Guide to Weed Measurements: Ounce, Gram, Eighth, etc.

Buying weed shouldn’t feel like learning a new language, but if you’re new to dispensaries, all the different weights and measurements can definitely feel confusing.

What exactly is an eighth, and is it enough to last the weekend? How much weed is in a gram? Why do regulars swear by buying an ounce at a time? These are all valid questions.

Whether you’re picking up just enough for a weekend or stocking up for the long haul, knowing weed measurements will help you avoid paying too much for too little.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about how weed is measured—from grams to ounces—so you can shop with confidence.

Does Buying From a Licensed Weed Dispensary Matter?

Not all dispensaries follow the same rules. Licensed dispensaries must meet strict quality and safety standards to ensure that their products are accurately labeled, properly tested, and free from harmful additives.

Unlicensed dispensaries, on the other hand, don’t have the same oversight. This has led to a growing problem in states like California, New Jersey, and New York, where illegal dispensaries continue to sell products with misleading labels, questionable ingredients, and, in the worst cases, dangerous contaminants. Without regulation, there's no way to know if what you're buying is actually what it claims to be.

If you want to be certain you’re getting what you paid for—and that your cannabis is safe to consume—stick to a state-licensed dispensary. Most states with legal weed have official websites where you can check if a dispensary is properly licensed, so if you’re ever unsure, it’s always worth verifying.

How is Weed Measured?

When you buy cannabis flower from a dispensary, you'll notice it's measured by weight—generally in grams, eighths, quarters, half ounces, and full ounces. Even pre-rolls follow this system, with their weight listed in grams.

Although the U.S. primarily uses the imperial system, cannabis measurements are based on grams—so if you’ve ever been confused about why weed is sold in fractions of an ounce but measured in grams, you’re not alone. It’s just how the industry has standardized weights over time.

Measurement	By grams	By ounce
1 eighth	3.5 grams	⅛ ounce
1 quarter	7 grams	¼ ounce
1 half	14 grams	½ ounce
1 ounce	28 grams	1 ounce

Gram (g)

If you’re just looking for a little bit of weed—enough to roll a joint or two—a gram is the way to go. It’s usually the smallest amount (a gram is equal to only 0.035 ounces) you can buy at a dispensary, making it a good option if you want to try a new strain without committing to a bigger stash. However, if you smoke bowls, a gram may not be enough, especially if you pack large ones.

New to cannabis or not a frequent smoker?

A gram is perfect if you like to keep things light or don’t go through flower quickly. It’s also ideal for mixing and matching strains—grabbing a few different grams lets you explore multiple strains without stocking up on too much of one kind.

How Much a Gram Costs

A gram usually costs between $10 and $30, depending on quality and location. Some dispensaries even sell half-gram options, which can be great for sampling a strain.

Eighth (⅛ oz)

If you’ve ever heard someone mention picking up an “eighth,” they’re talking about ⅛ of an ounce of weed. This is one of the most common amounts people buy because it’s the perfect balance between affordability and quantity.

An eighth is small enough not to feel like a huge commitment but big enough that you won’t run out in a day. It’s a good choice if you’re looking to stock up for a couple of days, share with friends, or just make sure you don’t have to hit the dispensary back-to-back.

With an eighth, you get 3.5 grams, which you can roll into about a few days’ worth of weed for half-gram joints or a few smaller bowls. If you’re a casual smoker, this could last you several days to a week. More frequent users might go through it quicker, but either way, an eighth gives you a solid amount without overdoing it.

How Much an Eighth Ounce Costs

An eighth typically costs $25 to $55. The quality of the bud plays a huge role in pricing—high-end, top-shelf flower will naturally cost more than budget-friendly options.

Quarter (¼ oz)

A quarter-ounce (¼ oz or 7 grams) is exactly double an eighth, which is a great choice if you know you like a particular strain and want to stock up a bit. A quarter is enough to roll about a handful of half-gram joints or several one-hitter bowls.

It’s also where you start seeing much bigger savings.

How Much a Quarter Ounce Costs

A quarter-ounce usually ranges from $50 to $70, which is pricier than an eighth, but you’re getting twice as much.

Half-Ounce (½ oz)

A half-ounce (14 grams) is where you really start getting into bulk-buying territory. If you’re a frequent cannabis user, a half-ounce can last up to a week.

