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What is an eighth of weed? Weed measurements of flower can be confusing for new users but buying an “eighth” of your favorite cannabis strain has never been easier. Understanding the standard cannabis flower measurements used by dispensaries and online retailers can help you buy the right amount of cannabis flower for your needs.

Understanding Cannabis Weight Measurements

The industry’s standard weight measurements include both the metric and U.S. customary systems. The metric units of weight used in cannabis are grams, while the U.S. customary units of weight used are ounces and pounds.

For smaller quantities of cannabis flower (less than one ounce), dispensaries measure using grams. Dispensaries will use ounces and pounds to measure the weight of larger amounts of cannabis flower.

Here is a handy table on common cannabis measurements and their metric equivalent, which we will go into more detail in the sections below. What is an eighth of weed? What are cannabis measurements to know?

Cannabis MeasurementMetric Equivalent
1 gram1 gram
⅛ oz (eighth)3.5 grams
¼ oz (quarter)7 grams
½ oz (half)14 grams
1 oz (ounce)28 grams
1 lb (16 ounces)448 grams

Dispensaries also round down from exact weight measurements to make selling weed easier, so you don’t get the exact metric amount; you get an approximation. Here is a list of the common cannabis units of weight sold at dispensaries and their exact metric amounts:

  • 3.5 grams – 3.54369039 grams
  • 7 grams – 7.087381 grams
  • 14 grams – 14.1748 grams
  • 28 grams – 28.3495 grams
  • 1 lb (16 ounces) – 453.592 grams

What Is a Gram of Weed?

A gram of weed, also called a “dime bag,” is the smallest unit of weed weight. In the U.S. and Canada, gram sales are not as common as in markets that operate under a legal gray area, such as Amsterdam and Barcelona.

In many cannabis clubs or coffeeshops, they will generally trim a large bud down to a one-gram size and put it in a baggie for customers. Most of the time, you will get one larger nug and a tiny bud to complete the gram.

One gram of weed is enough to fill a standard joint. Of course, the weight of cannabis buds varies based on the density and size of the flower. A strain’s bud structure is determined by its genetics and growing environment. 

Due to the variety of bud structures available in the cannabis market, one gram of weed can be about the size of a medium-to-large size nug or a couple of smaller, denser buds.

In relation to an ounce, one gram of weed is 1/28 of an ounce at a dispensary. Buying one gram is a good option if you want to try out a new strain or cannabis, in general, without committing to buying larger amounts. 

Grams can cost about $10 depending on the bud quality and where you live. One gram of cannabis can range from $7 for bottom-shelf bud to $15 per gram for exotic strains.

What Is an Eighth of Weed?

An “eighth” refers to an eighth of an ounce of cannabis flower or shake. Cannabis customers commonly buy their cannabis flower in eighths from licensed dispensaries. Other available sizes may include a quarter (7 grams), half (14 grams), and ounce (28 grams).

If you buy an eighth of weed at a dispensary, you will get 3.5 grams, although the actual exact metric amount is 3.54369039 grams. Dispensaries round down their weight measurements.

To give you a better perspective of how much an eighth of cannabis is, here is a list of other items that weigh about 3.5 grams: 

  • 3.5 U.S. dollar bills
  • 3.5 paper clips
  • 3.5 Bic brand pen caps 
  • 3.5 Japanese yen coins 
  • 3.5 pieces of chewing gum

So remember this, what is an eighth of weed? An eighth of weed is 3.5 grams.

How Much Does an Eighth of Weed Weigh?

An eighth of weed weighs 3.5 grams, 0.123459 ounces, and 0.00771618 pounds.

How Many Grams Are in an Eighth of Weed?

There are 3.5 grams in an eighth of cannabis buds. 

How Many Ounces Are in an Eighth of Weed?

There are 0.123459 ounces in an eighth of weed.

How to convert grams to ounces

Convert grams to ounces by multiplying the number of grams by 0.03527396195. For example, 3.5 grams multiplied by 0.03527396195 is 0.123459 ounces.

How Many Pounds Are in an Eighth of Weed?

There are 0.00220462 pounds in an eighth of weed. 

How to convert grams to pounds

Convert grams to pounds by multiplying the number of grams by 0.00220462. For example, 3.5 grams multiplied by 0.00220462 is 0.00771618 pounds. 

eighth of weed and a scale

How Much Does an Eighth of Weed Cost?

The price of cannabis flower depends on various factors, including location, bud quality, cultivation methods, cannabis brand, and special discounts. The average price of an eighth of cannabis can be between $30 and $70. If you catch it on sale, you may be able to get an eighth as low as $25 to $30. Here are a few factors that affect the price of an eighth.

Quality

Cannabis strains with a higher cannabinoid potency will be more expensive than strains with lower THC or CBD levels. In addition, cannabis flower can be more expensive depending on their cultivation and processing methods.

For instance, an organically-grown, small-batch strain with a high trichome density will be more expensive than its trim that falls off when harvesting the plant. Higher prices are usually an indication of higher quality.

