Weed Measurements and Prices
Understanding how cannabis is measured and priced can be confusing, especially if you’re a newcomer.
Even if you know what weed strains you like, you might not know how much you need and risk getting too little or too much.
This guide will break down the common weed measurements and prices so you know exactly how much to get on your next trip to the dispensary. It will also include visuals and ways to measure without a scale.
Photo: Unsplash
How to measure weed (metric vs imperial)
There are two systems used to measure weed: metric and imperial. The metric system is standard in most parts of the world and consists of units such as grams.
On the other hand, the imperial system is standard in the US and includes units of measure such as ounces, pounds, and more.
Most confusion occurs when the dispensary switches between the imperial and metric systems while measuring weed. For instance, your weed might be measured in grams and ounces, which can confuse most novices.
Understanding the two measuring systems will help avoid confusion and errors, especially in dispensaries where both are in use, guaranteeing you the right amount of weed for your needs. Also, knowing the measuring systems ensures you purchase the allowed amount of weed in your state, saving you from non-compliance penalties.
Additionally, comprehending the measuring systems makes it easier to dose your intake and saves you from overconsumption.
Gram as the standard weed measurement
In many states where weed is legal, a gram is the most common standard unit of measurement. It also happens to be the smallest quantity available for purchase.
Put into perspective, a gram of weed is roughly equivalent to the size of a small grape and is characterized by one larger bud or two smaller buds the size of marbles.
You can easily roll one standard joint or two small joints of 0.5 grams each from a gram of weed. If you love smoking from a bowl, a gram of weed can break down to about 2-3 standard bowls, each serving four people twice.
Using a gram as the most common standard unit of weed measurement may help in precision dosing, especially for medical patients, without leaving any leftovers. Also, gram can be used when measuring different cannabis products, from dried buds, concentrates, edibles, and more.
How much does a gram of weed cost?
According to Statista, the average price of a gram of weed is around $2.6 to $17.6. However, the actual price may vary depending on market variations, strain type, location, etc.
Photo of common weed measurements
Common weed measurements
Now that you understand what a gram is, let’s move to other units of weed measurement you’ll come across.
Eighth
An eighth is the most well-known measurement for cannabis, especially among casual users. An eighth of an ounce of weed is equivalent to 3.5 grams.
You might wonder how an eighth of weed looks. Typically, an eighth of weed consists of several tiny, densely packed buds that can easily fit in the palm of your hand. Or it can be made up of three large buds.
An eighth can give you enough weed to roll three one-gram joints and one 0.5-gram joint. Or you can roll seven half-gram joints or bowls. Or 2-3 blunts. This makes an eighth of weed ideal when inviting a couple of friends over to chill for some hours. Depending on your smoking pattern and tolerance, it can also be enough for solo sessions over a couple of days or weeks.
The average cost of an eighth of weed
The cost of an eighth of weed can vary depending on quality, strain, demand, and supply. However, on average, an eighth of weed costs between $35-60 US dollars. Some dispensaries may offer promotions and discounts to their customers, which can save you some bucks.
Quarter
Also known as a quad, a quarter of an ounce weighs approximately 7 grams. Most veteran users prefer a quarter of weed as they’ll have enough cannabis to try and compare the effects of a new strain.
With a quad of weed, you can roll seven one-gram joints. However, this can vary depending on how big or small you want your joints to be. Do you prefer smoking from a pipe or bong? A quarter of an ounce has enough weed to load three to five bowls and share with a couple of friends.
How much does a quarter of weed cost
According to Leafly, a quad can cost anywhere from $30-$125. However, it’s essential to know this amount may increase if you include taxes, which vary from one state to another.
Since it’s the next size up, you may be wondering how long a quarter will last you. It’ll depend on your dosage, the frequency of consumption, and whether it’s solo sessions or with friends.
Half
Also called half a zip or half O, half-ounce weighs 14 grams and is ideal for large gatherings. This is a substantial amount of weed; you can roll between 28 and 30 half-gram joints from a half O of weed.
Ounce
Also known as zip, an ounce is the legal limit you can purchase in many states in the US, and it weighs roughly 28 grams.
Here are a few references to better understand what an ounce of weed looks like. You can roll up to 60-84 joints with an ounce of weed. If you were to roll blunts of 1-2 grams, you could get 14-28 blunts. However, the actual number depends on the size of your joints and blunts.
But to the naked eye, an ounce of weed may appear deceiving. This is because some strains have denser buds than others, making it as if there’s less flower.
An ounce of weed can last a few weeks to a month for regular users.
The cost of an ounce
The average price of an ounce of high-quality weed in the US is $326.06. However, the prices can range from $241.78-$597.88, depending on your location and regulatory guidelines.
Measuring weed without a scale
A scale effectively and accurately determines the above units of measurement. However, sometimes, you may not have a scale at hand. But worry not. Here are creative ways of measuring weed without a scale.
Using a ruler and a penny
What you need:
- Ruler
- Pen
- Penny( weighs 2.5 grams)
- Cannabis flower
Steps:
- First, neatly balance the ruler on a sideways-lying pen to create a makeshift seesaw-like scale.
- Then, place the penny on one side of the ruler and pile the buds on the other until they balance. This makes it easier for you to estimate the weight of your nugs.
You can also use other coins. However, you’ll need to confirm the weight.
Using a smartphone
Thanks to technological advancement, you can now use your smartphone as a weighing scale. All you have to do is download the Weed Scale app from Google Play stores for Android users and the App Store for iPhone users.
Risks of weighing weed without a scale
The above methods require instruments or devices you have at home. However, most of them are far from being accurate. Hence, you may have to purchase a digital scale or buy weighed weed from a reputable dispensary to get actual weed measurements.
Factors affecting weed measurement
Here are factors that can impact the accuracy and consistency of weed measurements:
Moisture content
The moisture content of a nug can affect its weight. For instance, a cannabis bud with higher moisture content weighs more than a dry bud of the same amount.
Hence, it’s crucial to account for moisture content when weighing weed to ensure you get accurate measurements.
Strain type: dense vs. fluffy
Each strain type has a different structure and density. Some are densely packed, while others are looser and fluffy. This can affect the space they’ll occupy, affecting the volume measurement.
Checking for accuracy
Accurate weed measurements ensure you get the right amount for your needs. You can use known calibration and trusted sources to guarantee you get the right amount of weed.
