Cannabis 101
Ultimate Guide to Weed Measurements and Costs
If you’re new to cannabis, learning weed measurements is essential for buying, cooking, and consuming with confidence.
In our ultimate guide to weed measurements and costs, we break down the slang terms and cannabis market prices.
Various Measuring Systems for Cannabis
In the United States, most people are familiar with the imperial system (feet, inches, pounds, ounces, etc.).
However, cannabis is measured using both the metric system (grams) and the imperial system (ounces). Understanding how these systems overlap can be incredibly useful.
Measurements in pounds and ounces are part of the imperial system and are usually only available for purchase by licensed operators.
Dispensaries that use the gram form of measurements are taken from the international unit system, or the metric system.
To complicate matters, dispensaries round down when converting ounces to grams. For example, one ounce of cannabis is technically 28.35 grams. At a dispensary, one ounce will be rounded down to 28 grams.
Weed Measurements Street Terms
There are many slang terms for cannabis. Eighth, ounce, full O, dime, quarter, dub, and Z are a few. Dime and Dub are terms for $10 or $20 worth of cannabis. An eighth, half or quarter is between 3.5 grams to 14 grams. An ounce, Z or full O, is twenty eight grams.
While slang cannabis terms are usually used by black-market dealers instead of budtenders at licensed dispensaries, you may hear these terms being used there, too.
Here is a quick rundown on common slang terms for cannabis measurements:
- Dime bag – A dime bag refers to a measurement of weed that is $10. It’s usually about 1 gram of cannabis.
- Dub sack – A dub sack, also known as 2 grams of cannabis, refers to $20 worth of marijuana.
- A slice – A slice is a term used to describe an eighth of weed (3.5 grams).
- A zip – A zip refers to an ounce of weed (28 grams).
Weed Measurements: Explained
What are the most common weed measurements used at dispensaries?
- One-eighth of an ounce – 3.5 grams
- One-quarter of an ounce – 7 grams
- One-half of an ounce – 14 grams
- One ounce – 28 grams
1 Gram of Weed
A gram is the smallest amount you can buy at a dispensary. Grams are a good choice for users who want to try a different strain or those who are not regular users.
It can be enough to fill a standard joint or two smaller joints, if you’re the only one smoking. A gram is enough to fill between 2-3 standard pipes or bong bowls.
Eighth of Weed
An eighth refers to an eighth of an ounce of weed, or 3.5 grams. An eighth is the most popular cannabis quantity and one of the lowest amounts available at dispensaries.
For most users, an eighth is enough to last them for a good while (at least a week) before they have to stock up again.
Quarter of Weed
If someone talks about a quarter of weed, they are referring to a quarter of an ounce, also known as a quad or quarter, weighing about 7 grams.
A quarter is equal to two eighths of weed. A quarter ounce is a perfect amount for a large gathering with friends.
Half Ounce of Weed
A half is short for a half-ounce of cannabis, or 14 grams. A half-ounce, also called half a zip, is equal to two quarters or four eighths. Half ounces and higher weed amounts usually are a better deal than smaller amounts.
Ounce of Weed
An ounce, also called a zip, refers to 28 grams of cannabis. In most legal states, an ounce is the most you can buy at one time.
Buying an ounce of cannabis at a time, can get users the best bang for their buck compared to buying smaller amounts.
Quarter Pound of Weed
A quarter-pound, also known as a QP, is not commonly available for cannabis users, only for licensed operators (retailers, processors, etc.).
A quarter-pound is equal to four ounces or 112 grams of cannabis. In most states, possession of a quarter pound of cannabis is prohibited.
Pound of Weed
A pound of weed contains 16 ounces of cannabis or 448 grams.
Most Common Weed Measurements Overview
- Gram (g): The smallest unit of measurement, often used for small quantities of cannabis. One gram is approximately enough to roll one joint or fill one bowl in a pipe or bong.
- Eighth (1/8 ounce): Also known as an “eighth,” this is equal to 3.5 grams of cannabis. It’s a common quantity for personal use and typically enough for a few joints or several bowls.
- Quarter (1/4 ounce): Equal to 7 grams of cannabis, a quarter is double the size of an eighth. It’s a popular choice for moderate consumers or those looking to stock up for personal use.
- Half Ounce (1/2 ounce): Equal to 14 grams of cannabis, a half ounce is a larger quantity typically purchased by more frequent consumers or shared among friends for social gatherings.
- Ounce (oz): Equal to 28 grams of cannabis, an ounce is a substantial amount often purchased by heavy consumers or for longer-term personal use. It’s also commonly used by dispensaries for bulk sales.
- Pound (lb): Equal to 16 ounces or 448 grams of cannabis, a pound is a large quantity typically purchased by commercial growers or distributors. It’s not commonly used for personal consumption but rather for wholesale transactions.
Fred Hernandez
Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred’s expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred’s wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.