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Weed Measurements Complete Guide from Gram to Pound with Visual Size References
Learn why 1, 3.5, 7, 14, and 28 grams are the only numbers that matter for price, legality, and smart purchasing decisions.
Written by Brandon Topp
September 23rd, 2025
If someone just offered you an eighth for $35 and you're not sure if that's good, bad, or even how much cannabis that actually is, here's what matters most: it's 3.5 grams.
By the time you finish reading this guide, you'll be able to evaluate any cannabis offer in under 30 seconds. You'll know exactly what they mean whether someone's talking grams, ounces, or street slang.
The entire cannabis measurement system, which seems designed to confuse, actually collapses into five simple numbers.
Once you understand this foundation, every price comparison, legal question, and purchase decision becomes straightforward.
Check out Mood’s selection of Flower, available in grams, eighths, quarters, half ounces, and ounces.
Table of Contents
Why 1, 3.5, 7, 14, and 28 Grams Run the Entire Cannabis Industry
Why an Eighth Means 3.5 Grams (And Not Something Else)
The 10-Second Price Check That Prevents Overpaying
What You Can Legally Carry in Each State
From Dime Bags to Zips and Everything Between
How Many Joints and Bowls Each Weight Actually Gives You
When Your Quarter Looks Wrong But Weighs Right
What That Missing 0.2 Grams Really Means
When Buying in Bulk Saves Money (And When It Doesn't)
Your Quick Reference System for Any Cannabis Purchase
Why 1, 3.5, 7, 14, and 28 Grams Run the Entire Cannabis Industry
These five numbers are the only measurements that actually matter in cannabis. Everything else is just slang or confusion wrapped around these core weights.
They map perfectly to consumption periods and natural price tiers. Retailers have standardized these weights across the country for good reason.
Industry Standard Sizing
Take a look at how we structure our THCa flower options—3.5g, 7g, 14g, and 28g portions. This isn't random.
It's the industry acknowledging what consumers actually need and buy. These breakpoints exist because they align with how people actually consume cannabis.
The Five Standard Weights
1 Gram (Single)
The smallest standard purchase unit, perfect for sampling new strains. Often called a "gram" or "single," this amount typically serves as a one-day supply for most consumers.
3.5 Grams (Eighth of an Ounce)
Known as an "eighth," "slice," or "eify," this represents one-eighth of an ounce. This popular weekend supply size offers good value for casual consumers.
7 Grams (Quarter Ounce)
Called a "quarter," or simply "Q," this quarter-ounce amount provides a typical weekly supply. Bulk pricing often starts at this level.
14 Grams (Half Ounce)
Referred to as a "half" or "half-O," this half-ounce quantity covers roughly two weeks of consumption. Significant per-gram savings become apparent at this purchase size.
28 Grams (Full Ounce)
Known as an "ounce," "zip," or "O," this full ounce represents the maximum legal possession limit in many states. This monthly supply offers the best bulk pricing.
A gram might last one evening. Meanwhile, 3.5 grams covers a typical weekend for most users.
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Why an Eighth Means 3.5 Grams (And Not Something Else)
Simple Fraction Math
The fraction confusion that trips up newcomers actually has a simple explanation. Since one ounce equals 28 grams, one-eighth of an ounce equals 3.5 grams.
Do the math: 28 ÷ 8 = 3.5. That's where the 3.5 gram standard comes from.
Why "Eighth" Stuck
The term "eighth" stuck because it flows better in conversation than alternatives. You might hear "half-quarter" in some regions.
Both terms refer to the exact same weight: 3.5 grams. The slang doesn't change the actual measurement.
Quick Math Check: Remember that 28 grams = 1 ounce. This makes all other calculations simple:
1/8 ounce = 28g ÷ 8 = 3.5g
1/4 ounce = 28g ÷ 4 = 7g
1/2 ounce = 28g ÷ 2 = 14g
The 10-Second Price Check That Prevents Overpaying
The Universal Formula
The formula works anywhere: price ÷ grams = cost per gram. This number lets you compare any offer instantly.
