“How much hemp (or weed) am I purchasing? Is it enough? How does it look?”
When you enter a dispensary for the first time, the budtender will ask what you’re looking to buy and how much. Knowing cannabis measurements can help you make informed choices. Here’s everything you need to know about buying and understanding cannabis quantities.
Understanding Common Cannabis Measurements
The Basics: Grams, Eighths, Quarters, and Ounces
Cannabis is typically sold in various weights, with 3.5 grams (an eighth) being the most frequently purchased quantity nationwide. Here’s a quick guide to common cannabis measurements:
- 1 Gram: The smallest standard measurement, enough for a few small joints or bowl packs.
- 1/8 Ounce (3.5 Grams): Known as an eighth, this quantity is a popular choice and offers good value.
- 1/4 Ounce (7 Grams): A quarter is a common purchase for moderate users.
- 1/2 Ounce (14 Grams): A half-ounce provides a substantial amount of cannabis, often at a better price per gram.
- 1 Ounce (28 Grams): The largest standard quantity sold, often at the best price per gram.
Conversion Chart
For reference, here’s a quick conversion chart:
- 1/8 ounce = 3.5 grams
- 1/4 ounce = 7 grams
- 1/2 ounce = 14 grams
- 1 ounce = 28 grams
Accuracy Matters: Using Scales
Cheap scales may not measure cannabis accurately. Use analytical balances or jewelry scales for precision. Remember, denser buds will weigh more and look smaller per gram compared to fluffier nugs.
Cost Breakdown
- 1 Gram: $8-$15 (up to $20 in areas where cannabis is scarce).
- 3.5 Grams (Eighth): $30-$50 (up to $40 for high-quality strains in legal states).
- 7 Grams (Quarter): $70-$90.
- 14 Grams (Half-Ounce): $90-$160.
- 28 Grams (Ounce): $100-$350.
Larger Quantities
- Quarter-Pound (113.4 Grams): Approximately 4 ounces, often called a QP.
- Half-Pound (226.8 Grams): Also known as a half-pack or half-pounder.
- Pound (454 Grams): Referred to as a pack or elbow, commonly used for product creation.
Making Smart Purchases
Should You Buy an Eighth or a Quarter?
While a quarter (7 grams) is more than an eighth (3.5 grams), it’s not necessarily better unless you consume frequently. Larger purchases like half-ounces and ounces offer better price per gram.
Tips for Measuring Without a Scale
Use a ruler and a penny (post-1982, weighs 2.5 grams) to balance your cannabis on one side and the penny on the other. For more accuracy, use a proper scale.
FAQs
How Many Bowl Packs Can I Get with 1 Gram? A typical bowl can hold 0.3 to 0.5 grams of flower.
How Many Times Can I Hit My Bowl from an Eighth of Weed? You can get around seven half-gram bowls from an eighth of cannabis.
How Many Hits are in One Bowl Pack? The number of hits varies, but a bowl can last from three to eight hits depending on the size of the hit.
How Do People in Different Parts of the World Weigh Weed? Cannabis is usually measured in grams, except in Myanmar and Liberia which do not use the metric system.
Common Slang Terms
- Dime Bag: $10 worth of weed, usually around 1 gram.
- Dub: 2 grams of weed or $20 worth.
- Slice: An eighth of marijuana (3.5 grams).
- Zip: An ounce of weed (28 grams).
[Image: Using a Scale to Weigh Out Your Bud]
How to Use a Scale
- Place the container on the scale and press ‘tare’ to zero it out.
- Add your cannabis to the container to measure accurately.
Conclusion
Understanding cannabis measurements helps ensure you get the right amount and value for your money. Whether you’re buying an eighth or a pound, being informed about weights and costs can enhance your cannabis experience.
What’s your favorite quantity to purchase? Let us know! We’d love to hear from you.