step-by-step instructions. A little practice, and you’ll end up with a beautiful, healthy weed plant in just 80 days for just $79.99.
When preparing to grow marijuana, the most critical factor is finding the best way to buy marijuana seeds online from a trustworthy source. Look for companies with plenty of details about their business and products. Prioritize sellers that provide good customer service and make sure the online seed bank you choose uses discretion with packaging.
Remember, good seed banks aren’t afraid to guarantee the quality of their product and service.
A Pot for Pot sells feminized and autoflower seeds. If you need the tools to grow them at home, we’re here to help.
Related: weed prices and sizes
Related: how to pick a weed scale
Ready to start growing? Get started with a Pot for Pot—Our pots designed to grow the best cannabis!
Frequently Asked Questions About Weed and Black Market
Is buying weed on the black market cheaper?
Yes, Buying marijuana on the black market is cheaper than purchasing from government-sanctioned sellers. In fact, the prices have gone down 50% ever since Canada legalized it.
Which province has the biggest black market for weed?
California has the biggest black market for marijuana, and it is growing rapidly as high taxes, and a refusal to license shops make it cheaper and easier for people to get it from marijuana dealers.
How much weed is a felony in California
For the current limits, check California’s official state sources.
How to Be a Smart Cannabis Buyer
Going to the dispensary is fun, but the trips add up. Weed does not need to be an expensive habit. Shop with a plan, the same way you would at the grocery store, and your wallet hurts less. If what you spend on cannabis starts to crowd out bills or groceries, it is time to reassess.
Buy in Bulk
Any smart bargain shopper knows that buying in bulk saves money, and the same goes for weed. Those little gram variety packs are fun to try, but small sizes cost the most per gram, and you go through them much quicker. A larger size gives you more for your money and lasts longer.
Set a Spending Limit
Set a spending limit before you go in. It helps prevent impulse buying. Plan ahead and work out exactly what you need.
Limit Your Trips to the Dispensary
Most dispensaries have their menus on their websites. Look at the menu beforehand to decide what you want. It also cuts down the time you spend in the store.
Look for Good Value
Look for bargains. Most dispensaries have specials on larger quantities.
How to Store Your Weed So It Lasts
Making your weed last longer is another way to save money. A proper storage container is the first thing you need, preferably glass. Mason jars and old spice containers work well, and growers use jars like these for their own buds.
Keep It Dark
Store your weed somewhere dark, because light is hard on it. A cupboard or desk drawer is a good place. Avoid the top of the refrigerator, which can be too warm. Never store it in the freezer: defrosting frozen weed dampens it and leads to a nasty mold situation in your stash.
Keep It From Drying Out
Do not let your weed get too dry. Some people use a humidor button to keep it fresh. An orange peel also works, but do not leave the peel in too long or it can make your weed moldy.
Related: The Best Ways to Store Your Weed and Why
Make Something Out of It
If you want to stretch your stash, consider making edibles or a tincture at home.
Related: How To Make Cannabutter At Home
Sources
- CDC – Outbreak of Lung Injury Associated with E-cigarette Use, or Vaping, Products
- California Department of Cannabis Control – What’s legal
Laws change: check the California Department of Cannabis Control before you buy.
