Breaking Down Weed Measurements: Grams, Eighths, Ounces, and Beyond

Published: 9/5/2025
By:
Mountains

Have you ever found yourself paralysed when you're strolling into a dispensary and unsure of how much weed you want to buy? 

Decision fatigue is real, especially for lots of new buyers. The challenge isn't just about endless dispensary options; it's the confusing measurements that make buying weed feel more like solving a math problem. 

Stepping into the realm of cannabis without understanding different measurements and weights can lead to some unexpected surprises. 

This weed measurement guide will delve into the different weed measurements and weights on the market, ranging from the smallest units to the larger quantities. Ready? Let's dive in and explore together!

How is weed measured: Understanding common weed measurement

Weed is generally sold by its weight in grams. A gram is the lowest weight you can ask for at any given time at any dispensary or order from online cannabis delivery near me. Another common weed measurement unit is an ounce. 

Knowing the measurement of weed not only helps you pick the right amount for your needs, but also helps you avoid exceeding any state's possession limits. 

Below are some of the common weed measurements. Below are the most common measurements by grams and ounces and their corresponding slang:

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Imperial system vs metric system

Weed measurement is primarily based on the imperial system in the US, which is centered around ounces and pounds, along with their fractions. 

When you hear the terms' eighth' or 'quarter', they simply mean an eighth or a quarter of an ounce. Outside of the USA, cannabis is measured using the metric system. 

That means, if you hear 7 grams of weed, they are referring to the metric system to measure weight. However, cannabis users in the US are used to both the imperial and metric systems of measurement. 

It can be a bit confusing for new users, so it is essential to become familiar with both systems for a better understanding. So, let's break it down.

Metric System: Common purchase amounts and prices

The metric system is a standard system for most cannabis purchases. Here are the common measurements included in the metric system. 

1 gram (g):

One gram of weed is the smallest amount of weed you can purchase. It is known as a dime bag and is similar to a paper clip. A gram of weed is enough for small sessions like rolling a joint or two. Pre-rolled joints are often available in one-gram sizes. A gram of weed can cost anywhere between $5 and $20 in most cannabis markets.

3.5 grams (An eighth):

An eighth contains 3.5 grams of weed. It is the most common purchase size and is also referred to as a half-quarter or a slice of weed strain. It can last anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on how you use it. 

Most pre-weighted bags come in an eighth, which is enough to roll seven medium joints and ten small joints. To purchase this quantity, you will need to spend between $20 and $60, depending on the state and strain selection. 

7 grams (Quarter):

A quarter weighs 7 grams, which is simply shorthand for 1/4 of an ounce. Depending on your consumption, it may last up to several weeks. A quarter of an ounce is enough to roll 25 small and 15 big joints.

 A quarter of weed is equivalent to 10 bowls, depending on the size of the pipe. It lasts longer, and the best way to store it is in a glass container to keep your nugs fresh and safe. 

The prices for a quarter of weed range between $40 and $100, depending on the state and strain choice.

14 grams (Half Ounce):

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A half-ounce equals 14 grams of cannabis, which is a substantial amount. It lasts longer, depending on the consumption. Daily consumers could consume a half-ounce or half a zip in a week or less. For occasional users, it could last a month. A half-ounce is considered a bulk purchase, but it is quite cost-effective. You can roll 40 joints with a half-ounce or 14 grams of weed, which is a very big number for any weed consumer. The average price for half a zip or half of an ounce is anywhere between $100 and $240. In states where weed is legal and widely available, prices may be lower.

28 grams (an Ounce):

Commonly called a zip, an ounce is equal to 28 grams of weed. It is the legal limit to purchase weed in many US states. However, if you're from California, you can easily purchase this amount at any of your local dispensaries. It is enough to roll 80 joints and can last over a month.  

This quantity may cost you between $150 and $400, depending on several factors, including your location, the strain type, and the quality of the selected strains. In states where cannabis has higher taxes or they have fewer dispensaries, prices may be higher. 

Though an ounce or a zip is considered a bulk amount, it allows for significant savings over time compared to buying cannabis in grams, especially if you are a regular user. However, make sure to store it in a cool, dark, airtight place to keep it fresh for longer use.

Imperial System

In cannabis retail, the imperial system is not commonly used. However, imperial measurements are still used. Below is the quick rundown of common measurements in imperial units:

1 ounce (oz):

An ounce is equal to 28 grams of weed, which is a preferred unit of measure by heavy recreational cannabis users or medical patients who rely on a steady supply of cannabis for therapeutic purposes without the need for regular restocks. Bulk purchases cost less per gram than smaller quantities of weed, so buying an ounce will save you more bucks.

4 ounces (Quarter Pound):

A quarter pound is equal to 4 ounces or 113 grams of weed. It is less common for individual use and is typically bought by wholesalers or regular users. Buying a quarter pound of weed for personal use could get you into legal problems, as an ounce is the legal limit to purchase for personal use in many states. Buying a quarter of weed only makes sense if it's being divided among four people.

16 ounces (1 Pound):

A pound is 16 ounces of weed, which is a lot of weed and approximately 453 grams of cannabis. It is purchased by professional growers, large dispensaries, and is legally available in industrial spaces across the country.  

It is rarely bought by an individual for personal use because most legal markets don't allow individuals who don't work in the industry to possess a pound of weed. This is a bulk amount, exceeding what recreational users or medical patients typically need for recreational or therapeutic purposes. 

FAQs

What is the dub of bud?

A dub of weed is equal to 2 bags of dime. Two grams of weed would be sufficient to roll five proper joints, depending on how tightly you pack. The same amount of weed would be enough for five weed bowls.

What is a dime bag?

A dime bag refers to $10 worth of weed in cannabis slang, containing around 1 gram of weed.

What are the most common measurements for weed?

A gram is the base unit to measure cannabis. Other common measurements for weed include an eighth (3.5 grams), quarter (7 grams), half-ounce (14 grams), and an ounce (28 grams), which cater to both casual users and bulk purchasers.

How much weed fits in a 5-gallon bag?

Depending on the density of the nugs, you can probably fit around 10-12 ounces in a 5-gallon bag.

How much does an eighth of weed cost in California?

In California, an eighth of weed can cost you around $20-$60 for quality flower, with premium weed strains shooting up to $70.

How much is a gram of weed?

One gram of cannabis is the base unit to measure weed in cannabis retail. A gram of weed is quite similar to a paper clip and is sufficient for one session.

How much are ten grams of weed?

In the imperial system, ten grams of weed are equivalent to approximately 0.35 ounces of weed, which is often chosen by more experienced users. 

What does biggie mean in weed slang?

Beggie refers to a substantial amount of weed, which is equivalent to a full ounce or 28 grams of cannabis.

How many grams are in an ounce or zip?

There are 28 grams in a zip or ounce of weed, which is the largest amount an individual can purchase in most dispensaries. A zip of one strain may look smaller or bigger than others due to the varying sizes and density of the nugs and individual cannabis strains.

What slang terms are used for an ounce?

"Zip," "O," or "lid" are some of the slang terms used for an ounce of weed.  A "zip" refers to the amount of weed you can put inside a ziplock bag, while "lid" is an older term that emerged in the years of the 60s and 70s to describe approximately an ounce of weed. On the other hand, "O" is simply a shortened form of "ounce.

How many ounces and grams are in a Pound?

There are 16 ounces and approximately 453.59 grams of cannabis in a pound of weed.

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