When buying marijuana, either legally or through a dealer, it’s important to understand the different weights. Weed is sold by weight and as such, knowing the weights will provide a good indication as to how long it will last. The most common weights are a quarter of weed and an eighth of weed. However, frequent users also often purchase an ounce of weed or a half ounce.
But what exactly do these weights mean? How much marijuana can you expect to get from any of these weights? And, what will you pay for them?
- Factors that Affect the Cost of Weed
- Average cost of a quarter of weed by state in the USA
- How Much is a Pound of Weed?
- How Much is an Ounce of Weed?
- How Much is a Quarter Pound (qp) of Weed?
- How Much is an Eighth of Weed?
- How much is a quarter of Zaza (top shelf weed)?
- Worldwide Marijuana Street Prices
- American Dispensary Weed Prices
- How Long Should A Quarter Of Weed Last?
- What Is The Best Way To Make Sure You Have Received A Quarter Ounce Of Weed?
- Compared to other quantities
Factors that Affect the Cost of Weed
Geographical Location: The cost can vary greatly by location. An eighth of weed may be cheaper in one area compared to another.
Legality: The legal status of weed in your area significantly impacts its price. Legal dispensaries tend to have moderate markups, while illegal sales may see higher markups due to the risk involved.
Seller Markup: All sellers, legal or not, markup the price of weed to make a profit. However, the extent of this markup can vary.
Quality of Weed: The price is also affected by the quality. Weed that is fresh, nicely trimmed, and from a high-quality strain will cost more. Conversely, weed that is full of seeds, dried out, or from a lesser strain might be cheaper, but not necessarily worth the lower price.
Competition: The number of dealers or dispensaries in an area can affect prices. More competition typically leads to lower costs.
Time of Year: The cost of weed can fluctuate with the seasons. Prices may drop following the outdoor harvest period in September, as supply increases.
Average cost of a quarter of weed by state in the USA
| City/State | Average Price ($) | Lowest Price ($) |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $60.00 | $50.00 |
| Alaska | $75.76 | $65.76 |
| Arizona | $57.93 | $47.93 |
| Arkansas | $58.16 | $48.16 |
| California | $62.50 | $52.50 |
| Colorado | $49.97 | $39.97 |
| Connecticut | $70.24 | $60.24 |
| Delaware | $65.48 | $55.48 |
| Florida | $56.45 | $46.45 |
| Hawaii | $66.45 | $56.45 |
| Illinois | $74.24 | $64.24 |
| Louisiana | $66.67 | $56.67 |
| Maine | $58.84 | $48.84 |
| Maryland | $70.73 | $60.73 |
| Massachusetts | $71.24 | $61.24 |
| Michigan | $68.15 | $58.15 |
| Minnesota | $69.94 | $59.94 |
| Mississippi | $71.00 | $61.00 |
| Missouri | $55.00 | $45.00 |
| Montana | $60.83 | $50.83 |
| Nevada | $58.62 | $48.62 |
| New Hampshire | $74.46 | $64.46 |
| New Jersey | $74.73 | $64.73 |
| New Mexico | $56.94 | $46.94 |
| New York | $67.72 | $57.72 |
| North Dakota | $82.06 | $72.06 |
| Ohio | $58.23 | $48.23 |
| Oklahoma | $50.00 | $40.00 |
| Oregon | $46.57 | $36.57 |
| Pennsylvania | $70.21 | $60.21 |
| Rhode Island | $63.80 | $53.80 |
| South Dakota | $69.05 | $59.05 |
| Utah | $83.33 | $73.33 |
| Virginia | $77.00 | $67.00 |
| Vermont | $75.47 | $65.47 |
| Washington | $47.67 | $37.67 |
| Washington, DC | $126.55 | $116.55 |
| West Virginia | $63.02 | $53.02 |
This comprehensive list shows the variation in the cost of a quarter of weed across different states, from the more affordable prices in states like Oregon and Colorado to the notably higher prices in Washington, DC, and Utah. The estimated lowest price provides an additional reference point, indicating potential bargains for consumers.
How Much is a Pound of Weed?
A pound of weed is 16 ounces of cannabis or, 448 grams. Typically, those that purchase in pounds are dispensaries and licensed distributors. The cost of a pound varies greatly. Some say pounds of weed are sold in the Santa Cruz area for approximately $300, which is a great price for so much marijuana. Typically prices will range between $1,000 and $2,000 for a pound.