Let's use real examples. That $35 eighth works out to $35 ÷ 3.5g = $10 per gram.
A $60 quarter equals $60 ÷ 7g = $8.57 per gram. The quarter offers better value.
Transparent Pricing Example
This is exactly how transparent retailers like Mood present pricing. We show "from $11.29/g" alongside package prices.
This approach makes comparisons effortless. No math required on your end.
We sell 1 gram for:
Typical Price Ranges by Region
While prices vary dramatically by location and quality, here are general benchmarks for cost per gram:
Premium markets: $12-20/g (New York, New Jersey)
Established markets: $6-12/g (California, Colorado)
Competitive markets: $4-8/g (Oregon, Oklahoma)
Budget Reality Check
Bulk purchases almost always reduce the per-gram cost. But if you have $50 today, that math doesn't help.
Understanding the principle helps you plan future purchases. Sometimes, immediate cash availability matters more than maximum efficiency.
Watch: How To Use Cannabis Flower
What You Can Legally Carry in Each State
Converting Ounces to Grams
Legal possession limits are usually stated in ounces. But thinking in grams makes compliance checks instant.
California's "one ounce" limit equals 28 grams exactly. New York allows 3 ounces, which translates to 84 grams.
The "Under a Quarter" Myth
The common myth that "under a quarter is always safe" doesn't hold across all states. Some jurisdictions have lower thresholds.
Others differentiate between possession and purchase limits. State laws vary significantly.
Important: Always consult current state laws and licensed legal professionals for specific guidance. Possession limits change frequently. Companies like Mood provide state-specific shipping to maintain 100% order compliance.
Common State Limits (Recreational Use)
California: 28.5g (just over 1 ounce)
Colorado: 28g (1 ounce)
New York: 85g (3 ounces)
Oregon: 28g in public, 224g at home
From Dime Bags to Zips and Everything Between
The Evolution of Cannabis Slang
Cannabis slang evolved from price-based terms to weight-based terminology. Markets became more standardized over time.
Understanding both helps you navigate different conversations and contexts. Some regions still use older terminology.
Classic Price-Based Terms (Mostly Historical)
Dime: $10 worth (amount varies by market)
Dub: $20 worth (typically 1-2 grams)
Nick: $5 worth (rare today)
Modern Weight-Based Slang
Zip/O: One ounce (28g) - fits in a ziplock bag
Quarter/Quad/Q: 7 grams
Eighth/Slice: 3.5 grams
Half/Half-O: 14 grams
Modern Dispensary Language
Modern dispensaries and legitimate retailers have largely moved away from slang. They label products by actual weight.
This eliminates confusion and ensures accurate transactions. No guessing games required.
How Many Joints and Bowls Each Weight Actually Gives You
Planning Your Purchase
Consumption estimates help you plan purchases. Individual usage varies significantly based on tolerance, rolling style, and sharing habits.
These numbers provide general reference points for budgeting purposes. Your actual consumption may differ.
Consumption Planning Reference
1 Gram Portions
A single gram typically yields about 2 standard joints (0.5g each), 3 smaller joints (0.3g each), or 3 bowls (0.3g each). This makes it easy to plan for a single evening or test a new strain.
3.5 Gram Portions (Eighth)
An eighth provides approximately 7 standard joints, 12 smaller joints, or 12 bowls. This weekend-sized portion offers flexibility in consumption methods and sharing.
7 Gram Portions (Quarter)
A quarter ounce yields roughly 14 standard joints, 23 smaller joints, or 23 bowls. This weekly supply size works well for regular consumers who prefer consistent availability.
14 Gram Portions (Half)
A half ounce provides about 28 standard joints, 47 smaller joints, or 47 bowls. This two-week supply offers significant planning advantages and bulk pricing benefits.
