Weed skimping is a common practice in the illegal cannabis market where sellers provide less product than what they advertise. This practice can occur for various reasons, including profit maximization and deception. Here’s a deeper look into how skimping works, how individuals might use it to their advantage, and strategies for consumers to protect themselves from being shorted, as well as the potential risks associated with owning a scale.

Understanding Weed Skimping

1. What is Skimping?

• Skimping refers to the act of selling less cannabis than what the buyer believes they are purchasing. For instance, a seller might advertise an eighth (3.5 grams) but only provide 2.8 grams.

1. How Sellers Use Skimping to Make Profit:

• Increased Profit Margins: By shorting customers, sellers can maximize profits without increasing prices. Selling multiple bags while skimping can lead to significant extra revenue over time.
• Volume Sales: Sellers may rely on volume rather than quality, moving more product at a lower price while ensuring they come out ahead financially.

1. Why Skimping Happens:

• Market Pressure: In competitive areas, some sellers might resort to skimping to remain profitable against others who may not adhere to ethical standards.
• Desperation: Individuals desperate for quick cash may use skimping as a strategy to recover their initial investments and make a profit.

Combating Skimping

1. Using a Scale:

• Purchase a Scale: For consumers, owning a scale can be a reliable way to ensure that they are receiving the correct amount of cannabis. This can help verify that the weight matches what was paid for, providing peace of mind.
• Checking Weight: Before completing a transaction, weighing the cannabis can confirm that the buyer receives what they paid for. If the weight is less than expected, consumers can address this with the seller immediately.

1. Building Trust:

• Develop Relationships: Establishing a relationship with trusted sellers can reduce the likelihood of being skimmed. Familiarity may encourage sellers to be more honest about their products.

Downfalls of Owning a Scale

1. Perception of Intent:

• Legal Risks: Owning a scale can lead to suspicion. If a person is searched by law enforcement and found with a scale, it can imply they are involved in selling rather than just using or possessing cannabis. This can result in legal consequences, including charges related to distribution or intent to sell.
• Compounding Evidence: Having a scale, especially alongside other paraphernalia, can create a stronger case for law enforcement that the individual is operating as a dealer, regardless of their actual intentions.

1. Potential for Misinterpretation:

• Innocent Use: Many individuals may use scales for various reasons unrelated to selling, such as cooking or measuring other substances. However, the legal system might not see it that way, making ownership a double-edged sword.

Conclusion

Weed skimping represents a significant issue in the illegal cannabis market, where some sellers prioritize profit over ethics. For consumers, owning a scale can serve as a valuable tool to ensure they receive the correct amount of product. However, the potential legal risks associated with owning a scale, including being misinterpreted as a dealer, should be carefully considered. At Grown in the Streets, we advocate for responsible and legal engagement with the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of understanding both the market dynamics and the associated risks of illegal activities.