Cannabis Quantities Explained
How can you tell the difference between an ounce, a gram, and an eighth of weed? Let’s face it— only a few things are as confusing as the measuring systems for marijuana. Plus, the fact that there are so many names associated with the various weed amounts makes it even more confusing. You’re the exception if you haven’t mixed up your cannabis quantities at some point.
Sadly, there’s no getting around this problem; you either know your weed measurements, or you don’t. But lucky you, we’re here to help you get the hang of it in the simplest ways possible. Let’s begin!
Understanding Weed Measurements
Here are the most common ways cannabis is measured:
Gram of Weed
A gram of weed is the usually the smallest quantity you can get at a dispensary. A gram of well-grown cannabis flower is equivalent to a medium/large-sized bud. It may also amount to two small budlets.
Eighth of Weed
Generally, 3.5 grams of weed make an eighth and typically comprises a handful of at least two buds. However, this depends on the size of the stem and the tightness of the packed buds. As such, it’s not unusual to see some operators packaging a handful of four buds or more as an eighth.
Quarter of Weed
7 grams of cannabis make a quarter ounce. Weed quarters will have varying volumes, which depends on whether they’re small or robust buds. However, regardless of what they’re made up of, 7 cannabis grams will typically be the size of a sunglasses case.
Half of Weed
If a quarter of weed is 7 grams, then half of the weed will be 14 grams. Yep, it’s that simple!
Ounce of Weed
About 28 grams of weed make an ounce. Usually, if you’re requesting the maximum amount of cannabis in a package from a marijuana shop, you’ll likely be given an ounce.
Pound of Weed
16 oz makes one pound and an ounce contains 28 grams. Therefore, a pound of weed equals 448 grams.
Note that strains, brands, and plants can have significantly varying densities and the measurements above are approximations. For example, since indica strains have denser and thicker buds than sativas, they’re also likely to look more quantity than sativas even if they’re of equal weight. So, when confirming measurements, be sure to depend on the scale instead of how they look.
Weed Conversation: Ounces to Grams
Are you already used to purchasing cannabis in quarters, eighths, and other fractions? Then you may have difficulty purchasing your desired amounts in dispensaries nowadays. That’s because they typically sell their bud in grams, and doing the conversion can be tricky.
You can use this as your conversion guide whenever you’re in doubt:
| Imperial Amount | Metric Amount |
| ⅛ (eighth) ounce | 3.5 grams |
| ¼ (quarter) ounce | 7 grams |
| ½ (half) ounce | 17 grams |
| 1 (full) ounce | 28 grams |
| 16 oz (full pound) | 448 grams |
Grams vs. Ounces of Weed Summary
Generally, the maximum amount of weed you can purchase at an adult-use dispensary per day is 28 grams (a full ounce). Note that consumers can buy more under medical marijuana programs.
Meanwhile, the least amount of weed anyone can typically purchase from an authorized retailer remains 1 gram, followed by an eighth. If you’re getting pre-rolled joints, remember that they typically come in full and half grams. They can also come in 0.4, 0.3 grams etc.
Weed Measurements in Slang Terms
There are numerous code words for weed measurement that every stoner should know. Here are some of the most common ones:
- A “g”— also called a deag or gerb; a slang term for gram
- A Dimebag— also called a dime sack or dime; code for $10 weed
- A nickel bag— $5 worth of marijuana
- A Dub— also called twenty-bag or dub sack; $20 worth of cannabis
- A half-eighth or sixteenth — half of 3.5 grams
- A half-zip— 14 grams
- A zip — 28 grams
- A “qp”— 4 oz
- A slice— ⅛ of an ounce
- A pack— a pound of marijuana
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the essentials of weed measurement, you can now visit the dispensary closest to you with confidence. If you’re concerned about getting duped, remember that you can never go wrong with a quality scale. Simply purchase your weed and weigh it out when you get home and do a comparison with whatever’s written on the package. You can always take a photograph of what’s on the scale and ask for a replacement if you find any discrepancies.
We hope you have the most amazing and hassle-free weed purchase experience from now on.