I would love it if prices went down as well, but this will not happen. I just can't see it. You should look at having a card as a special gift and not complain about the prices. Thought $15 a gram is ridiculous over-priced. In my opinion if you have the money to get the card in the first place after going through the doctors and getting the papers and such, your next step should be able to grow.
I don't know about you, but i can get good buds without a card no problem. Sometimes i get some not so good buds, but for the most part its pretty consistent. So why would i get a card to pay more money for bud? Sounds dumb to me..
Using time as an excuse is dumb...you can LEGALLY grow...so start growing. Of course certain peoples housing can make it difficult, but if you want to grow, you will find a way. My younger brothers good friends father got his card two years ago. He got the card to grow, again, anyone can buy bud. He puts one other person on his co-sign which is his partner, not wife. Between both of them they can have legally 38 plants, id have to double check that but i'm pretty sure that is the number. That is A LOT of weed for two people lol. Everyone related to him gets free weed.
Thats the point of the card, so you can grow. It may take you awhile to learn, but its so worth it, just think long and hard about it for a second.... Even if you are in a living situation where you only have the physical room to grow 4 plants, you can still learn a great deal if you try. Their are many ways to grown without growing your electric bill.
Start researching and start growing

I see my doctor 5 too 8 months depending. I will ask him for the papers so i can get the card. I don't believe i will have any trouble. When i do get the card, which i will, you can bet im not going to buy more expensive bud, im gonna start growing. Instead of paying more for bud, use that same money to invest in your own harvest.
Good Luck. No excuses, if their is a will, their is a way.