From your favorite vape pen to the sleek packaging that keeps cannabis fresh, many cannabis products rely heavily on imported supplies. Recent changes to U.S. import tariffs, particularly on goods from China and other key trade partners, have started to send ripples through the cannabis market.
If you’ve noticed prices creeping upward at your local dispensary, you’re not imagining things. Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes—and what consumers can expect in the coming months.
Why tariffs matter to the cannabis industry
While cannabis itself is grown domestically due to federal laws, much of the hardware and packaging that supports the growing industry comes from overseas. Cartridges, batteries, vape hardware, and even child-resistant containers are primarily imported from China, Malaysia, and other Asian manufacturing hubs.
Tariffs—essentially taxes imposed on imported goods—are intended to encourage local manufacturing by making foreign goods pricier. Recently, tariffs on certain Chinese imports were as high as 145%, but they have now been significantly reduced to 30%. This is still affecting cannabis companies that rely on these components.
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Vape hardware takes the biggest hit
One cannabis sector feeling the tariffs more than others is vape hardware. Vape pens, batteries, cartridges, and heating elements are mostly produced in China. Despite the recent tariff reduction to 30%, many companies have inventory purchased at previously higher tariff rates, causing elevated prices to persist.
Cannabis brands now face a tough decision: absorb the increased costs or pass them to consumers. While some larger brands can temporarily absorb these additional expenses, many smaller companies don’t have the financial flexibility. Consumers will likely see continued higher prices for vape products until at least late summer.
Packaging pinch
It’s not just vape hardware feeling the tariff squeeze. Packaging supplies, from glass jars to pre-roll tubes, have also seen price hikes. Packaging is heavily regulated in the cannabis industry, requiring child-resistant features and precise labeling to ensure compliance and safety. These specialized packaging products have traditionally been sourced abroad due to lower costs and readily available options.
Even with reduced tariffs, shifting to U.S.-based production presents challenges. Currently, U.S. manufacturers often lack the scale, speed, and regulatory expertise needed to quickly replace overseas suppliers. Cannabis companies continue facing uncertainty and increasing costs while exploring new domestic partnerships.
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Impact on cultivation and seeds
Though cannabis seeds themselves are typically sourced domestically, growers aren’t immune to tariff impacts. Essential cultivation equipment like lighting, irrigation systems, and climate control technology are predominantly imported. Increased tariffs make these critical components more expensive, ultimately raising cultivation costs.
While the immediate impact on seed pricing is minimal, the broader rise in cultivation expenses could indirectly lead to slight price increases in seeds and cannabis flower over time.
Will consumers turn to illicit markets?
One unintended consequence of sustained higher prices due to tariff uncertainty could be consumers drifting toward illicit markets. Legal cannabis is already taxed heavily, and further price increases might push cost-conscious shoppers to unregulated suppliers.
Strategies cannabis businesses are using to adapt
Cannabis companies are actively diversifying their supply chains, shifting production from China to countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, or exploring domestic manufacturing. Businesses that successfully transitioned certain packaging products to domestic production are seeing shorter shipping times and improved responsiveness, despite initial higher costs. The recent tariff reduction to 30% provides some breathing room but uncertainty remains.
What consumers can do in response
As cannabis consumers, staying informed is essential. Monitor dispensary menus for price fluctuations. If vape products become pricier, consider alternative methods or products less impacted by tariffs, like flower or edibles. Dispensaries might offer promotions or bundle products to offset price hikes, so frequent buyers could benefit from loyalty programs or bulk purchases.
Long-term outlook
Though recent tariff reductions offer immediate relief, underlying uncertainty continues to challenge cannabis businesses. Over time, diversified sourcing strategies and increased domestic production will improve supply chain resilience, ultimately creating a stronger, more stable cannabis market less dependent on imports.
Adapting alongside industry shifts will help consumers maintain an enjoyable and affordable cannabis experience in an evolving market.
Upgrade your hum-drum breakfast smoothie to Uncle Ned’s Wake and Shake, an energizing, citrus-forward a.m. favorite with creamy macadamian nuts and a twist of THC. This recipe comes to us from the eponymous Uncle Ned via his niece, leading canna-chef Vanessa Lovorato, and her new cookbook, How to Eat Weed and Have a Good Time.