Taxes

Across all cannabis markets, cannabis companies are highly regulated and taxed, making it more expensive for them to sell and consumers to buy. Cannabis taxes vary by state. In general, medical cannabis is not taxed at all or taxed at a low rate, while adult-use sales carry sin tax rates (20% to 35% and above). 

In addition, some local cities may add an additional local tax (1% to 3%) to the price. Overall the price of an eighth can vary based on the state and city you’re buying it in.

Supply and Demand

The price of an eighth can also vary depending on the time of year and the supply and demand of a certain strain. A low supply of a strain can cause an increase in prices, while a surplus of a product can reduce prices for certain strains. In addition, demand for trending strain types or exotic strains can increase the price of that product. 

What Does an Eighth of Weed Look Like?

cannabis buds in a jar and on a table, what is an eighth of weed

Cannabis flower appearance varies based on different factors, including its genetics and growing conditions. Some cannabis may be dense and small, while others may be fluffy and airy. In general, indica strains tend to produce dense and thick nugs, while sativas tend to grow tall and wispy nugs. Hybrid strains may fall somewhere in the middle.

An eighth of cannabis can look like a large, dense indica bud, two airy and slender sativa nugs, and much more. With the sheer variety of genetics and growing techniques, buds come in all shapes and sizes, so it’s hard to generalize what an eighth looks like.

How Long Will an Eighth Last?

How long an eighth of cannabis will last depends on various factors, including the type of cannabis you bought and your consumption habits. This includes your frequency of consumption and the amount consumed per session. Some users may smoke sparingly, while others may smoke every day, multiple times per day.

In general, an eighth of weed can fill about 3.5 joints (with a full gram per joint) or 7 small, half-gram joints. Of course, this may also vary depending on how fine you grind your cannabis and your filling style.

You may be able to roll two to three blunts with an eighth. An eighth of cannabis can be enough to make a strong batch of cannabutter or fill about 8-10 bowls in your bong or pipe. A standard bowl can fit about half a gram of weed.

For some users, an eighth may last just a couple of days after smoking a few blunts. If you are sharing with friends, an eighth can last even less. For others, an eighth can last them months and retain a considerable amount of potency in the proper storage conditions.

How to Make Your Eighth Last Longer

If you are on a budget or just want to make the most efficient use of your cannabis flower, there are many ways you can stretch your dollar and find the proper relief. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you make your cannabis last longer than ever.

Vape Your Weed

Smoking cannabis in a joint, blunt, or bowl is one of the most classic forms of consumption but can waste a lot of weed by combusting (burning) the plant matter or letting the smoke drift away, causing you to use more weed to get a good experience.

When using a vaporizer, you need a smaller amount, and your vaporizer does the rest. It does not combust the material but instead vaporizes it, so it activates more of the cannabinoids and terpenes.

Mix Cannabis Products

If you find your weed stash running short, you can supplement your cannabis needs with other cannabis products such as edibles, tinctures, topicals, vapes, and more. For example, a microdose of an edible can provide you with mild relief for hours and get you through the day. You basically replace that other bowl or joint you were going to smoke with a microdose of the edible.

Consume Sparingly

Access to cheap and quality cannabis flower is a double-edged sword. Although you can score a great deal for a lot of weed nowadays, that also means you can consume more and end up spending more just because you can.

Instead of relying on cheap weed prices and smoking to your heart's content, it can be helpful to consume only what you need and stop after that instead of smoking bowls upon bowls just because you have it. 

Grow Cannabis at Home

Cannabis home cultivation is legal in many states. If it is legal to grow weed in your state, you can grow cannabis at home from seed or clone and produce a large amount of cannabis for an affordable price. Even if you grow indoors and need to buy grow lights, pots, and other cultivation equipment, you will save money in the long run. 

Want to become a master cannabis grower? Learn how to grow cannabis indoors or outdoors by enrolling in Cannabis Training University’s online Master of Cannabis Certification program.

What Is the Deal with 5-Gram Eighths?

In some instances, you may run across deals listing 5 grams as an eighth. In these situations, cannabis retailers are actually giving you about 1.5 extra grams of weed. Since an eighth of cannabis is 3.5 grams, you may be able to get 5 grams for the price of an eighth if you keep your eye on cannabis deals near you.

Understanding Standard Cannabis Weights

Stepping into a dispensary for the first time can be intimidating, especially if you are unfamiliar with the industry’s standard cannabis units of weight. In addition to becoming familiar with the traditional eighth of cannabis, you may need to know about larger amounts of cannabis (quarter, half, ounce) in case you ever need to buy in bulk.

Quarter Ounce of Weed

A quarter ounce of weed is 7 grams or two eighths. This can be a good option for most smokers who do not want to run out of weed too soon. A quarter ounce can produce about 14 half-gram joints, 7 full-gram joints, 4 to 6 blunts, or about 16 to 20 bong or pipe bowls.