These numbers provide general reference points. Blunts typically use 1-2 grams each, while usage patterns vary widely among different consumers.
Understanding THC Content
When selecting products, THC percentages indicate potency per gram. A 20% THC flower contains roughly 200mg of THC per gram.
When heated, THCa becomes more potent. This conversion affects the final strength of your purchase.
Products like our 15mg gummies provide precise THC amounts per serving. Consistent labeling across batches helps with planning.
When Your Quarter Looks Wrong But Weighs Right
Why Appearance Can Deceive
Cannabis' appearance varies dramatically while maintaining the same weight. Dense indica buds can look smaller than fluffy sativa at identical gram measurements.
This visual difference confuses many first-time buyers. Weight matters more than appearance.
Factors Affecting Visual Size
Several factors influence how much cannabis appears to be in a container:
Density: Compressed buds vs. loose, airy flowers
Trim quality: Leaves and stems add weight without visual bulk
Moisture content: Properly cured cannabis feels different than dry material
Strain characteristics: Some varieties naturally grow denser than others
Remember: Weight determines both value and legality, not appearance. A quarter ounce weighs 7 grams regardless of how it looks in the container.
What That Missing 0.2 Grams Really Means
Normal Weight Variations
Small weight variations happen for normal reasons. Cannabis naturally loses moisture over time.
Packaging materials add tare weight that quality scales account for. Not every fluctuation indicates a problem.
When Not to Worry
These variations are completely normal:
0.1-0.2g moisture loss over weeks
Scale calibration differences
Packaging weight variations
Stem-to-flower ratio differences
When to Be Concerned
These situations warrant attention:
Consistent shortages of 0.5g or more
Dramatic weight loss in sealed containers
Discrepancies immediately after purchase
Third-Party Verification
Reputable retailers provide batch-specific lab reports that verify weight and potency. This reduces the need for home verification.
Quality retailers stand behind their measurements. Transparency builds trust over time.
When Buying in Bulk Saves Money (And When It Doesn't)
Understanding Bulk Pricing
Bulk pricing typically offers significant per-gram savings. But only benefits consumers who can utilize larger quantities.
Product quality can degrade over time. Sometimes, smaller purchases make more sense.
Typical Bulk Savings
Eighths: Baseline pricing (often $10-15/g)
Quarters: 15-25% savings per gram
Half ounces: 25-35% savings per gram
Full ounces: 35-50% savings per gram
When Bulk Doesn't Make Sense
Bulk purchasing doesn't work if you:
Have immediate budget constraints
Prefer variety over quantity
Consume slowly (risk of degradation)
Live in areas with frequent law enforcement
Paying more per gram makes financial sense. Consider your actual consumption patterns.
Your Quick Reference System for Any Cannabis Purchase
The Three-Step Decision Process
Use this system for every cannabis transaction:
The Gram-First Decision System
Convert to grams: Translate any slang or fractions (eighth = 3.5g, quarter = 7g, zip = 28g)
Calculate cost per gram: Divide the total price by the number of grams to get your benchmark number
Check legal limits: Confirm your grams fit within your state's possession caps
This system works for any situation, whether you're evaluating a friend's offer, comparing dispensary prices, or planning a purchase within legal limits.
Master the Fundamentals
Cannabis measurements become intuitive once you think in grams first. The five standard weights (1, 3.5, 7, 14, 28 grams) cover virtually every legitimate transaction you'll encounter.
Retailers who embrace this transparency make shopping easier.
With our transparent measurement-based pricing and third-party testing, companies like Mood align with how informed consumers naturally evaluate value.
Your Path to Confident Shopping
Master these fundamentals, and you'll navigate cannabis purchases with confidence. Whether you're buying your first eighth or comparing bulk options, the foundation remains the same.
The math is simple once you know the system. Focus on grams, calculate cost per gram, and check legal limits.
