In countries like the United States, where the imperial system is prevalent, cannabis is often sold in ounces and fractions of ounces (like eighths, quarters, and halves).
This tradition of weighing weed has carried over to other parts of the world, even in places where the metric system is standard.
- Eighth (⅛) of an ounce: 28.3495 grams ÷ 8 = 3.5437 grams (often rounded to 3.5 grams for simplicity)
- Quarter (¼) of an ounce: 28.3495 grams ÷ 4 = 7.0874 grams (often rounded to 7 grams)
- Half (½) of an ounce: 28.3495 grams ÷ 2 = 14.1748 grams (often rounded to 14 grams)
- Full ounce: 28.3495 grams
The granddaddy of them all, 28 grams. This is the “I’m stocking up for a rainy day” or “I really, REALLY love this strain” size.
It’s like buying that family-sized bag of chips because, let’s be honest, the regular size just isn’t enough.
Whether you’re a connoisseur or just someone who hates frequent trips to the dispensary, an ounce ensures you’re well-stocked and ready for whatever life throws your way.
Decoding Cannabis Quantities:
Eighth (⅛)
Weighing in at 3.5 grams, this is the “let me dip my toes in the water” size. It’s like ordering a small fry to see if you’re really hungry.
Ideal for the occasional toker or those who are exploring the vast world of cannabis.
If weed had a sampler platter, this would be it. Great for a weekend getaway or a Netflix binge session.
Quarter (¼)
At 7 grams, this is the “I’m getting the hang of this” size. Imagine getting two scoops of gelato on a sunny day.
It’s for those who’ve had a taste and are coming back for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or just ensuring you don’t run out mid-week, a quarter has got you covered.
Half (½)
Boasting 14 grams, this is the “I’m in it for the long haul” size. It’s like ordering a medium pizza and knowing you’ll eat it all… eventually.
Perfect for those who have a regular date with Mary Jane and don’t like the idea of running out. It’s also the go-to size for those weekend trips with friends where you know one joint won’t cut it.
Three-quarters (¾)
At 21 grams, this is for when you’re feeling adventurous but not wild. Think of it as getting three-quarters of a chocolate bar and saving a bit for later (or not).
It’s for those times when a half feels too little, but a full ounce seems like overkill. Maybe you’re hosting a bigger party, or perhaps you just like having options. We get it!
Cannabis Price Points Around the World
Canada: In the vast expanse where moose and beavers roam free and maple syrup is almost a secondary currency, the cost of your beloved herb can fluctuate.
A standard grade might lighten your wallet by about $202 per ounce. But if you’re aiming for the stars and want the Rolls Royce of cannabis, prepare to shell out close to $291.
On the bright side, it’s probably still a better deal than hoarding maple syrup for those pancake breakfasts!
US: Ah, the land of stars, stripes, and diverse cannabis prices. Over in the bustling streets of New York, where everything is larger than life, a basic grade might make you feel like you’re snagging a last-minute Broadway show ticket, priced around $200 per ounce.
But if you’re looking for the red-carpet treatment, top-tier strains could set you back as much as $400. Now, if you head west to California, where the sun kisses the ocean and surfers ride the waves, a mid-grade ounce has the glamour of a Hollywood premiere, priced around $230.
And for those award-worthy strains that deserve their own Walk of Fame star? You’re looking at a budget between $300-350. As they say in real estate and weed, it’s all about location!
UK: Crossing the pond to the land of the Queen, double-decker buses, and afternoon tea, cannabis has its own royal pricing. On average, an ounce in the UK might make you part with a princely sum of £240.
It might seem steep, but then again, so are the prices at Buckingham Palace’s gift shop! Whether you’re in the bustling streets of London or the serene landscapes of the Cotswolds, remember, quality is king (or queen)!
Spain: Now here’s a thing. Yes you can buy weed in Spain for $15 a gram, and in most cases it’s damned good.
However, if you get out into the country, down in the south of the country you can find ounces going for as little as 70 euros (2.5 euros per gram).
I have witnessed even cheaper prices (1.5 euros per gram) giving you an ounce for an amazing €42! This is not the norm however and would take some hunting out!
Why Do Some Ounces of Cannabis Look Bigger Than Others?
The size or volume an ounce of cannabis occupies can vary significantly, and this can be attributed to several factors:
Density of the Buds
Some cannabis strains produce denser buds, while others have fluffier ones. Denser buds pack more plant material into a smaller space, making an ounce of dense buds appear smaller in volume compared to an ounce of fluffier buds. You often find with this sort of bud that when ground up it produces a lot more weed than you were expecting.
Moisture Content
Freshly harvested cannabis contains a lot of moisture, which can make the buds appear larger. Watch out for this as some unscrupulous growers may use this to their advantage. As the buds are dried and cured, they lose moisture and shrink in size. An ounce of well-cured cannabis will typically look smaller than an ounce of fresh or inadequately cured buds.
Trimming
How the cannabis buds are trimmed can influence their size. Buds that are tightly trimmed, with most of the leafy material removed, will look smaller and neater. In contrast, buds that are loosely trimmed with many leaves left on can appear bulkier.
Growing Conditions
The environment in which the cannabis plant is grown can influence the structure of the buds. Plants grown under optimal conditions with ample light and space tend to develop fuller, more expansive buds. In contrast, plants grown in crowded or less-than-ideal conditions might produce smaller, more compact buds.
Strain Genetics
Different cannabis strains have inherent genetic traits that dictate the structure and size of their buds. Some strains naturally produce large, airy buds, while others are genetically predisposed to produce smaller, tighter buds.
Compression
Sometimes, for transportation or stealth reasons, cannabis is compressed into tight bricks or packages. This can make the buds very compact, and an ounce of such compressed cannabis will look much smaller than an ounce of uncompressed buds.
In essence, while weight is a consistent measure (an ounce is always 28.3495 grams), the volume or appearance of that weight can vary based on several factors related to the cannabis itself and how it’s processed.
It’s a bit like popcorn: a kernel takes up a small space, but once it’s popped, it looks much larger, even though the weight hasn’t changed significantly.
