An ounce of weed is 28 grams and costs an average of $256 for medium-quality cannabis or $318 for high-quality strains in the U.S. Prices range from $210 in Oregon to $590 in Washington D.C.
Medical marijuana cardholders often pay significantly less due to tax exemptions and medical discounts available at licensed dispensaries.
If you’ve ever visited a dispensary, whether with a medical marijuana card or as a recreational customer, you’ll notice that cannabis is measured in specific increments like grams, eighths, quarters, and ounces. Understanding these measurements is essential for getting the best value, especially since buying in larger quantities like an ounce can save you considerable money compared to purchasing smaller amounts.
Below, we’re breaking down everything you need to know about cannabis measurements, pricing across different states, and how to determine the right quantity for your needs. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to maximize your budget, this guide will help you make informed decisions at the dispensary.
Cannabis Measurements: A Gram, an Eighth, a Quarter, and an Ounce of Marijuana Explained
Without much ado, below is a breakdown of how retailers measure weed:
- One gram of weed is the smallest measurement available in most dispensaries if not all.
- 3.5 grams of weed is equivalent to an eighth of weed, which is the most common measurement that casual cannabis consumers buy.
- An eighth is a synonym for one-eighth of an ounce of weed. That is, one part after 1 ounce of weed has been divided into eight parts – 1/8th.
- Two eighths, that is seven grams of weed, is referred to as a quarter.
- You can typically enjoy about six to seven joints with this amount of bud.
- A half ounce of cannabis is double a quarter ounce, coming out to 14 grams.
- Four quarters, 28 grams, or eight one-eighths equals one ounce of weed.
How Many Grams Are in an Ounce of Weed?
There are exactly 28 grams in an ounce of weed, which is the standard measurement used across all legal cannabis markets in the United States.
This measurement breaks down into smaller, commonly purchased quantities. An ounce divides into eight eighths (3.5 grams each), four quarters (7 grams each), or two half ounces (14 grams each). Understanding these conversions helps you compare prices and find the best value at your dispensary.
Since eighths are one of the most popular purchase sizes, it’s worth noting that an eighth is literally one-eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams. This means there are eight eighths in a full ounce, and four eighths in a half ounce. Most casual consumers start with eighths before graduating to larger quantities as they become more familiar with their usage patterns.
Weed is cheaper with a medical card.
Weed Quality in the U.S.: Difference Between High-Quality and Mid-Quality Weed Explained
The different qualities of weed are one of the first things you might notice when you check for the price of an ounce of weed. Usually, the budtender presents you with two types of cannabis flower: high-quality weed and mid-quality weed.
What’s the difference between both? And does it really matter?
Characteristics of High-Quality Marijuana
High-quality weed, also known as artisanal, craft, piff, top-shelf, dank, chronic, or fire weed, refers to weed that’s been cultivated with quality over quantity in mind. Dank usually have very strong odor, pronounced trichomes, and very rich terpene and cannabinoid profiles.
Craft growers often use living soil, compost teas, 100% organic nutrients, and zero chemicals when growing high-quality weed. When mature, the plants are usually carefully hand-trimmed to ensure that the terpene-concentrated trichomes are retained in the bud. The result is deeply hued, leafy, and complexly aromatic weed that’s rich in flavor, cannabinoids, and terpenes. Everything that makes weed hit right.Mid-Quality Marijuana
Mid-quality weed, also known as mids, regular weed, or regs, is the most common type of weed you’ll find across the U.S.
They are usually mass-produced to meet commercial demands. And that usually means that they are treated with chemicals (think pesticides), machine-trimmed, and sometimes a bit moldy, too wet, or too dry.
Unlike high-quality weed that often appear leafy, mid buds are usually rounded due to machine trimming and may lack leaves. The cannabinoid and terpene profiles of mids are average at best and not as rich as that of craft weed.Characteristics of Low-Quality Marijuana
Low-quality weed, also known as schwag, brick, dirt, bottom shelf, or ditch weed, is simply meh.
They’re brownish, dry, have lots of seeds and stems, and lack trichomes.
These buds usually look compacted because they are compressed before being transported.
Simply put, nothing about low-quality weed spells proper care or hygiene.
What is the Price of One Ounce of Marijuana in the U.S.?
The national average for an ounce of medium-quality weed in the U.S. is $256.08, while the national average for an ounce of high-quality weed is $318.72, indicating a $62.64 difference between the two qualities.
Apart from measurement and quality, other factors, such as strain, location, local tax laws, and other fiscal effects, influence the cost of an oz of weed. Therefore, the price of either quality of weed varies from place to place across the country, within the same state, and even across dispensaries.Top 5 States with the Highest Price Per Ounce of High-Quality Weed in the U.S.
At $590.27 per ounce, the District of Columbia takes the trophy for the most expensive weed in the U.S., followed by North Dakota at $382.17
The three states that follow closely behind include:- Virginia, at an average price of $362.88 per 1 ounce of weed
- West Virginia, at $361.13
- Pennsylvania, at $355.47
Top 5 States with the Highest Price Per Ounce of Mid-Quality Weed in the U.S.