Half Ounce of Weed

A half-ounce of weed is 14 grams or four eighths. This amount can be good for heavy users or for sharing with a group. A half-ounce of cannabis can make about 14 full-gram joints, 28 half-gram joints, 8 to 12 blunts, or about 32 to 40 bowls.

Ounce of Weed

An ounce is usually the most you can buy at a time at a dispensary. An ounce of weed is 28 grams. In other words, it contains eight eighths. If you are looking to stock up for weeks or months and save money by buying in bulk, buying in ounces is the way to go. An ounce can yield about 28 full-gram joints, 56 half-gram joints, 16 to 24 blunts, or about 64 to 80 bowls.

Check out our blog post on how many grams are in an ounce of weed.

Quarter Pound of Weed (QP)

Anything higher than an ounce is not commonly purchased by medical or recreational consumers. Large amounts of cannabis are reserved for licensed cannabis retailers, cultivators, processors, and distributors. A quarter-pound of cannabis is equal to 4 ounces or 113.398 grams.

Half Pound of Weed

A half-pound of cannabis is equal to 8 ounces of flower or 226.796 grams.

Pound of Weed

A full pound of weed is equal to 16 ounces of flower or 453.592 grams.

Check out our blog post on how many ounces are in a pound of weed.

How to Buy an Eighth of Cannabis

Buying an eighth of cannabis is easier than ever. Shop online, visit a dispensary in-store, or order delivery or same-day pickup. Stocking up on an eighth or more of cannabis is simple to do. Here are some tips and tricks to find the best eighth deals.

Shop In-Store or Online

Cannabis legalization across the United States and the world has enabled cannabis consumers to buy weed in a number of different ways.

If you live in a legal state, you can visit a licensed dispensary where you can explore the different strains, ask a budtender for recommendations, and ensure your product is accurately weighed. 

In some cases, you may be able to order online for pick up or delivery if your state allows it. In addition, you are able to order hemp-derived CBD flower that contain less than 0.3% THC from online retailers. THC flower is not legal to deliver across state lines, but you can order low-THC, hemp-derived CBD flower.

Compare Prices and Products

One of the best ways to find a good eighth of weed at a decent price is by comparing different products based on various factors, including their price, appearance, smell, taste, and effects. Start by narrowing down your search based on your budget and check out different strains and brands. 

Read customer reviews and research the effects of each strain, as well as the types of terpenes it has, which can affect your experience. Dispensary menus will vary based on location and season.

Consider Possession and Purchasing Limits

Depending on the state you live in, your possession and purchasing limits will vary. Medical and recreational cannabis users can buy at least an eighth of weed per visit.

Determine legal possession limits in your state to ensure you buy the right amount and avoid getting fined if it is more than the limit. 

For example, if you live in California, adults can buy up to one ounce of cannabis or eight grams of concentrate.

However, transporting that same amount to a different state may be illegal. Knowing possession limits and cannabis penalties in your state can help you avoid trouble. 

Buy From Licensed Cannabis Producers

Buying weed from licensed retailers over illicit sources is the best option. Black Market weed is not state-regulated, meaning it does not adhere to the state's labeling and testing regulations. You don't want to risk consuming tainted weed to save a few bucks. Buy your eighths from licensed dispensaries.

Buy Lab-Tested Cannabis Products

Whether you are buying from a dispensary or an online retailer, ensure the products have been lab-tested by an independent analytical laboratory. Lab testing ensures the product is free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, and other impurities. Consuming these contaminants can produce short- and long-term health effects.

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marijuana extraction course - Johanna Rose
Makes $24.50 @ THC +

How Much Weed Do You Need?

One of the most common questions from first-time buyers is how much cannabis should I buy and take? Generally, we recommend taking the lowest dose possible to achieve your desired effect without experiencing any adverse effects. For new users, this may take a bit of trial and error to find the perfect dose, strain, and smoking or vaping device.

How much weed you need depends on various factors, including your favorite consumption method, medical conditions, desired effect, types of medication you use, and more.

For example, some users may only need cannabis every so often, while others may need a high dose of weed regularly to offset chronic pain or other severe symptoms.

Keep in mind that more weed is not always better. A higher dose can, in some cases, produce adverse effects.

For example, when you take too much THC you may experience nausea, dizziness, confusion, anxiety, paranoia, and other side effects that are not there if you take a low dose.

For first-time users, we recommend buying the lowest amount of cannabis at first to try out different strains. Take a low dose and gradually increase your dosage if necessary to achieve your desired effects.

Trying out different strains with varying concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes is the only way to find your relief. 

What is an Eighth of Weed Conclusion

Now that you understand the standard cannabis flower units of weight you can go out there and make a more informed cannabis purchase. Now you know for sure, what is an eighth of weed? It's 3.5 grams.

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Enrollment gives students a complete selection of courses covering every important aspect of the legal cannabis industry, including cooking, extraction, laws, medicine, cultivation, careers, and business.

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Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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