A beginner’s guide to weed measurements: From grams to pounds
Ever find yourself at a dispensary, unsure if a quarter ounce is enough or if you’re accidentally buying a whole half pound?
Don’t worry—you’re not alone.
Understanding weed measurements is key to making sure you’re getting the right amount for your needs, and it also helps you avoid some awkward situations at the counter.
Here’s your cheat sheet to the most common weed measurements:
- Eighth (⅛) ounce = 3.5 grams
- Quarter (¼) ounce = 7 grams
- Half (½) ounce = 14 grams
- Ounce = 28 grams
- Pound = 453 grams
Table of contents
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Basic weed measurements
Cannabis measurements are typically given in grams and ounces (even in the United States, where we love our imperial system).
Knowing how to convert between these units will keep you from getting shorted at the dispensary—or walking away with way more than you bargained for.
Here’s a breakdown:
1 Gram
One gram deal for rolling small joints or packing a bowl.
Think of it as a sample size, perfect for testing a new strain.
You can expect to pay $10–$20 for a gram, depending on the strain and your location.
Eighth (⅛ ounce)
An eighth is 3.5 grams.
Enough for three to four decent-sized joints or a couple of sessions with your bong or pipe.
This weed size typically costs $25–$50.
Quarter (¼ ounce)
A quarter is 7 grams of cannabis, enough for roughly 7–14 joints.
Known as a quarter ounce, this amount costs around $50–$80 and is ideal for casual users who smoke a few times a week.
Half (½ ounce)
At 14 grams, a half ounce is great for stocking up if you’re a regular consumer or want to avoid multiple trips to the local dispensary.
Expect to pay $90–$160 for this amount.
Ounce (28 grams)
If you’re buying an ounce (often called a zip), you’re either a frequent smoker or you’re preparing for a party!
One ounce costs $150–$350 and can roll up to 84 small joints.
Quarter pound (113 grams)
Commonly called a QP, this is typically bought by people who consume a lot of cannabis or those looking for a bulk purchase.
The cost for a QP ranges from $560 to $1,400.
Half pound (226 grams)
A half pound of weed is not for the faint of heart—it’s for growers or people in the cannabis industry.
It weighs as much as a pineapple and costs $1,120 to $2,800.
Pound (453 grams)
Weighing in at the size of a watermelon, a pound is most commonly handled by cannabis dispensaries or distributors.
It costs anywhere from $2,000 to $4,000.
What's in a gram?
For a first-time cannabis user or someone with specific needs, starting with a gram is usually the way to go.
This gives you enough for a single joint or a few hits from a pipe. Plus, if you’re sampling different strains, it’s easier to test them out without committing to larger amounts.
The average price for a gram of weed is around $10 to $20, but it can vary depending on where you are and the strain.
Eighths, quarters, and beyond: How much weed do you need?
Once you move past the basic gram, the most common measurement you’ll encounter is the eighth.
If you’re visiting a cannabis dispensary and looking to stock up for the week, an eighth is the go-to option.
It’s enough for several sessions and lets you try different cannabis products without breaking the bank.
- Eighth (⅛ ounce): This is around 3.5 grams, which means you can roll about three decent-sized joints. It’s enough to last casual users a few days or even a week.
- Quarter (¼ ounce): A quarter ounce will give you about seven grams of cannabis—enough to last longer and ideal for those who prefer having a steady supply on hand.
For those who smoke daily or want to try making edibles, half ounces and ounces are better choices.
Not only will these larger amounts last longer, but buying in bulk also tends to be cheaper per gram.
Slang terms for weed measurements
Part of understanding weed measurements means getting familiar with the slang. These terms are often used in cannabis culture and can vary slightly depending on your region. Here are a few:
Dime bag
Typically 1 gram, it gets its name because it used to cost around $10.
Dub
Usually 2 grams for $20.
QP
Short for quarter pound, or 113 grams of weed.
Zip
An ounce of weed.
Legal limits and considerations
Before you stock up, it’s crucial to know the legal limit in your state.
Many states allow up to one ounce for personal use, while others may have stricter limits.
Exceeding these amounts could land you in trouble, so always check local laws before making a bulk purchase.
Rolling it all up
Knowing your weed measurements not only helps you get the right amount but also ensures you’re not getting shorted or accidentally buying too much.
Whether you’re rolling up a small joint or planning to stock up for a month, understanding the difference between a gram, a quarter ounce, and a pound is essential.
Now that you’ve mastered the measurements, you can confidently walk into any dispensary and talk like a seasoned cannabis user.
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