Unsurprisingly, the District of Columbia also holds the record for the state with the highest price per ounce of mid-quality weed in the U.S. An ounce of medium-quality weed costs $494.65 in D.C. while North Dakota tags along with $336.88
The three states that follow closely behind include:- North Dakota, at an average of $326.81
- Illinois, at $296.32
- Maryland, at $283,26
Top 5 States with the Lowest Price Per Ounce of High-Quality Weed
At an average price of $210.19 per ounce of high-quality weed, Oregon holds the record for the cheapest high-quality cannabis flower in the U.S., followed by Washington at $233.93.
The three states that follow closely behind include:- Colorado, at an average of $247.49
- California, at $258.88
- Montana, at $266.13
Top 5 States with the Lowest Price Per Ounce of Medium Quality Weed
Mississippi has the cheapest medium-quality weed in the U.S. You can get an oz of weed of mid-range quality for as low as $172.11; Oregon follows at $186.78, marking approximately a $14 difference.
The three states that follow closely behind include:- Washington, at an average price of $197.69
- Colorado, at $200.16
- California, at $209.08
Is the Cost of Weed in the U.S. Ever Expected to Decrease?
In the past few years, the price of weed has steadily declined. With hopes of friendlier laws across states and possibly at the federal level soon, marijuana could become much cheaper than it is now.
In the early 2010s, the average price of an ounce of high-quality weed across all states was upwards of $350. Today, the national average is $318.72. As tax laws become less imposing and the market becomes more competitive, the price of one ounce of weed would fall further. We’re already seeing this happen in some states, such as Oregon, where the price of cannabis hit an all-time low of $4 per gram earlier in the year. Unfortunately, the future prices of medical cannabis — as well as recreational — are still up in the air. While prices in some places have already plummeted to meet street prices, other states offer smaller quantities that aren’t as cost effective. While we can hope that the cost of marijuana drops over the years, it will be important to watch the current Trump administration to see how they react to cannabis measurements and legality.Stay Up-To-Date on Everything Cannabis With Elevate Holistics
At the end of the day, the best way to save money in your cannabis journey while best understanding measurements is by getting a medical marijuana card.
MMJ cards allow patients to purchase at least an ounce of cannabis legally — all while saving money by not paying as much in taxes as recreational consumers. Of course, state laws vary, but it’s no doubt that you will save a substantial amount of cash just by being an MMJ patient. Elevate Holistics is all about ensuring that MMJ patients make guided and well-informed decisions when navigating the cannabis market. With that in mind, we’re always happy to answer all your cannabis-related questions.
As always, you know to trust us to help you get your MMJ card online in any weed-legal state within 15 minutes – low price, quick process, no hassle-free! Psssst! Don’t forget to use the code BLOG5 at checkout for an exclusive discount on your appointment just for being a blog reader.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is an ounce of weed?
An ounce of weed costs an average of $256 for medium-quality cannabis or $318 for high-quality strains in the United States. Prices vary significantly by state, with Oregon offering ounces as low as $210 while Washington D.C. averages $590 for the same amount. Medical marijuana cardholders typically pay 15 to 30 percent less than these averages due to tax exemptions and medical discounts at licensed dispensaries.
How many grams in an ounce of weed?
There are exactly 28 grams in an ounce of weed, which is the universal standard across all legal cannabis markets in the United States. This measurement breaks down into eight eighths (3.5 grams each), four quarters (7 grams each), or two half ounces (14 grams each). Understanding these conversions helps you identify the best value when comparing prices across different quantities at your local dispensary.
How much does an ounce of weed cost?
An ounce of weed costs between $210 and $590 depending on your state and quality level, with a national average of $318 for high-quality flower and $256 for medium-quality cannabis. West Coast states like Oregon, Washington, and Colorado offer the lowest prices due to mature markets and high competition, while Washington D.C., North Dakota, and Virginia have the highest costs. Factors like local taxes, cultivation costs, strain rarity, and whether you hold a medical marijuana card all influence your final price.
How much is a half ounce of weed?
A half ounce of weed costs between $105 and $295 depending on your location and the quality you choose, representing roughly half the price of a full ounce in most markets. This 14-gram quantity offers better per-gram value than buying eighths or quarters while avoiding the larger upfront cost of a full ounce. Medical cardholders can expect to save an additional 15 to 30 percent on these prices at dispensaries that accept MMJ cards.
What does an ounce of weed look like?
An ounce of weed looks like enough cannabis to fill a sandwich-sized bag and provides approximately 50 to 60 average-sized joints or 80 to 100 bowls. The physical appearance varies based on bud density, with compact high-quality flower taking up less space than fluffy medium-grade cannabis. For reference, 28 grams weighs about the same as five AA batteries, and most dispensaries display ounces in clear containers that let you see the bud quality before purchasing.
