📈 High Just Got Higher: Trump Tariffs Push Cannabis Prices Up

Posted by GalaxyGroves – April 4, 2025

So you thought inflation was the only buzzkill? Think again. New tariffs announced this week by former President Trump are about to hit the cannabis world where it hurts—the wallet.

Starting now, prices on everything from vape cartridges to rolling cones are set to climb, thanks to fresh import levies slapped on goods from China, Canada, Mexico, and the EU. And for an industry that leans heavy on global supply chains, that’s a real vibe killer.

🌍 Cannabis Culture Is Global—And So Is the Cost

Here’s the deal: a massive chunk of cannabis gear—vape hardware, pre-roll tins, glassware, packaging—comes from Asia, especially China. These aren’t just accessories, they’re essentials. And most U.S. cannabis companies don’t have the domestic infrastructure to replace those imports anytime soon.

“Most cannabis businesses don’t have the margin flexibility to absorb a 10%-15% increase,” says Mike Forenza of AE Global.

That means consumers—yes, you—are about to feel the burn, and not the fun kind.

🔥 From Farms to Flower: Tariffs Hit All Along the Chain

It’s not just about the gadgets. Even soil inputs like compost and peat, often imported from Canada, are caught in the tariff crossfire. And when the supply chain looks like:
Glass from China → Wood from Canada → Assembly in Mexico → Sale in the U.S.,
…you better believe those extra costs are going to stack up faster than your stash drawer on payday.

🚬 Illicit Market Comeback?

Higher prices on legal products might push some consumers back to the gray market—exactly what the industry’s been trying to prevent. That’s not just bad for licensed brands. It’s dangerous for consumers who risk buying unregulated, untested, or straight-up sketchy products.

“We’re already seeing softening demand and slower orders,” says Brad Wasserstrom, whose company supplies cannabis packaging. “It’s trickling down to the consumer.”

🌱 What GalaxyGroves Is Doing

At GalaxyGroves, we’re about quality, clarity, and culture—not shortcuts. We’re tightening up supply chains, keeping things clean and compliant, and looking for domestic solutions where possible. But we’ll always be honest: this moment in cannabis history is going to challenge how we all source, price, and share the plant.

So here’s what you can do:

• Buy smart – Choose brands that prioritize transparency and testing.

• Support local – From growers to glassblowers, U.S.-based makers need you.

• Stay loud – Let your reps know that cannabis is culture and commerce. It deserves a seat at the trade table.