Vanessa’s Uncle Ned originated his Wake and Shake smoothie at his shop on the sun-soaked island of Kauai. An OG hippy with a passion for natural food, Ned developed the recipe using fresh tropical fruit, homemade honey, produce from his macadamia farm, and absolutely no unnecessary add-ins to make this wholesome way to wake and bake. He’s still out there now—making honey in a shack built out of a guava tree, catching some rays, and drinking a Wake & Shake every morning.
If smoothies aren’t your jam but you’re looking for a morning boost, pick up a bottle of Rare Cannabinoid Company’s delta-9 THC+CBC Mood Oil. You just need a few drops of the flavorless tincture to add some bliss to any food or drink.
2.5mg THC per bottle
The Wake and Shake is Uncle Ned’s impeccable vibe distilled down to a drinkable form, a tropical sunrise that fits in a tall glass. The tangy citrus blends deliciously with the macadamia nuts, making for a velvet-smooth treat that’ll have you looking forward to rolling out of bed in the morning. While the recipe calls for oranges and limes, feel free to experiment with all sorts of citrus. Uncle Ned has only one stipulation—make sure your juice is fresh-squeezed.
Welcome to September, Stargazers, and happy Virgo season! September brings a mellow but meaningful energy as Virgo season helps us return to routines with a clearer mindset. With the Sun in Virgo for most of the month, it’s a great time to ground yourself, reflect on your wellness rituals, and tend to small details you may have overlooked. Whether you’re organizing your space or just lighting up and tuning into your thoughts, this season supports calm focus and steady progress.
There are some big shifts happening in the sky, and you might feel them more internally than outwardly. Saturn Retrograde moves back into Pisces, blending structure with emotion. It’s a reminder to take your dreams seriously, even the hazy ones. Meanwhile, Uranus Retrograde continues stirring quiet revolutions in how we approach freedom and change. If you’re feeling uncertain, take a beat. These retrogrades aren’t here to rush you, just to nudge you toward honest insight.
The month wraps with two potent eclipses that can shake up your perspective. The Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces around the Full Moon invites emotional release and deeper spiritual check-ins, especially under the influence of introspective herbs. Later, the Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo brings a gentle nudge toward personal growth and healthier habits. These are great times to journal, reflect, or simply breathe deeply and notice what you’re ready to let go of, and what you’re ready to begin.
Jump to your horoscope
Your September horoscope
Aries: Lemon Cherry Gelato
Got that unstoppable Aries fire this September? Lemon Cherry Gelato, with its tingly, relaxed, and bold lemon‑berry zest, matches your surge of courage and energy, helping you glide through life’s curveballs (like work dramas or icy reunions with old friends) with ease. It’s like liquid sunshine in a strain, letting your natural confidence shine while you smooth out any wrinkles in your relationships or revive that spark in your social life.
September invites Aries to slow down and refocus, especially as Virgo season highlights your daily routines, work habits, and health. You may feel more drawn to getting organized or making small adjustments that bring long-term rewards. With Uranus Retrograde still in your money zone, there may be some surprises around finances. Take it as a cue to be flexible rather than reactive. Saturn Retrograde re-entering Pisces asks you to check in with your inner world, dreams, and boundaries. You don’t have to have it all figured out; just listen more closely to what your intuition is saying.
This month’s eclipses bring key turning points. The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces mid-month may stir some emotions under the surface; it’s a good time to rest, reflect, and release whatever’s been draining you. Toward the end of the month, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo opens the door for a new beginning, especially in your work or wellness routines. Use that fire of yours to set simple goals, but don’t rush. Slowing down doesn’t mean stopping; it means being more intentional.
Taurus: Key Lime Pie
September might have you overthinking and feeling a little drained. Key Lime Pie brings that mellow, relaxed, tingly buzz with a citrus‑mint twist that helps calm the mind and soothe the soul. You’re being nudged to let things flow, lean into self‑reflection, and not let insecurity bog you down, and this mellow hybrid gives you that gentle push to just chill and reset your mood.
