When buying cannabis, whether for medical or recreational use where it’s legal, you’ll quickly encounter measurements in grams. Grams are the standard unit, especially when you’re buying smaller amounts. Understanding these measurements is key, not only for following legal guidelines but also for knowing exactly what you’re getting and accurately dosing your product.
In this guide, we’ll break down the common question: how many grams in an 1/8 (eighth) of weed? We’ll also provide some context around other common measurements you might encounter.
What is an eighth of cannabis?
In the world of cannabis, you’ll often hear measurements like “an eighth,” but what does that actually mean?
Defining an eighth
An eighth of cannabis refers to 3.5 grams of flower. It’s called “an eighth” because it represents one-eighth of an ounce, which is a common amount to purchase at dispensaries.
The use of grams to measure cannabis can be a little confusing if you’re used to the imperial system of ounces and pounds. Grams are a metric unit of weight.
Appearance of an eighth
Keep in mind that the visual size of an eighth can vary. Some cannabis buds are denser than others, meaning they weigh more for a smaller volume. So, an eighth of dense buds might look smaller than an eighth of fluffier buds, even though they both weigh the same.
Grams to ounces: Common cannabis conversions
If you’re new to buying cannabis, it can be tricky to remember how many grams are in a “dime bag” or an ounce. Here are a few of the most common measurements you’ll see at the dispensary:
Smaller quantities
- Eighth: 3.5 grams. An eighth is a common purchase size if you’re trying out a new strain.
- Quarter: 7 grams. A quarter is the same as two eighths.
Larger quantities
- Half-ounce: 14 grams
- Ounce: 28 grams. An ounce is the same as eight eighths.
Visual aid
Here’s a simple cannabis conversion table for easy reference:
| Name | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|
| Eighth | 3.5 |
| Quarter | 7 |
| Half-ounce | 14 |
| Ounce | 28 |
Grams to pounds: Larger quantity conversions
So, now you know that an eighth is 3.5 grams. But what if you want to buy things in larger quantities?
- Quarter pound (QP): A quarter pound is about 113.4 grams.
- Half pound: A half pound is about 227 grams.
- One pound: One pound is precisely 453.592 grams.
Knowing how many grams are in a pound can be useful if you’re a grower or if you tend to buy in bulk.
What Can You Do With an Eighth of Cannabis?
Okay, so you’ve got your 3.5 grams of cannabis. What can you do with it? Here are a few possibilities, depending on your preferred method of consumption:
Joint Rolling
- You can roll about three standard 1-gram joints.
- Or, you can roll around seven smaller 0.5-gram joints.
Blunt Rolling
- You can roll approximately two blunts, assuming you use between 1 and 1.5 grams of cannabis per blunt.
Bowls and One-Hitters
- You can pack around seven bowls, depending on the size of the bowl.
- Or, you can pack about 15 one-hitters, assuming you use around 0.25 grams per hit.
The possibilities are endless! It all comes down to how you like to enjoy your cannabis.
How much does an eighth cost?
The price of an eighth of cannabis can vary quite a bit, depending on a few things:
- Strain Type: Rarer, more exotic strains often come with a higher price tag.
- Flower Quality: Top-shelf, high-quality flower will naturally be more expensive than lower-grade options.
- Location and Taxes: Prices fluctuate based on where you are, with different states and municipalities having varying tax rates.
- Dispensary vs. Unregulated Market: You’ll generally find higher prices at licensed dispensaries due to regulations and taxes, compared to unregulated sources.
With all that said, you can usually expect to pay somewhere between $25 and $65 for an eighth of cannabis.
How to measure accurately
When you’re dealing with cannabis, precise measurements are super important. Getting the dose right makes a big difference in your experience. Also, depending on where you live, there may be legal consequences for being off.
The best way to make sure you’re measuring correctly is to use a digital kitchen scale. Before you put anything on it, make sure you “tare” the scale. That sets the scale to zero, so you’re only measuring what you add.
Cannabis industry standards and legal considerations
If you’re purchasing cannabis, it’s important to understand these weight conversions so you can stay within the legal purchase limits in your state.
Also, be aware that regulated cannabis products are required to adhere to strict labeling requirements. The labels must include the precise amount of cannabinoids in the product, and the products must be tested to ensure they aren’t contaminated.
If you’re purchasing cannabis products that aren’t regulated, it’s important to buy only from reputable sources, since unregulated products don’t undergo standardized testing. This is key to ensuring you’re getting a safe, quality product.
Cannabis terminology and street slang
When discussing cannabis amounts, it’s useful to understand the common terms and even some of the slang terms used in the industry. Here are some of the common ones:
- Grams (g): The base unit of weight.
- Ounces (oz): A larger unit of weight.
- Eighth: A fraction of an ounce.
- Quarter: A quarter of an ounce.
- Half-ounce: Half of an ounce.
- Ounce: A standard unit of weight.
- Pound: A large unit of weight.
Slang terms you might hear include “dime bag,” “dub,” and “zip,” which refer to specific quantities or values.
FAQs About Cannabis Measurements
- What is the smallest amount of weed I can buy?
- Usually, dispensaries sell cannabis by the gram.
- How do I accurately measure my cannabis?
- You’ll need a digital kitchen scale.
- Why is it important to know the exact weight of cannabis in grams?
- Accurate measurements matter for dosing, following the law, and making smart purchases.
- What does an ounce of cannabis look like, and how much does it weigh?
- An ounce of cannabis weighs 28 grams.
- What is 1 pound equal to in grams?
- One pound is about 453.592 grams.
In Summary
Let’s recap: if you’re wondering how many grams are in an eighth of cannabis, the answer is always 3.5 grams.
Knowing what you’re buying and using the right amount is crucial for a safe and enjoyable cannabis experience. Whether you’re a seasoned consumer or a curious newcomer, understanding cannabis measurements is key.