Let’s start with the basics: An eighth of cannabis flower equals 3.5 grams—but how did we land on that number? And why is an eighth of weed called an “eighth” in the first place? If you’ve been thinking about leveling up your usual grams and investing in an eighth of bud, you’re in the right place—follow along as we break it all down.
We’ll cover the many ways to measure and categorize cannabis, along with how cannabis measurements work in general, the cost of an eighth of weed, and so much more. Ready to weigh in?
What Is An Eighth of Weed? (And Why It’s Called That?)
One of the most confusing aspects of measuring cannabis flower is the fact that retailers typically use both ounces and grams as units of measurement. In the United States, we follow the imperial system, where ounces are a standard of measurement. So when you hear terms like an eighth of weed, a quarter, or a half, they’re referring to fractions of an ounce.
That said, most of the world uses the metric system, where the gram is the standard unit. To put it in perspective, a gram is a thousandth of a kilogram, the closest basic metric equivalent to the pound (1 kg ≈ 2.2 lbs).
Here’s where things get tricky: Dispensaries might sell cannabis in ounce-based increments or by metric units such as grams. Why both? The gram is easier to use than ounces for minimal amounts—for example, one gram is typically enough cannabis for a single joint or two, depending on the size.
How Many Grams of Cannabis Are in An Ounce?
If you want to switch between the two systems of measurement, you’ll need to do some math, beginning with the ounce. An ounce is equivalent to 28.35 grams of cannabis, which is typically rounded down to 28.
So, to reach the exact number of grams in an eighth, you must divide 28 by 8—the fraction of an ounce you’re calculating. Solve, and you wind up with 3.5 grams. For comparison, that’s roughly the same weight as four dollar bills, four paperclips, or two dimes. But an eighth of weed is only the beginning. Here are some other common measurements of cannabis:
- Quarter: How many grams are in a quarter ounce? Divide the grams in an ounce (28.35) by 4 (for a quarter), and you’ll come up with seven grams.
- Half: Same deal with a half ounce: Divide the grams in an ounce (28.35) by 2 (for half), and you’ll have 14 grams.
- Ounce: You already know how many grams are in an ounce: 28.35. Fun fact: You can roll roughly 60 to 85 joints per ounce of cannabis.
- Pound: Okay, now we’re getting serious! Seeing as an ounce contains 28.35 grams and a pound contains 16 ounces, it’s a matter of multiplication. 28.35 x 16 = 453.6 grams.
Understanding cannabis measurements makes it easier to buy the right amount for your needs, whether you’re picking up a gram, an eighth, or a full ounce. With a little simple math, you can confidently navigate dispensary purchases and get the best value for your budget.
How Much Does an Eighth Cost?
Cannabis prices can vary widely depending on geographic location, brand, and supply and demand, so getting a precise estimate can be challenging. However, most sources typically place the price of an eighth between $20 and $50. Of course, special introductory deals and top-shelf offerings will stretch those boundaries in either direction.
Speaking of deals, you may see some dispensaries offering “5-gram” eighths—that’s not a mathematical mistake but a clue that they’re offering you a bonus. Seeing as a standard eighth contains 3.5 grams, a 5-gram eighth means you’re getting almost 50% more weed than you would in a regular eighth of cannabis.
What Can I Do with an Eighth of Weed?
An eighth of cannabis may not seem like much at first glance, but it can go a long way, depending on how you use it. Whether you’re rolling or packing, the way you prepare and consume your weed plays a significant role in how long your stash lasts.
While there’s no universal standard for joint or bowl sizes, common practices and rough estimates can help gauge how much you can expect from your eighth. Let’s break it down:
- Joints and Pre-Rolls: If you’re working with standard rolling papers (68 – 70mm x 34 – 36mm), each of those joints can hold an average of 0.5 grams, so an eighth of weed should provide you with enough to roll 4 or 5 joints, all things being equal.
- Blunts: Blunts may be an acquired taste, but for some fans, a hollowed-out cigar packed with weed is the only way to fly. While cigars come in many different sizes, on average, a blunt contains roughly a gram of weed. If you’re rolling blunts, an eighth should stretch between 2 or 3 of them.
- Bowls: First, how big is your bowl? Some sources suggest a 14mm bowl, just over an inch across, is the standard size on a pipe. Assuming each bowl is packed moderately tightly, it may hold between 0.3 and 0.5 grams of cannabis, so you may expect to get between 7 and 11 bowls from an eighth.
No matter how you prefer to partake, with a little planning, you can stretch your stash to fit your needs and enjoy it to the fullest.
Shop Premium Eighths and More at Mission
Understanding how much cannabis is in an eighth, quarter, or even a full ounce can give you the confidence you need to shop smarter and ensure you’re getting the best value for your money. Whether rolling joints, packing bowls, or experimenting with blunts, 3.5 grams can go a long way.
Ready to stock up your stash box and explore some quality brands? Start your journey at Mission and head to your nearest Illinois or Massachusetts dispensary—we can’t wait to see you!
Want to learn more about how cannabis interacts with our bodies? Browse our informative cannabis blog, where you’ll find detailed articles on everything from strain profiles and THCA to how to properly smoke a pre-roll and more.