With a half-ounce, you can roll about a dozen one-gram joints or pack several bowls. If you like having a steady stash without having to head to the dispensary every few days, this is a great option.

How Much a Half-Ounce Costs

Expect to pay $100 to $130 for a half-ounce. Some dispensaries offer price breaks when you buy this much, so it’s worth asking about bulk discounts.

Ounce (oz)

An ounce of weed is the most you can generally buy at a dispensary in a single transaction. It’s 28 grams of flower—enough to roll dozens of joints if you’re using one-third of a gram per joint.

Because most states allow adults to carry up to an ounce, this is the go-to size for regular smokers who want to stock up and save. Whether you're rolling joints or making edibles, an ounce gives you plenty to work with—without worrying about running out quickly.

How Much an Ounce Costs

Ounce prices vary widely, but they typically fall between $175 and $250. Buying an ounce gives you the best price per gram, so if you know what you like and consume regularly, it’s the best investment, especially if you only want to visit the dispensary a maximum of once or twice a month.

Pound (lb)

If you’re wondering about buying a pound of weed, here’s the short answer: most dispensaries don’t sell it. A pound is 16 ounces, or 453 grams, which is way beyond the legal possession limit in most states. However, the amount you’re legally allowed to possess varies by location, so always check your state’s laws before considering buying a large quantity.

In New York, for instance, you can have up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis outside your place of residence for personal use. If you're storing weed at home, the limit is higher—you can legally keep up to five pounds, but that doesn’t mean you can buy that much from a dispensary in one trip. 

Pounds are usually handled at the industry level by growers, processors, and dispensaries before being broken down into smaller amounts for sale. So, unless you’re a licensed retailer or producer, you usually won’t be walking out of a dispensary with a full pound of flower.

How Much Weed Should You Buy?

The right amount of weed depends on your habits, budget, and preferred consumption method. A casual user might be fine with a gram or an eighth, while a regular smoker might prefer a quarter or half-ounce to avoid constant trips to the dispensary.

The THC or CBD content in a strain can also make a difference. THC-heavy strains tend to hit harder, so you might need less to feel the effects, while CBD-rich strains are often consumed in larger amounts, especially for therapeutic use.

Consider a few of the following things as you decide on how much weed to buy:

• How often you use cannabis – If you only light up occasionally, an eighth might last a while. If cannabis is part of your daily routine like sleeping or winding down after a long day, you’ll probably want at least a quarter to keep from running out too soon.

• How you consume it – Different consumption methods use up cannabis at different rates. A joint might use half a gram to a full gram, while a vape can stretch the same amount much longer.

• How fresh you want your weed – Cannabis stays fresher when properly stored, so buying in bulk only makes sense if you’ll use it before it loses potency and flavor.

  
  

If you’re unsure, start small—you can always go back for more.

Should You Weigh Your Weed?

Licensed dispensaries pre-weigh and package cannabis flower, so you can trust that you’re getting the right amount. However, if you want extra peace of mind that you’re actually getting what you paid for, consider buying your own weighing scale.

Wondering how different amounts of cannabis flower compare in size? Here’s a simple way to visualize common weights using everyday objects you already have at home:

• 1 gram (g) – The smallest amount you can buy, roughly the size of a nickel

• ⅛ ounce (3.5g) – Also known as an "eighth," about the size of a ping-pong ball

• ¼ ounce (7g) – A “quarter,” about the size of a large strawberry

• ½ ounce (14g) – A “half,” around the size of an orange

• 1 ounce (28g) – The largest amount you can typically buy in a single purchase, about the size of a baseball

  
  

These comparisons aren’t completely exact since flower density varies by strain and moisture content, but they give you a good mental picture before you complete your purchase. Remember: if something seems off, take a picture and contact your dispensary—most reputable shops will make it right.

Get Quality Weed From a Trusted New York Dispensary

Weed measurements might seem complicated at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straightforward. You also don’t have to figure it all out alone.

As one of the few licensed cannabis dispensaries in upstate New York, Dryden Dispensary is committed to providing high-quality, lab-tested products in a welcoming environment. Whether you’re picking up your first gram or stocking up for the month, we make the process easy—no pressure, no guesswork.

Come visit us in upstate New York on Route 13—between Ithaca and Cortland—or browse our full menu online to place an order for quick pickup.

Got questions? We’ve got answers. Stop by, and let’s talk weed.