The Ounce of Weed: A Visual Guide to Weed Measurements

An arrangement of marijuana buds on a table, illustrating an ounce of weed for reference in cannabis measurements.

A gram, an eighth, a zip of weed, an ounce—what does it all mean? We’ve come a long way from the days of the “dimebag” and “twenty-sack,” but even with legalization, the mix of metric and imperial systems in weed measurements can be confusing. Who hasn’t mixed up their ounce of weed with their eighth at some point? Keeping track of the names and sizes associated with cannabis quantities—whether bought at dispensaries, delivered, or through “other means” —can feel overwhelming, and at worst, leave you shortchanged.

Part of the confusion comes from understanding weight versus mass, which depends on both the size and density of the cannabis buds. If you’re new to cannabis, this visual guide will help you wrap your head around the common weed sizes sold today. From 1 gram to a full ounce of weed, we’ve got you covered so you can make informed decisions.

Breakdown of Weed Measurements: From Grams to Ounces

Don’t worry—there’s no need to brush up on algebra to figure out how much weed you’re getting.

What is 1 Gram of Weed?

A gram of weed is the smallest amount you can buy at most dispensaries. If grown well, 1 gram typically looks like one medium-to-large bud or two smaller buds. It’s perfect for rolling a joint or packing a bowl without committing to larger weed sizes.

What is an Eighth of Weed?

An eighth is 3.5 grams of cannabis, which is roughly three to four buds, depending on their size and density. It’s one of the most popular weed measurements and is often packaged with the best-looking nugs, making it a go-to choice for many cannabis consumers.

What is a Quarter of Weed?

A quarter ounce of weed equals 7 grams. Visually, the volume depends on whether it’s made up of smaller popcorn buds or large, dense nugs, but it typically fits in a sunglasses case. For casual users, a quarter is a comfortable middle ground between small and bulk purchases.

What is a Half Ounce of Weed?

A half ounce, or 14 grams of cannabis, starts to feel like a real stash. Depending on the weed sizes, this amount can range from a few chunky buds to a bag full of smaller ones. It’s the perfect option for regular users looking to stock up.

What is a Zip of Weed?

A zip of weed is simply another term for an ounce of weed, which is about 28 grams. This is the legal maximum amount an adult can purchase at one time in most dispensaries. A zip of weed is enough to fill a sandwich bag and keep even regular users satisfied for a while.

What is an Ounce of Weed?

An ounce of weed, also known as a zip, is the standard maximum amount for recreational purchases. With 28 grams in an ounce, it’s a good choice for those who consume regularly or prefer to buy in bulk.

What is a Pound of Weed?

For larger-scale growers and producers, a pound of weed equals 16 ounces or 448 grams. This is well beyond what most dispensaries or patients are legally allowed to buy but is a key measurement for those working in the cannabis industry.

Whether you’re purchasing 1 gram to try something new or stocking up with an ounce of weed, understanding these weed measurements ensures you’re getting exactly what you pay for. Use this guide as a reference to navigate the world of cannabis quantities with confidence.

Understanding Weed Measurements: Ounces, Grams, and Everything in Between

Something to keep in mind: these depictions of weed sizes are informed approximations. The density of cannabis varies significantly between plants, strains, and brands. Indica strains often grow as stocky plants with thicker, denser buds, while sativa strains usually have longer, airier nugs. Think of it like the classic riddle: what’s heavier, a pound of feathers or a pound of gold? For example, a dense nug from the Cookies strain family may look much smaller than a fluffy bud of Jack Herrer, even if they both weigh the same—whether it’s a gram or an ounce of weed.

Thankfully, cannabis companies are required to determine the exact weight of your weed before it’s packaged and distributed. Even if it doesn’t look like an eighth or a zip of weed in the jar or bag, the scales don’t lie.

It’s also important to note that not all the weight comes from smokable cannabis. Some stems and moisture content are included in the total weight. Over time, cannabis buds lose moisture as they age and dry out, meaning older weed might weigh less than when it was first packaged. Always check the package date when buying in-store to ensure freshness and value.

Also, remember that weed measurements differ depending on the type of cannabis product. For example, a gram of flower looks very different from a gram of concentrates, hash, or cartridge oil. If you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask your budtender for advice on choosing the right product and size for your needs.

