When diving into the world of cannabis, whether you’re a casual consumer or a regular smoker, understanding basic weed measurements is essential for dosage control and price comparison. In this guide, we explain how many grams are in an ounce of weed, explain common cannabis quantities, and help you calculate the right amounts to purchase for different consumption methods.
How Many Grams Are in an Ounce of Weed?
An ounce of marijuana equals approximately 28 grams. While technically one ounce measures around 28.35 grams, the standard measurement accepted across legal markets is a clean 28 grams, a conversion in cannabis that’s both convenient and widely used.
How Do I Convert Grams to Ounces when Buying Weed?
You can divide the number of grams of cannabis by 28 to estimate the ounce equivalent. For example:
For quick and accurate cannabis measurements, many regular cannabis consumers and budtenders recommend using a digital scale, especially when dealing with larger purchases or preparing edibles.
At NICKLZ, we offer a variety of cannabis flower options in practical sizes like 1g, 3.5g (eighth of weed), 7g (quarters), and up to 14g (half-ounces), ideal for everything from trying a single strain to stocking up on a larger supply. Our expertly curated menu makes it easy to shop by effect, potency, or brand, so you get the right fit for your consumption habits without the guesswork.
Why Is Weed Measured in Grams and Ounces?
Weed is measured in grams and ounces because of a mix of historical usage, practicality, and legal standardization within the cannabis industry. Here’s a breakdown:
A Blend of Imperial and Metric Systems
- Grams come from the metric system, which is widely used internationally.
- Ounces are part of the imperial system, which has historically been more common in the U.S. Since much of the early cannabis trade was underground or informal, these measurements stuck around.
So today, you’ll see both:
- Grams are the base unit for small purchases.
- Ounces are used for larger quantities.
Legacy Influence from Cannabis Culture
In traditional cannabis markets (before legalization), terms like:
- “dub sack” (roughly 2 grams),
- “eighth”, and
- “quarter ounce”
became standardized slang terms that the cannabis community still uses today. These familiar units made it easier to communicate with dealers or friends, and they’ve remained even as legal retail operations took over.
Practicality in Retail and Usage
- A single gram of weed is a great size for occasional smokers or those trying a new strain.
- Eighths (3.5g), quarters (7g), and half-ounces (14g) are common increments that balance convenience and cost.
- An ounce of cannabis (28g) is typically the legal limit for personal possession in many recreational cannabis states.
At NICKLZ, we sell weed in familiar weights, from 1g to 14g, so customers can choose the amount that best fits their consumption habits and budget.
Browse NYC’s Best Curated Cannabis Menu
Common Cannabis Weight by Unit of Measurement
| Quantity of Marijuana | Grams of Marijuana (Approx.) | Also Known As | Common Packaging | Best For |
| 1 gram | 1 g | Single gram, “nickel” | Small mylar bag, pre-roll | First-timers, casual consumers, trying a strain |
| ⅛ ounce | 3.5 g | Eighth, “8th of weed” | Small jar or pouch | Light users, weekend smokers |
| ¼ ounce | 7 g | Quarter, “quad” | Glass jar or resealable bag | Occasional consumers, trying multiple strains |
| ½ ounce | 14 g | Half-O | Bulk jar or bag | Regular smokers, shared use, better gram price |
| 1 ounce | 28 g | Ounce of weed | Sealed pouch or glass jar | Heavy users, longer-term supply, bulk discount |
| 1 pound | 453.6 g | Pound of cannabis | Commercial bulk packaging | Large-scale buyers |
Can You Buy Weed Online in NYC? Learn How to Order Marijuana Online
How Much Weed Do You Need? A Breakdown by Consumption Method
When it comes to personal consumption, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Whether you’re rolling a single joint or packing a bowl, the amounts of cannabis used can vary depending on the method, tolerance levels, and desired cannabis experience.
Joints
- Amount needed: 0.3g–0.75g
- Standard size joint: About 0.5 grams (roughly half a gram of cannabis)
- A typical joint is perfect for casual smokers or for sharing among 2–3 people.
