When you want to buy cannabis from the dispensary, you have to be familiar with the amount being sold. This is determined by the scale measurement.
If you’re new to the world of marijuana, this area can be confusing. But it’s no surprise that people still ask, “How many grams is an 8th of weed?”
Even if you’re a grower, you’ll need this measurement knowledge to understand the yield potential of strains before buying cannabis seeds from the best cannabis seedbanks and to measure your buds for sale (or consumption) after harvest.
Keep reading to see a watered-down explanation of the common cannabis measurements and how they look.
Weed Measurement: Key Takeaways
You can weigh your buds using a digital scale to find the exact amount. This helps you check if it’s a gram, eighth, quarter, half-ounce, or ounce based on the values in the table below.
| Common Weed Quantity Terms | Measurement in Ounce | Measurement in Grams |
| Eighth | ⅛ ounce | 3.5 grams |
| Quarter | (¼) ounce | 7 grams |
| Half | (½) ounce | 14 grams |
| Ounce | 28 grams | |
| Pound | 453 grams |
Since different strains can be denser or lighter, the size of a gram of weed may vary. The best way to be sure about the weight of what you have is to measure it with a scale.
In the following sections, we’ll examine these measurements in more detail, starting with a broader overview of the weed metric system.
The Metric System in Cannabis Measurement
The metric system is widely used across Europe, Canada, Central and South America, and much of Asia and Africa.
Many people say it’s an easy-to-understand measurement. It’s different from the imperial system, which has units like inches, feet, and miles.
The metric system is based on units of 1,000. For example, 1,000 milligrams (mg) equals one gram (g), 1,000 grams equals one kilogram (kg), and 1,000 kilograms equals one ton (t).
For cannabis, the gram is the most commonly used unit.
Common Cannabis Measurement: Grams, Eighth, Quarter, Half ounce, and Ounce Explained
Understanding the metric system helps you get the right amount instead of accidentally ordering too much or too little.
1. Grams
- Slang: dub sack and 20-sack
- Average cost at dispensaries: $20
At most marijuana dispensaries, the smallest amount of cannabis flowers you can buy is one gram.
This amount is enough to roll about 1 to 2 joints. Buying one gram is often the go-to choice for people who want to sample a new strain or brand.
Who Should Buy This Quantity?
It’s also the ideal amount if you prefer to smoke cannabis occasionally.
2. Eighth
- Slang: An “eighth.”
- Average cost at dispensaries: between $30 to $70
An eighth of an ounce of cannabis weighs around 3.5 grams. This amount usually includes two to four buds, depending on their size and density, or it could come as smaller “popcorn” buds.
Some places also sell eighths made up of “shake” (small leftover bits of flower) or kief (the fine, powdery trichomes).
An eighth is enough for about three full-gram joints and one half-gram joint or around seven smaller joints if rolled with half a gram each.
The prices vary based on strain, THC levels, and quality.
Who Should Buy This Quantity?
An eighth can pack at least six bowls for those who prefer a bong or pipe. It’s a great option if you’re trying a new strain and don’t need a lot.
3. Quarter
- Slang: Dime bag or quad of weed
- Average cost at dispensaries: Depending on location (from as low as $20 (shake weed) to as high as $100)
A quarter ounce of cannabis, or 7 grams, is a popular choice for those looking for a larger stash.
This amount is enough for about seven joints or around ten bowls, depending on your pipe size, and can even be used in small edible recipes at home.
With 7 grams, you can roll at least seven full-gram joints, 14 half-gram joints, or 30 one-hitters.
Who Should Buy This Quantity?
A quarter is the ideal quantity to buy if you need weed that will easily last a week or longer. But it still depends on how often you use it.
4. Half ounce
- Slang: half O, half zip, or half-lid
- Average cost at dispensaries: between $90 and $160 at dispensaries
A half-ounce of cannabis, or around 14 grams, is a popular amount for regular users, and many dispensaries offer 14-gram packs. This is roughly two handfuls of dense buds.
A half-ounce can last up to a month if you smoke one joint a day or up to two months if you only smoke a few bowls each week.
With 14 grams, you could roll about 30 joints.
Who Should Buy This Quantity?
Buying in bulk can save you money if you enjoy the strain you want to purchase. In such a case, you can consider starting with half an ounce.
5. Ounce
- Slang: A zip
- Average cost at dispensaries: From $160 to $350
An ounce of marijuana weighs about 28.5 grams. In many states, including California, it’s the maximum amount a person can legally possess at one time (though you can also carry an extra 8 grams of cannabis concentrate).
An ounce is often seen as the standard “full” amount in the cannabis world.
While it may be too much for casual users, it’s a popular choice for regular consumers.
Who Should Buy This Quantity?
Imagine you’re having friends over, and you want a larger quantity of cannabis for you all to enjoy. Buying an ounce of marijuana is the best option. It’s cheaper that way.
Visualizing Cannabis Quantities
Now you know the numbers, but it also helps to have a visual idea.
For example, if you’re measuring a gram of cannabis, how many buds should you expect? And how dense is each strain?
Our chart below shows images of common measurements to help you understand each amount better.
Alt: Infographics on the various measurements of cannabis on a digital scale.
Quick Tips:
If you’re using a scale and forget the exact measurements, you can try comparing the weight to familiar fruits:
- One gram of weed is about the weight of a grape.
- An eighth (3.5 grams) is roughly like a medium-sized kiwi.
- A quarter ounce is about as heavy as an apple.
- Half an ounce is similar in weight to a blood orange.
- An ounce of weed around the weight of a coconut.
- A pound of weed weighs about the same as a large watermelon.
These comparisons can make it easier to visualize different amounts. You can find information on how to cure weed from this comprehensive guide by breakingac.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis comes in many different types, each with unique flower size, density, and weight traits.
Genetics and growing methods can affect the weight of each bud: cannabis sativa seeds are typically lighter with an open structure, while Indica-dominant strains are usually denser and more compact.
That’s why when measuring cannabis, a digital scale is essential.
It’s not just for dividing up portions—it helps you track your usage and understand your consumption habits.
FAQs
How much is 3.5 grams of weed?
A 3.5 grams of weed is equal to an eighth of an ounce which is a standard measurement. The cost of a 3.5-gram cannabis depends on a lot of factors, but the average is between $35 and $50.
How many joints can I roll with 1 gram of weed?
Typically, one gram yields about one joint, depending on your rolling preferences.
What is the best measurement for purchasing weed?
The optimal quantity for buying weed depends on your consumption habits and storage capabilities. But we recommend buying less if it’s your first time.