New to cannabis? Let’s get you up to speed so you know exactly how to hunt down the best flower—which, as your first lesson, is how your favorite local dispensaries most often refer to the cannabis plant’s buds.
In states like California, flower prices are all over the map and vary depending on quality and location. When you walk into a dispensary in a major city, you can expect to see anywhere from $30 to $60 for an “eighth” (an important term you’ll soon understand) of decent product, while top-shelf options can sell for more than $80. For anyone new to the scene who’s still trying to figure it out, this guide is here to help you decode the lingo, weights, measurements, and costs so you can find exactly what you need and purchase cannabis like a pro.
One ounce
Your second lesson: cannabis is measured by the metric system, so don’t be alarmed when your American budtenders start spouting out the term “gram.”
The most flower you can buy in one day (or possess/transport) in states like California is 28.5 grams or one ounce. However, registered medical patients and their caregivers get a lot more flexibility, allowing them to purchase up to eight ounces (a half-pound) daily in many legal markets.
Other terms you might hear commonly used in dispensaries are a half-ounce and a quarter of an ounce, which are 14 and seven grams respectively. Connoisseurs will refer to these as “halves” or “quarters.”
How much is an ounce of weed?
When it comes to weed measurements, one ounce of weed breaks down to 28.5 grams—the maximum amount of adult-use cannabis products you can buy or possess in California.
So, how much is an oz? An ounce of marijuana, also known as a “zip” of weed, has a price range anywhere from $150 to $300 in mature markets, while top-shelf strains can reach $400 or more at retail.
Grams
Grams are the standard measurement used to buy cannabis—the building block for larger quantities like eighths and ounces. A single gram of cannabis or a “dime bag,” as the older Boomer consumers may still refer to it as—is the smallest unit typically sold at dispensaries.
How much is a gram?
A gram of weed is about the size of a coin or small button.
One gram is enough cannabis for one or two joints. The price of a gram of pot typically ranges from $10 to $25, depending on product quality and location.
Eighths
An eighth is probably the most popular amount of weed sold at dispensaries. It’s perfect for those just getting into cannabis or for anyone looking to stock up without going all in.
An eighth equals 3.5 grams—a solid amount for a few heavy sessions, whether you’re rolling joints or packing bowls.
How much is an eighth?
An eighth equals 3.5 grams of cannabis—one of the most common quantities sold at dispensaries. This amount typically costs anywhere from $30 to $60, with premium strains reaching upward of $70.
Pounds
While individuals can’t purchase an entire pound of cannabis at once (it’s limited to one ounce per day in most legal markets), pounds are primarily for commercial sales and cultivation. This large-scale quantity serves as a good indicator of the cannabis market’s overall health, with wholesale prices fluctuating based on demand, supply, and regional trends.
The U.S. Cannabis Spot Index stood at $933 per pound as of December 2024, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.4 percent. Some regions have seen significant price variations, with states like Nevada experiencing declines and Vermont showing price increases.
FAQ?
How much is an ounce of weed?
The average price of an ounce can vary widely across the United States, depending on the state, the quality, and whether it’s coming from the rec or medical market. You can generally expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $400 for an ounce, but here’s a more specific breakdown of some of the biggest-name states in the cannabis industry:
- California: $150 to $300 for mid-tier flower, with premium options at $400+.
- Colorado: $100 to $200 on average, with top-shelf strains closer to $250.
- New York: $200 to $400.
- Oregon: Some of the lowest prices in the country—$100 to $180 for quality flower.
How many grams in an eighth??
An 8th of weed is 3.5 grams, and is the most popular amount you’ll find for sale at any given dispensary.
How many grams in a half ounce?
A half-ounce is 14 grams, another common amount of cannabis to purchase at one time for more seasoned cannabis consumers.
How much is a gram?
A gram can range from $10 to $20 depending on where you are and the quality of the bud.
- California: $10 to $20 for decent flower, with premium options as high as $25.
- Colorado: Typically $8 to $15, with higher-end strains going up to $20.
- New York: Expect $15 to $25 for standard flower, with top-shelf strains reaching $30 or more.
- Oregon: $4 to $15, incredibly cost-effective thanks to a competitive market with plenty of supply.
What does 1 oz of weed look like?
An ounce can vary in size and appearance depending on the density of the buds. Picture it like this: if your buds are dense—compact and tight—an ounce might fit into a single sandwich-sized Ziploc bag. But for lighter and airier buds, your ounce could fill closer to a quart-sized bag.
For reference, an ounce is about the size of a large grapefruit or a few handfuls of popcorn. The look will depend on the strain, but it’s enough to roll about 30 to 50 joints.
How much does 3.5 grams of marijuana cost?
The price of an eighth varies across the country. Here’s what it looks like in some of the most popular cannabis-buying states:
- California: $30 to $60 for decent flower, with top-shelf strains shooting up to $70.
- Colorado: Typically $25 to $50, with premium options reaching $60 or more.
- New York: Expect $40 to $70 for standard strains, with higher-end buds closer to $80.
- Oregon: More affordable, usually around $20 to $40 for good-quality options.
Cannabis flower photos courtesy of Wonderbrett.