September encourages Taurus to reconnect with joy and creativity as Virgo season lights up your self-expression zone. This is a good time to dive into hobbies, relax with friends, or enjoy quiet moments doing what makes you feel most like yourself. With Uranus Retrograde still moving through your sign, you might feel like you’re changing from the inside out. These shifts don’t have to be dramatic, just trust that you’re evolving, even if it’s slow and steady. Saturn Retrograde entering Pisces highlights your social circles and long-term goals, making this a good month to reassess the people and plans you’re keeping close.
The eclipse energy this month may bring some emotional clarity. The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces could reveal feelings around community or connection, helping you let go of what’s no longer aligned. Then the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo offers a fresh start in how you express yourself and enjoy life. Don’t pressure yourself to have all the answers, just lean into what feels light, real, and supportive. A little grounding goes a long way.
Gemini: Blue Dream
Feeling buried under a mountain of tasks and mental chaos this September, Gemini? Blue Dream’s uplifting cerebral buzz and cozy body relaxation (with those sweet blueberry bursts) can help you decompress, spark gentle creativity, and give your mind a break from the overdrive.
September invites Gemini to turn inward a bit, as Virgo season focuses on your home life, emotions, and inner stability. This is a good time to slow your pace and reconnect with what feels safe and grounding. You may be reflecting on your living space or family relationships more than usual. With Saturn Retrograde sliding back into Pisces, your career and long-term goals could feel a little uncertain, but it’s more about redefining success on your own terms than making big moves right now. Let things unfold naturally.
The eclipse energy this month may stir some deeper realizations. The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces could highlight where you feel stretched between personal needs and professional expectations, so take it easy and listen to your gut. Later in the month, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo brings an opportunity for a reset at home or emotionally. It’s a good time to make small changes that help you feel more settled, whether that’s organizing your space or just setting healthier boundaries.
Cancer: Strawberry Banana
This September, Cancer, you’re being called to shed what no longer serves and build emotional strength from within. Strawberry Banana’s sweet, fruity hug of a high gives you that calm, creative space to process it all peacefully. It’s the mellow, balanced high you crave when the cosmic tides are pulling your heart toward introspection, giving you the gentle boost to settle in, feel safe, and reconnect with your inner voice.
September brings a thoughtful, grounded vibe for Cancer as Virgo season lights up your communication zone. It’s a good month for writing, conversations, or simply clearing mental clutter. You may find comfort in staying close to home or connecting with familiar people who make you feel heard. With Saturn Retrograde re-entering fellow water sign Pisces, you could feel called to revisit a belief or learning path, just take your time and let clarity unfold. Uranus Retrograde continues to shake up your social scene, but in quiet ways that help you see who really aligns with your future.
The eclipse energy this month offers deeper emotional insight. The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces can bring a moment of truth around what you believe in, or highlight a shift in your perspective. Let yourself rest if things feel intense. Later, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo offers a fresh start in how you share your thoughts or handle everyday tasks. Simple changes in how you communicate or plan your days can go a long way toward feeling more balanced.
Leo: Purple Haze
Leo, September’s urging you to slow down and release old emotional baggage, and Purple Haze, with its dreamy, uplifting buzz and vivid haze of floral‑berry euphoria, is the perfect strain to help you unwind and see things with fresh clarity. As that Virgo solar eclipse asks you to reset your sense of self‑worth and what you hold onto, this strain gives you the mental space to let go and step into calmer confidence.
September is a grounding month for Leo as Virgo season shifts your attention to your values, money, and sense of stability. It’s a good time to check in with your spending habits or revisit a project that could bring practical rewards. You might feel less flashy than usual, but that’s okay. Sometimes, the best kind of growth happens quietly. With Uranus Retrograde in your career zone, unexpected shifts at work may still be unfolding behind the scenes. Saturn Retrograde dipping back into Pisces adds a reflective tone around shared resources or emotional commitments, encouraging you to pause and reassess where you’re giving too much.