How Much is an Ounce of Weed?
An ounce of weed contains 28 grams. While it’s possible to find ounces of weed sold at dispensaries for approximately $99, that weed is likely fairly low quality. The average price for an ounce is usually between $250 and $350.
How Much is a Quarter Pound (qp) of Weed?
When referring to a quarter of weed, what you’re really saying is a quarter of an ounce. Since an ounce is 28 grams, a quarter is then seven grams. Quarters are one of the most popular weights with consumers. They usually cost between $70 to $90 in a dispensary, while costing anywhere from $80 to $120 on the street.
How Much is an Eighth of Weed?
By far the most popular choice, an eighth of weed is an eighth of an ounce or, half of a quarter. As such, it weighs 3.5 grams. In dispensaries these typically cost between $35 to $50, while street prices are a bit more and fall within the range of $40 to $60.
How much is a quarter of Zaza (top shelf weed)?
A quarter of Zaza, which refers to high-quality cannabis, weighs about 7.08 grams. The price for this amount can vary, but it generally falls between $80 to $120.
Worldwide Marijuana Street Prices
As previously stated, the cost of weed greatly varies depending on where you live. The United Arab Emirates has the highest price of marijuana in the world, with one gram costing $110. India on the other hand, has the lowest prices for weed with one gram costing as little as eight cents.
The United Arab Emirates isn’t the only area in the world with expensive pot, though. In Brunei, one gram will cost you $74, while the same amount costs $38 in Japan and $40 in Cyprus. Norway, Singapore, Australia, Finland, Estonia, and Israel all have similar prices between $20 and $30 a gram.
American Dispensary Weed Prices
Just as marijuana prices vary throughout the world, they also vary throughout the United States. Colorado is known to be one of the most progressive states on marijuana reform and as such, these are the prices you’ll find at a typical Denver dispensary.
- An eighth of weed: $25
- A quarter of weed: $55
- Half an ounce of weed: $75
- An ounce of weed: $120
A gram of wax in Denver dispensaries is usually priced at about $20, while a game of shatter costs about $25. Colorado was one of the first states to legalize recreational marijuana and as such, they’ve had time to regulate prices and make weed more affordable. California didn’t legalize recreational marijuana until 2016, which is one reason prices are still a bit high on the West coast.
How Long Should A Quarter Of Weed Last?
How long a quarter of weed lasts depends on how you use it. A quarter of marijuana, which is about 7 grams, could make around seven joints or up to ten bowls, depending on the size of your pipe and how large you roll the joints. For someone who micro-doses, this amount could last months. However, for an average smoker, the duration varies.
If you smoke daily using a pipe, a quarter could last you several weeks. But, if you prefer rolling larger joints, it might only last about three days. The key factors influencing how long it lasts include your usual dosage, how often you use weed, and whether you smoke solo or share with friends. The cost of a quarter of weed and your budget can also affect how frequently you purchase this amount.
What Is The Best Way To Make Sure You Have Received A Quarter Ounce Of Weed?
The best way to make sure you've received a quarter ounce of weed is by weighing it yourself. A quarter ounce can vary in appearance—sometimes it's one large bud, other times several smaller ones—eyeballing the amount can be tricky, especially for regular users. To be certain of the quantity, using a sensitive scale designed for marijuana or an accurate food scale is your surest method. This approach allows you to confirm you're getting exactly what you paid for.
Compared to other quantities
| Slang Term | Ave Cost | Ave Weight | Ave Cost Per Gram |
| Nick | $7 | 0.5g | $14.00 |
| Dime | $10 | 0.5 - 1.0g | $13.33 |
| Dub | $20 | 1.5g | $13.33 |
| Eighth | $45 | 3.5g | $12.85 |
| Zip or Ounce | $200 | 28g | $7.14 |
| Pound | $2000 | 454g | $4.40 |
It’s important for any consumer to know the weight of weed, as these are the weights they are sold in, whether on the street or in a legal dispensary. It’s also just as important that you understand the approximate prices of those different weights. That’s the only way to know if you’re paying too much, or if a low price may indicate a lower quality strain. Knowing the proper weights and how to ask for them will also make you look like a true connoisseur the next time you walk into your local dispensary.
