When buying cannabis, understanding the different weed measurements can be confusing. The cannabis metric system can get complicated, with terms like gram or eighth and slang terms for weed like dime bag and zip.

Most commonly, cannabis is measured in divisions of ounces, but the good news is that you can buy in other weights depending on what works best for you. If you’re curious about what all the math means, read this comprehensive guide to the most common weed measurements. 

Discover how to measure weed, the various quantities, weights, and terms used to describe them. 

RELATED: 7 cannabis-friendly travel destinations in North America

Most common weed measurements in the market

Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of cannabis or a seasoned consumer, here are the most common weed measurements to help you make informed purchasing decisions.

Grams

A gram is the base unit used to weigh and sell cannabis flower. It’s about one large nug of weed and is the smallest amount of flower you can typically buy. 

Single grams are just enough for a nice, healthy joint or about 2-3 regular-sized bowls. The number of joints you can roll with one gram of cannabis depends on the size of your joint papers and your preference.

Eighths 

This is an eighth of an ounce of weed, which equals 3.5 grams. It’s the most common denomination of cannabis. You can roll an eighth into roughly three to five joints or two to four blunts.

Quarters

A quarter of weed is a quarter of an ounce, weighing approximately 7 grams. It’s slightly larger than an eighth and is another popular measurement because it offers more bang for your buck. 

Ounces

An ounce weighs in at 28 grams. That’s four quarters or eight-eighths, hence the descriptors quarter and eighth. An ounce is considered the central standard “complete” unit in the world of cannabis. You can roll about 60 joints or pack 100 bowls from a single ounce of weed.

Pounds

A pound is an imperial measurement used commonly in the US. It comprises 16 ounces of weed—16 times the most considerable amount that (in many places) anyone can legally have on their person at any one time. 

Weighing in at 112 grams or around 4 ounces, a quarter pound of weed packs a substantial punch. These are popular on the illicit market.

How much cannabis should I buy?

The amount of cannabis one can buy in legal states varies depending on the state and whether it is for medical or recreational use.

For instance, in Massachusetts, you can carry up to one ounce of marijuana and possess up to 10 ounces in your home, while in Colorado, you can have up to 2 ounces of marijuana. In Washington, adults can possess up to one ounce of cannabis for personal use, up to 16 ounces of marijuana-infused product in solid form, and 72 ounces of marijuana-infused product in liquid form. Larger quantities of cannabis are typically prohibited except for medical patients.

When purchasing and possessing cannabis in either of these states, ensure you follow the local laws and regulations. 

RELATED: Overdo it on edibles? Find out to recover

Slang terms for weed measurements

There are many slang terms for weed quantities. These terms can vary from place to place, and some may be more prevalent in specific regions or particular communities. The slangs include:

• Dime bag: A dime bag is a $10 bag of weed, usually containing around one gram.
• Dub: Short for “double,” a dub refers to a $20 bag of weed that typically contains around two grams.
• Half: Short for a half-ounce, this term represents approximately 14 grams of weed.
• QP: Stands for a quarter-pound, or 112 grams of flower.
• HP or Half-P: Refers to a half-pound of marijuana, equivalent to 8 ounces or approximately 226 grams.
• Zip: Derived from the term “ziploc bag,” a zip generally refers to an ounce of weed.
• Biggie: Refers to a large amount of marijuana, typically around 28 grams or a full ounce.
• Elbow: This term describes a pound of weed, often referring to the shape of the arm when it bends at the elbow.

Weed measurements – something for everyone

Understanding weed measurements and familiarizing yourself with the associated slang terms is crucial for navigating the marijuana market. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned cannabis consumer, knowing measurements like grams, eighths, quarters, ounces, and pounds allows for informed purchasing decisions. Depending on the weed strain and the price, you may want a dub all the way to an elbow.

With more states legalizing cannabis, a patchwork of possession laws have popped up. One state may allow adults to have multiple pounds of cannabis, while others only allow a zip.

 As federal marijuana legalization looms, there is a potential for the development of standardized terms and units of measurement. This could facilitate transparency and consistency in the cannabis market. This standardization would enhance consumer understanding and promote fair and equitable trade practices, allowing individuals to make informed decisions based on reliable and consistent product information.

This article was submitted by a guest contributor to GreenState. The statements within do not necessarily reflect the opinions of GreenState, Hearst, or its subsidiaries. The author is solely responsible for the content.