This month’s eclipse energy supports deeper insight and personal resets. The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces may highlight emotional ties or financial entanglements. It’s a moment to release what no longer supports your peace of mind. Later, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo helps you plant new seeds when it comes to self-worth, income, and how you manage your time and energy. Even small steps taken with intention now can set you up for a more secure future.
Virgo: Peaches and Cream
Peaches and Cream’s peachy‑vanilla buzz is the kind of feel‑good pick‑me‑up that helps you stay on point and keep things flowing when your attention-to-detail hustle is in full swing.
Happy Birthday, Virgo! With the Sun in your sign and a New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse also happening in Virgo later this month, you’re in a prime position to set intentions for the year ahead. This is your chance to refresh your routines, care for your health, or simply start something that feels true to you. Saturn Retrograde re-entering Pisces may have you rethinking a close relationship or partnership, but there’s no need to rush; just take time to notice what feels mutual and what doesn’t.
The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces mid-month brings emotional insights through your one-on-one connections. You might see the end of an old dynamic or the need for better boundaries. Uranus Retrograde continues to stir changes in your worldview, education, or travel plans, but these shifts are happening gradually and will make more sense over time. Give yourself permission to be in progress, not perfect. Your clarity comes through reflection as much as action.
Libra: Gush Mintz
Gush Mintz, with its minty‑nutty buzz that’s calming yet gently euphoric, is your go‑to reset button when things get spicy this month. This indica‑leaning beauty brings on the relaxed, sleepy vibes that can help you wind down so you can step back, reflect, then act with your trademark fairness, without overthinking it.
September encourages Libra to take a step back and recharge. With Virgo season lighting up your quiet, reflective zone, you might feel more drawn to solitude, rest, or wrapping up loose ends. This is a great time to check in with your mental and emotional health without putting pressure on yourself to do or be too much. Saturn Retrograde re-entering Pisces brings attention to your daily routines and well-being. If something feels out of balance, consider where you can create more sustainable habits.
The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces could highlight the need to release old patterns around stress or overcommitment. It’s okay to slow down and reset. Later in the month, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo supports a fresh start in your inner world: think spiritual practices, therapy, or simply more rest. With Uranus Retrograde continuing to stir deeper emotions on financial matters, this month is about clearing space for clarity to return. Keep it simple, and trust that reflection is productive too.
Scorpio: Watermelon Z
With its juicy watermelon-citrus flavor and balanced indica-leaning high that transitions into mellow body vibes, Watermelon Z is perfect for that solo nature weekend when you need to reset your mind and sort feelings in peace.
September brings a welcome shift for Scorpio as Virgo season lights up your social life and long-term goals. You might feel more focused on teamwork, community, or the big picture of where you’re headed. This is a great time to reconnect with friends or reflect on what kind of future you’re building. With Saturn Retrograde re-entering fellow water sign Pisces, your creative energy or romantic connections may need a second look. Don’t be afraid to slow things down to understand what truly brings joy or meaning.
The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces could stir strong emotions around love, fun, or self-expression. It’s a good moment to let go of old expectations and simply be more present. Later in the month, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo supports new connections and clearer intentions around your place in a group or collective. Meanwhile, Uranus Retrograde continues to shift dynamics in your closest relationships, helping you see what’s evolving. Let your guard down a bit; genuine change often comes through openness.
Sagittarius: Guava
Guava’s bright, energizing buzz is your perfect sidekick for owning the room and connecting with people effortlessly. As your natural charm and group‑project mojo shine this month, this sativa‑leaning hybrid syncs with that vibe, helping you stay sharp, inspired, and in total command of the social scene.
September is a grounding month for Sagittarius, as Virgo season highlights your career, goals, and public life. You might feel more focused on responsibilities or long-term plans, but it’s not about pushing harder; it’s about moving smarter. Saturn Retrograde re-entering Pisces brings attention to your home or emotional foundations. You could be reflecting on what stability means to you, or finding ways to balance ambition with rest. This energy supports thoughtful progress, not overnight change.
