Details of Cannabis NB, New Brunswick’s provincially run online cannabis store, are below after the report.

Cannabis NB, New Brunswick’s provincially run online cannabis store, sells its legal recreational pot for as high as $15.50 per gram – that is, before taxes and shipping.

Including both, being a $7-dollar shipping cost per order and a minimum 10 percent tax, a gram can sell for as high as $24.75.

Compared to Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia and BC’s provincially run stores, their most expensive strains all range from $13-14 per gram before the extra costs.

Should this come as a surprise?

If you’re Stats Canada – not one bit.

Because, earlier this year Stats Canada performed a country wide study to collect how much Canadians were spending on pot. The results showed New Brunswick led all provinces with the highest price average of $8.05 for grey market recreational, and $8.85 for medical.

Country-wide, the study showed an average for both medical and recreational of just under $7 per gram, which leaves a markup of at least 20 percent for New Brunswick residents.

And, how are they supposed to compete with the grey and/or black market?

According to Cannabis NB president and CEO Brian Harriman, the head honcho in charge of New Brunswick’s online cannabis sales along with its liquor distribution, it’s not supposed to.

The goal is not “to get into a price war with the black market” Harriman mentions in an interview, but rather to “shrink the illegal market.”

With such absorbent country leading prices, it’s hard to even draw potential outcomes for New Brunswick’s involvement in the space. Some residents have differing opinions – ranging from complete support to outright pessimism.

For instance, on day 1 of legalization a PTSD vet is interviewed saying he thinks the province will “pull out” of the cannabis space as a retailer within a year. His reason: lack of purchases and thus, lack of profits.

While more supportive examples show a few provincially run stores with lineups as strong as 50 people on legalization day – providing reasons like “I’m just tired of breaking the law”.

Whether New Brunswick’s provincially run pot economy will survive is up for debate, however, one thing is for certain: legalization in Canada is finally here, after almost a whole 100 years of being outlawed.

Cannabis NB: What you need to know

How many Cannabis NB bricks and mortar stores are open?
  • Currently there are 20 different Cannabis NB retail stores
  • There is one online store – Cannabis-NB.com
What products are available?
  • Currently, Cannabis NB holds a total of 52 different products
  • These include; 31 different strains, 4 different pre-rolled joints, 2 different extracts, and 16 different accessories such as vaporizers, grinders and cleaning products
How much does it cost?
  • A gram of dried flower ranges $8.99 – $15.50
  • Pre-rolled joints start at $7.99
  • 2 of the extracts are $44.99
  • Accessories range from $1.50 – $224.99
  • Taxes are 10% or 1 dollar, whichever is higher
  • Shipping rate are a flat 7 dollars
How long will an order take? Once ordered, can I refund/cancel/change?
  • From Monday to Friday, orders before 2:30 pm should be delivered by the next business day
  • On Fridays after 2:30 pm, orders are expected to be delivered by Tuesday
  • Once orders are submitted; cancels, orders, changes are not allowed
How will they confirm my age?
  • Minimum age of possession and use is 19 years old
  • Canada Post will check ID’s once the package is delivered, this means, they won’t leave packages at the door if they haven’t confirmed ID

More details about how legalization applies to each province can be found here.

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Hey! I’m the editor of Herb Approach News, and i'll write on just about anything cannabis related. You can find me in British Columbia, exploring off the beaten path hiking trails, relaxing on cozy beaches in the summer or strolling through the city streets!