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Price hike in marijuana causing some medical patients to buy cannabis on Nevada streets instead

Posted at 5:46 PM, Jul 14, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-17 13:49:23-04

The price hike in marijuana is causing some patients to turn back to the streets to buy medicine. 

Emily Wilson said she moved to Las Vegas because it had approved the use of medical marijuana, which was her only cure to years of pain from a chest surgery. 

"It changed the whole quality of my life," Wilson said.  

Wilson said since marijuana has become available for recreational purposes in the Silver State the prices for her medicine has spiked. 

"Now our prices have almost doubled in some places," Wilson said. 

According to Wilson, some medical patients across the valley can't afford the price gouge and are turning to the streets for cheaper prices. 

"Oh yes, yes, 100 percent they are," Wilson said. 

The staff at ReLeaf Dispensary have also seen a decrease in their medical patients, but don't want people turning to the black market. 

"When you're on the streets and you're buying something, you don't really know what you're getting," said General Manager Lissa LaWatsch. 

To offset the rising cost of marijuana, many dispensaries across the valley say they are offering front of the line incentives and discounts for patients to ensure their business. 

Buying from a non-licensed marijuana dealer in Nevada is illegal.

Wilson said like many other patients, she is trying to find the best deals at dispensaries to supply her medication.