Mid-month, the Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces could stir deep feelings around home, family, or your emotional center. It’s a chance to release something that no longer fits, whether it’s a mindset or a past pattern. Later, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo offers a fresh start in your professional life or how you show up in the world. Uranus Retrograde continues encouraging changes in your routines and work-life flow; small tweaks now could lead to more freedom later.
Capricorn: Pink Lemonade
Pink Lemonade’s uplifting, citrusy buzz helps you zero in, shake off the fog, and refocus with bright, happy clarity instead of spiraling in stress. With its sweet grapefruit‑lemon flavor and energizing yet calm hybrid high, it’s like a little mental reset to help you reprioritize, reclaim your calm, and actually enjoy checking off that to‑do list.
September opens the door for new ideas and perspectives, Capricorn, as Virgo season lights up your zone of learning, travel, and personal growth. Whether you’re exploring something new or refining a skill, this is a good time to step back and look at the bigger picture. Saturn Retrograde, your ruling planet, re-enters Pisces, nudging you to revisit how you communicate or process information. It’s okay to take a little longer to get clarity; trust that slowing down can help you better understand what matters.
Mid-month, the Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces may bring an emotional release around how you speak your truth or how connected you feel to your community. Let go of the need to always have the right words; just be honest with yourself. Later, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo opens up new opportunities for growth, study, or exploration. Uranus Retrograde continues to quietly shift your approach to creativity and joy. Don’t be surprised if what once lit you up starts evolving.
Aquarius: Sherbert
As Saturn moves into Pisces and your focus shifts back to structure, shared resources, and what really sustains you, Sherbert’s smooth, citrusy‑berry calm can ease that headspace into clarity and comfort.
September brings a quieter, more introspective vibe for Aquarius, as Virgo season shines a light on shared resources, emotional depth, and personal transformation. You might feel pulled to check in with your boundaries, both financially and emotionally. With Saturn Retrograde moving back into Pisces, your relationship with money, values, or self-worth may need some rebalancing. This isn’t about cutting everything out, but about getting clearer on what really supports your well-being in the long run.
The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces mid-month may stir emotions tied to security, possessions, or deeper attachments. It’s a good time to release any patterns that no longer serve your growth. Later, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo opens the door to start fresh in how you manage shared energy, whether that’s in a partnership, finances, or healing work. Uranus Retrograde continues shifting things at home or in your inner world, but there’s no rush. Let the changes come naturally, and give yourself space to adjust.
Pisces: Piña Colada
Pisces, September’s calling you to find mental harmony and lean into healthier habits, and Pina Colada’s tropical, uplifting buzz helps you breathe easy, laugh a little, and gently reset your mood even when stress is creeping in.
September is a powerful turning point for Pisces. With Virgo season highlighting your relationships, you’re being asked to pay closer attention to how you connect, communicate, and collaborate. This energy supports creating more balance in your partnerships, both personal and professional. Saturn Retrograde re-entering your sign brings a sense of reflection about who you’re becoming. You may feel the weight of responsibilities or old patterns, but it’s also an opportunity to realign with your deeper purpose, one step at a time.
The Full Moon Total Lunar Eclipse in Pisces is your moment to let go of what no longer fits, whether it’s a mindset, a habit, or even part of your identity. This eclipse may feel intense, but it also clears the way for more authentic growth. Later in the month, the New Moon Partial Solar Eclipse in Virgo brings a fresh chapter in your relationships. If you’re ready to redefine what connection means to you, this is a great time to set gentle but honest intentions. Uranus Retrograde continues to shift how you think and express yourself, making room for more originality and ease in how you share your voice.
How enormous edibles are cutting costs & reshaping the cannabis industry.
Be honest, how many gummies does it take to get you high? Two? Three? Even more? With 100mg gummies appearing on dispensary shelves, the answer is about to be the same for everybody—not even one.
While availability can be limited due to state-level regulations, the 100mg gummy trend shows no signs of slowing down. A slew of industry-leading edible brands have all recently launched their own giants, bringing the product into key markets and the hands of curious consumers all over the country.
Gummies with 10mg of THC per piece have had a long and undisputed reign as the industry standard, but the new 10x size option has some real benefits that may provide a credible challenge to 10mg dominance.
