1/4th gram will get you very high. Most people buy in 1/4th or 1/8th oz amounts. In comparison to alcohol, smoking marijuana is a very inexpensive way to have fun.

A couple of nugs might be typical. 1 oz is a lot of cannabis; it might take a year for a casual user to expend it. So no, your garden variety cannabis is not expensive and is comparably cheaper than alcohol, and much cheaper than pharmaceutical drugs.

"The Union" is a decent documentary about cannabis in general, including its distribution and pricing history: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9077214414651731007...

My friend usually buys half an ounce to an ounce at a time, and it lasts him anywhere from a month (if there's not much to do but play video games and read) to six months. Cost ranges from $200 to $400, depending on quality.

Considering I regularly spend $50 per weekend on drinks, it's an incredibly cheap way to take a vacation from your mind.

Depends on your tolerance and method of usage, but I use it 2-3 times a week, using a vaporiser, and go through ~0.1 grams a session. Due to taxes where I live (Victoria, Australia) it's cheaper than alcohol.