How to Convert Ounces of Weed to Grams

Before the recreational cannabis market standardized packaging, weed was often sold in fractions of an ounce based on personal needs. Some days might call for an eighth (⅛ ounce), while others might require a quarter (¼ ounce). In dispensaries today, however, cannabis is more commonly sold in gram increments. Here’s a quick conversion guide for reference:

Imperial AmountMetric Amount
Eighth (1/8) ounce3.5 grams
Quarter (1/4) ounce7 grams
Half (1/2) ounce14 grams
Full (1) ounce28 grams
Full pound (16 oz)448 grams

The cost of cannabis depends on various factors, including the product’s quality, whether you’re in a medical or adult-use market, and the tax structure in your area. On average, you can expect to pay $10 to $20 for 1 gram of flower or $25 to $75 for an eighth. Many dispensaries and cannabis companies offer bulk discounts on larger weed sizes, such as a half ounce or a full ounce of weed, to ease the sticker shock.

Express Summary: Weed Sizes & Usage

Under adult-use cannabis regulations, the maximum amount of flower you can purchase in a day is one ounce of weed (28 grams). Medical marijuana patients may be allowed to buy more, but most consumers don’t hit these limits.

Here’s a breakdown of how much cannabis you can roll or pack based on common weed measurements:

  • 1 gram: Rolls about two joints or packs 3–4 bowls, making it a great option for trying a new strain.
  • Eighth (3.5 grams): Enough for about seven joints or roughly 10 bowls, making it the most popular weed size for consumers.
  • Quarter (7 grams): Can roll around 14 joints or pack over 20 bowls.
  • Half Ounce (14 grams): Enough for nearly 30 joints or 40+ bowls.
  • Full Ounce (28 grams): Can roll nearly 60 joints or pack over 100 bowls, making it ideal for frequent users or those buying in bulk.

Pre-rolls are typically sold in half gram or full gram quantities. A half gram is perfect for sharing with a friend, while a full gram pre-roll is great for larger groups.

Whether you’re buying a single gram, an eighth, or a zip of weed, understanding weed measurements and sizes will help you get the most out of your purchase.

Slang Terms for Weed Measurements

While dispensaries in legal and medical states have standardized cannabis measurements, historically, people relied on visuals and affordability when purchasing weed. This led to the creation of various slang terms for weed sizes and quantities. Even if you never use these terms yourself, they’re a testament to the creativity of cannabis culture. Here’s a breakdown of some popular slang terms for weed measurements, in ascending order:

  • A “g,” a gerb, or a deag: Refers to 1 gram of weed.
  • Nickel bag: $5 worth of weed, typically around half a gram to 1 gram, depending on your dealer.
  • Dimebag, dime, or dime sack: $10 worth of weed, generally between half a gram and 1 gram.
  • Twenty-bag, dub sack, or dub: $20 worth of weed, typically 1 gram to 1.5 grams.
  • Sixteenth, half-eighth: About 1.75 grams of weed, or half of an eighth.
  • Slice: One-eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams—just like a slice of pizza represents one-eighth of the whole pie.
  • Half-zip: A half-ounce of weed, weighing 14 grams.
  • Zip of weed: An ounce of weed, equal to 28 grams. The name comes from resealable bags (“Ziplocs”) traditionally used to package an ounce of weed pre-legalization.
  • QP (cue-pee): A quarter-pound of weed, which equals 4 ounces or 112 grams.
  • Pack: A pound of weed, so named because it’s often transported in turkey bags.

How to Ensure You’re Getting the Right Weed Measurements

With cannabis now pre-packaged under adult-use regulations, you might worry about whether you’re getting the correct amount, especially with larger quantities like a zip of weed or an ounce of flower. Pre-legalization, dispensaries operated deli-style, letting customers watch as weed was weighed in real-time. Today, this isn’t the case.

If you’re concerned about discrepancies, consider investing in a reliable scale. When you get home, weigh your weed to confirm it matches the packaging. If the weight is less than promised, take a photo as proof and contact the dispensary or delivery service. Most businesses will gladly replace any underweight product.

Whether you’re buying a gram, an eighth, or an ounce, understanding weed measurements and staying informed will help you feel confident in your purchases.