Recommended product
Looking to try one of these heavyweights for yourself? Get a 100mg gummy delivered straight to your door with Crescent Canna’s Max THC gummy. Packed with 100mg of hemp-derived delta-9 THC, this gummy will certainly clue you in on what the 100mg buzz is all about.
The next big thing
The Mega Pearls from Gron.
Gummies are far and away one of the most popular formats with casual and committed cannabis consumers alike, and the field has seen an impressive amount of innovation in just a few years. Widespread use of nanoemulsification has slashed the time it takes for an edible to start working to just a fraction of what it used to be, and any experienced gummy fan can tell you that the flavor of the average gummy has improved leaps and bounds in a short amount of time.
100mg high-dose edibles are poised to be the next shake-up in the gummy game and may impact the field just as much as nanoemulsification technology. Several top edible brands already have a giga-gummy of their own on dispensary shelves, including:
OGEEZ!: Launched at the end of 2023, the Big OGEEZ! is the aptly-named RSO-infused offering from the Arizona-based brand.
Grön: After a limited release in Missouri, Grön’s sugar-coated Mega Pearls have grown in popularity and are now widely available.
Lost Farm: The Fatso gummy from Lost Farm is the corpulent cousin of their popular live rosin chews.
Why gummies are growing
100mg gummies are more than a gimmick—they’ve got concrete advantages that consumers and producers love. These improvements on the 10mg size could foretell these larger gummies having even more availability in the future, with more and more brands rushing to offer their own variations on the super-sized edibles.
More gummy, less plastic
Lost Farm’s Fatso.
A standard pack of 10 gummies with 10mg THC per piece is a plastic-heavy product to produce. Each gummy requires its own thick individual wrapping to avoid becoming a sticky mess before reaching the consumer. This means that cannabis gummy packaging expenses form a significant percentage of the cost that brands must bear, not to mention the increased amount of waste. In the cannabis industry, where razor-thin margins are commonplace, optimizing the amount of packaging can make all the difference for a brand.
A single 100mg gummy needs only a fraction of the packaging of their smaller counterparts, while not requiring much extra investment to produce. This leads to reduced production costs for single gummy packs, while not compromising product quality or the amount of THC offered. Brands can then pass the savings from this streamlined process on to their customers—many single 100mg gummies are available for less than comparable packs of 10mg edibles, all the while reducing the amount of plastic destined for the landfill.
DIY dosing
THC inflation has been going on ever since legalization first began, and it’s undeniable that the collective tolerance of the cannabis consuming public is a whole lot higher than it used to be. The fact is that a 10mg gummy simply doesn’t do it for a significant percentage of consumers, who may need two or more gummies to get to their preferred level of intoxication. Conversely, some consumers with lower tolerances are feeling left behind by the THC arms race and are looking for more control over their experience.
100mg gummies put dosing into the hands of the consumer. Most of these gummies tend to be divisible into either four or ten equal parts, but can be easily segmented into whatever dose is desired at the current moment. Consumers can merely slice or bite off the amount they want, with no need to tediously unwrap multiple small gummies or worry about storing the sticky remains of a 10mg bite.
Hemp world responds
Some brands that operate on the hemp side of the industry are also taking advantage of this trend, offering single gummies with 100mg of hemp-derived THC that can be shipped directly to consumers. Tastemaker brands like Crescent Canna have made their move first with their delta-9 Max gummies, but it remains to be seen if the rest of the hemp industry will follow suit.
While the 100mg gummy is as big as the cannabis field can go in a single gummy, the hemp industry is not bound to the same regulations. Larger, more potent gummies already exist in the hemp space, and even more may be on the horizon from forward-thinking brands.
Final thoughts
With clear advantages in packaging costs and consumer control, 100mg gummies seem to be poised to grow to greater heights, with more and more brands offering XL edibles. Keep an eye out for them behind the counter at your local dispensary—given their size, they shouldn’t be too hard to spot. Make sure to snag one as soon as they’re available and decide for yourself if bigger really is better.
