Weed Subscription Boxes Are Shipping With Actual Cannabis These Days
Are weed subscription boxes legal now that some states have legalized recreational cannabis? Who sells them and are they worth it?
Nov. 20 2020, Updated 1:52 p.m. ET
Until recently, the term “weed subscription box” was a misnomer—a bit hazy, you might say. You wouldn’t get cannabis in the boxes. You would just get paraphernalia. Now that recreational cannabis has been legalized in 11 states, some merchants are sending out boxes with actual cannabis inside.
“Today, weed boxes of the month have evolved into potent, craft, designer collections, expertly selected, and fashionably designed—all with online ordering and contactless delivery,” writes Leafly’s David Downs. “Think: a BirchBox of buds. Or: the FabFitFun of flower.”
Where are weed subscription boxes legal?
Recreational cannabis use has been legalized in Alaska, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington, as well as the U.S. territories of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island, according to the marijuana legalization organization NORML.
That said, cannabis is still illegal at the federal level, so no products containing cannabis can be shipped across state lines, as Refinery29 points out. That means that you’ll either have to rely on subscription boxes from in-state vendors—if you live in a state that has legalized recreational cannabis—or you’ll have to settle for subscription boxes of paraphernalia such as vapes and smoking accessories.
Where are weed subscription boxes available?
Californians looking for weed subscription boxes with actual cannabis are in luck. Leafly has a list of cannabis subscription boxes available in a variety of Golden State areas, including Flowsent, Nugg Club, and Lucky Box Club.
Of course, the convenience comes at a premium. The boxes on that list range from $99 to $300 per box. But the pricier boxes offer luxurious experiences that you can enjoy or gift unto others, maybe even as a housewarming gift. “People show up with wine; why wouldn’t you show up with cannabis?” Nishant Reddy, CEO of A Golden State, tells the site. “It really checks those boxes and makes an impactful statement.”
But if you’re just looking for accessories, you don't have to live in California. Esquire has a round-up of accessory-themed subscription boxes, including Hemper, The Puff Pack, and CannIBless.
Are weed subscription boxes worth it?
As with all subscription boxes, you should do some comparison shopping. On their websites, venders will show the contents of a typical box. You can figure out whether the total value of the contents matches the cost of the box.
Weedmaps points out that many of the subscriptions in the $25 to $30 per month range offer products valued at $100 or more. But “if you’re paying more than $25 to $30 a month for a box, do your research and make sure the products you’re getting are actually worth the higher price,” the site states. “Don’t spend $100 on a box, for example, if they deliver cheap, factory-produced glassware when you can get better quality at a lower monthly price point.”
The more expensive boxes could still be a good value. Leafly reports that each of Nugg Club’s $99 boxes contains $225 worth of products. The company offers wholesale prices of 40 percent to 60 percent off. “It’s our secret sauce,” says Nugg Club co-founder Alex Milligan.
