I'm from the states as well (midwest). Our bud prices jumped up over the last year from 60-80 usd an ounce to 120 an ounce. But in the past couple of months the prices have been trending back down to around 80-110 an ounce. I smoke 2 grams (roughly) a day and buy an ounce every 2 weeks for strictly personal use. This is the best price point for me. If you buy your bud by anything less than the half ounce here then you get royally screwed over. Buy in bulk (when you can't grow your own)!

Also, as everyone else mentioned, find the right connection. If you don't already know someone, do a little networking. Hang out at your local smokeshop and strike up a conversation with anyone you see buying a digital scale. Use caution doing it that way cause the person is obviously a stranger and you don't know what they're capable of, but that should go without saying. I've found some of my best connections that way and I've been smoking everyday for the last 5 years.