Ganja dealers upgrade $100 bag

In a bid to compete with licensed dispensaries, street marijuana dealers are becoming innovative in their packaging and expanding their strain offerings, reflecting the growth and adverse effects in the cannabis industry.

In fact, the days of street dealers wrapping their '$100 bag' of weed in pieces of plastic are fast disappearing. These days, these dealers, despite being involved in an illegal trade, are packaging their products in resealable zipper bags and plastic portion cups with lids.

"We just get smart with the market fi compete with the dispensaries," said one dealer, who spoke anonymously with THE STAR.

Since 2015, possession of up to two ounces of ganja is no longer a criminal offence. However, it is illegal to deal in ganja, with the exception being for licensed dispensaries from which people can legally buy cannabis products.

The street dealer with whom THE STAR spoke said that many persons have been drawn to the dispensaries because of the wide range of products they offer.

"They sell by ounce and the type of strain, [with the price] starting anywhere from $500 per cup, and $40,000 per pound," the street dealer said.

He highlighted that while dispensaries cater to suburban clientele with upscale offerings, corner shops maintain their appeal to budget-conscious consumers.

"Most of the street dealers upgrade yah now and a offer strains like Kush, but each supplier has their market," he said.