Written by Joshua Sosin

If you're new to the world of cannabis culture, it's easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the lingo. You might have heard the slang term "zip of weed" thrown around when discussing measurements of cannabis, and you may have thought to yourself, "What in the world is a zip of weed?"

We've got the answer for you, but we also have a disclaimer. Always buy weed on the legal market from trustworthy retailers like Mood. Your source of cannabis products should always use clear measurements and be transparent about the legal status of the products they sell.

What Is a Zip of Weed in the Cannabis Community?

In short, a zip of weed is one ounce.

An ounce of weed got this nickname because it can usually fit neatly into a typical Ziploc bag.

This term is often used by cannabis enthusiasts, but you might also hear it from dispensary workers when referring to their dried flower selection.

To be clear, a zip is a large quantity of flower. For reference, we often ship out flower by the gram to our customers across the US. This leads us to the next frequently asked question about zips.

How Many Grams Are in a Zip?

Since a zip is equivalent to one ounce of cannabis, it weighs 28 grams (technically, 28.35 grams, but it's usually rounded down for simplicity).

For reference, here’s a breakdown of cannabis weights in relation to a zip:

• 1 gram – The smallest common quantity sold.

• 3.5 grams (1/8th of an ounce) – Also called an “eighth.”

• 7 grams (1/4th of an ounce) – A "quarter" or "quad."

• 14 grams (1/2 an ounce) – A "half" or "half O."

• 28 grams (1 ounce) – A "zip."

This measurement system can help you make informed decisions about the amount of weed you want to purchase. Keep in mind that if you're new to the cannabis industry, you may want to start out with much smaller quantities; a gram can be a perfect beginning to your journey with weed.

Why Do People Buy a Zip of Weed?

A full ounce of dried cannabis flower can be a major investment, but there are quite a few reasons why cannabis enthusiasts choose to order this amount.

Here are some of the biggest perks of buying weed by the ounce:

It's Often Cheaper

Getting cannabis flower in bulk is almost always cheaper than purchasing smaller quantities.

For example, our Pluto strain goes for an affordable $17 per gram. However, you can get a full zip of pluto for just $285. That's a steal that significantly brings down the price per ounce.

We use this pricing system to make it easier for our customers to afford larger quantities of flower while sticking to our commitment to high-quality weed from reliable US-based farms.

The bottom line? If you want to buy more weed at once, you can end up saving money. However, prices can vary depending on the strain you choose and the retailer you order from.

Get a full zip of Pluto, a creative Indica strain, for just $285. Use the code "FIRST20" to save 20% on your initial order.

It's Convenient

If you're a big fan of craft cannabis goods, you probably place orders often. However, when you order a zip of weed (or even a half-ounce (14g)), you can save yourself time and have convenient access to more weed whenever you need it.

A zip of weed lasts for a long time in most cases, which means one order from the Mood Shop or a pickup from your local dispensary can go a long way. In addition, with Mood, you can save 15% on your order when you subscribe and schedule your next zip of weed to show up at your door when you're ready for it.

How Much Does a Zip of Weed Cost?

The price of a zip can vary based on the quality of the cannabis, the strain you choose, your location, and the source.

At Mood, we price our strains based on three tiers: economy, premium, and top-shelf. A zip of economy flower costs less, but our premium and top-shelf strains are certainly worth the price of admission. The right choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences.

In addition to the strain, the price of a zip of weed can also vary based on where you live and who you buy from. In the cannabis world, both local and online dispensaries tend to charge more than less reputable sources.

However, you get what you pay for; weed from reputable dispensaries is third-party tested for quality, safety, and consistency, making it a much better investment.

Average Zip Cost in the U.S.

Prices go up and down, but here’s a general idea of what you might expect to pay for a zip:

• Low-quality weed: $100–$150 per ounce

• Mid-range weed: $150–$250 per ounce

• High-end weed: $250–$400+ per ounce

These are estimates, and prices may be higher or lower depending on your state.

How Long Does a Zip of Weed Last?

With proper storage, a zip can last for a long time. However, the biggest factor that determines how long a zip lasts is how often you use weed.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect based on usage:

• Casual User (1-2 grams per week) – A zip could last 3-6 months.

• Moderate User (3-5 grams per week) – A zip might last 5-8 weeks.

• Heavy User (7+ grams per week) – A zip could last 3-4 weeks.

How To Store a Zip of Weed Properly

Storing a zip of weed correctly will keep it fresh and potent for as long as possible. When stored properly, you can keep a zip for about a year.

Use Airtight Containers

Instead of keeping your cannabis in a plastic bag, use glass jars with airtight seals (Mason jars are great options). Keep different strains in their own separate jars to avoid mixing.

Store in a Cool, Dark Place

Exposure to heat, light, and air can break down the cannabinoids and terpenes in your weed, leading to a less potent high and weaker flavors and aromas. Store your zip in a drawer, cabinet, or a stash box away from direct sunlight.

Avoid Excess Humidity

Too much moisture can lead to mold growth, which will make your weed unsafe to use. Using humidity control packs can help you avoid mold growth, and so can keeping your weed away from sunlight and extreme temperatures.

Get a Premium Zip of Weed From the Mood Shop

Now you know that a zip of weed is an ounce of cannabis, so you're ready to make informed decisions and order exactly what you need.

Head to the Mood Shop to check out our wide selection of premium strains, including Indica, Sativa, and hybrid options for every mood. Use the code "FIRST20" to get 20% off your initial order.