- Pre-rolled joints often fall within this range and are ideal for quick and easy use.
Blunts
- Amount needed: 1–2 grams of weed
- Blunts require more weed because they’re rolled with blunt wraps, which are thicker than rolling papers.
- Perfect for recreational users looking for a longer session or group sharing.
- Some regular users opt for bulk purchases like an eighth or a quarter of weed to roll multiple blunts at once.
Bongs
- Amount needed per bowl: 0.2g–0.5g
- Bongs offer efficient consumption and fast-acting effects using small amounts of dense flower.
- A bowl of weed contains less cannabis than a joint but delivers more immediate results, making it ideal for experienced users seeking quick relief.
Pipes & One-Hitters
- Amount needed per bowl: 0.1g–0.3g
- A great option for discreet, solo sessions or microdosing.
- Small amounts of pot can last longer with this method, especially for occasional consumers.
- Also, a good way to test new cannabis strains without committing to larger purchases.
Vaporizers (Dry Herb)
- Amount needed per session: 0.25g–0.5g
- Dry herb vapes require finely ground marijuana for optimal performance.
- Known for delivering clean flavor and conserving flower, this method is perfect for dosage control.
If you’re mostly smoking joints or using a bong, picking up a 3.5g (eighth) gives you multiple sessions without overwhelming your stash. If you’re a regular consumer or prefer rolling blunts, consider a 7g (quarter) or 14g (half-ounce) for a more consistent supply and better gram price.
How Many Grams of Weed Do You Need for Cooking?
When it comes to cannabis-infused cooking, one of the most common questions is how much flower you need to make effective, tasty edibles. Typically, one gram of marijuana is used as the basic unit in recipes, but how many grams you actually use depends on your desired potency, the number of servings, and your consumption habits.
Recommended Amounts of Cannabis for Edibles
| Edible Type | Recommended Flower (Grams) | Why This Amount Works |
| Cannabutter / Oil Base | 3.5g – 7g(⅛ – ¼ ounce) | This is the most popular range for small batches of infused butter or oil. It strikes a solid balance between quantity and potency, giving you enough infusion strength for multiple recipes. Ideal for home cooks making ½–1 cup of infused base. |
| Brownies or Cookies | 0.5g – 1g per serving | These treats are often individually dosed, so starting with half to one gram of marijuana per serving allows for moderate effects. This is a go-to for regular cannabis consumers who want to control dosage and avoid overconsumption. |
| Gummies / Candies | 1g – 3gtotal for syrup/tincture | These require an infused syrup or tincture that gets portioned into small servings. Accuracy is key here, especially when making high-quality cannabis candy with evenly distributed THC. Using digital scales and precise cannabis measurements ensures potency and safety. |
| Full-Meal Infusion | 7g – 14g(¼ – ½ ounce) | For chefs creating infused entrées or large-batch recipes (like sauces or marinades), this range provides a substantial supply of cannabinoids. Ideal for experienced cannabis consumers looking to entertain or meal prep with infused food. |
How to Shop for Edibles in NYC
What’s the Legal Limit of Weed I Can Possess in New York?
Under New York State’s Cannabis laws, adults 21 years or older are legally allowed to:
- Possess up to 3 ounces (approximately 85 grams) of cannabis flower for personal use
- Possess up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (like oils, vapes, or edibles)
These possession limits apply whether you’re purchasing from licensed dispensaries like NICKLZ or storing cannabis at home. For the most up-to-date info, refer to New York’s Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) or ask a knowledgeable budtender at NICKLZ!
Get Quality Bud, No Guesswork—Visit NICKLZ
NICKLZ: Your Trusted Cannabis Source in the Heart of NYC
At NICKLZ, we’re all about making your cannabis journey easy, informed, and enjoyable. Whether you’re picking up a single gram to try a new strain or stocking up with a half-ounce for the weekend, we’ve got you covered with high-quality products in familiar, flexible sizes:
We’re not just a dispensary, we’re your trusted guide to quality cannabis in the heart of NYC.
