Walking into a dispensary for the first time can feel overwhelming, especially when the menu lists products in grams, eighths, and ounces all at once. Add in slang terms like “zip” or “dime bag” and it’s easy to get lost before you even start shopping.
Cannabis measurements aren’t complicated once you understand the basics, but the industry does blend metric and imperial systems in a way that can confuse new buyers. Flower is weighed in grams but sold in fractions of an ounce. Concentrates are measured differently than edibles. Vape cartridges have their own system entirely.
This guide breaks down the most common weed measurements you’ll see on dispensary menus, explains how different product types are measured, and helps you figure out how much to buy based on your needs.
Why Cannabis Measurements Are Confusing
The cannabis industry inherited a messy system. For decades, weed was sold on the black market using a mix of metric weights (grams) and imperial fractions (ounces). That hybrid system stuck around after legalization, which is why you’ll see a dispensary menu listing a “gram” right next to an “eighth.”
Then there’s the slang too. Terms like “dime bag,” “zip,” and “quad” come from the pre-legalization era and still pop up in conversation, though you won’t see them on a dispensary menu. We’ll break down what these different measurements actually mean in the sections below.
On top of all that, different product types use completely different measurement systems. Flower is sold by weight. Edibles are dosed in milligrams of THC. Vape cartridges are measured by oil volume. Understanding these differences helps you compare products and buy the right amount for how you choose to enjoy.
Flower Measurements
Flower is measured by weight, and you’ll see both grams and ounce fractions on dispensary menus. Here’s what each one means and who it’s best suited for.
Gram
A gram of weed is the smallest amount you can typically buy at a dispensary. It’s enough for a joint or two, or a few bowl packs. Some shops also sell half-gram joints or pre-rolled joints at this size. This is a good option if you want to try a new strain without committing to a larger quantity.
Eighth (3.5 grams)
An eighth of weed is one-eighth of an ounce, which works out to 3.5 grams. It’s the most common purchase size and a solid starting point for most buyers. Depending on how often you smoke, an eighth can last anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks. For an occasional user, this amount can stretch even longer.
Quarter (7 grams)
A quarter of weed is double an eighth. This amount makes sense if you already know you like a strain or if you’re a more frequent consumer. You’ll often get a slightly better price per gram compared to buying two separate eighths.
Half Ounce (14 grams)
A half ounce is for daily consumers or anyone looking to buy larger amounts at once. At this quantity, you’re buying in bulk and typically getting better value for your money.
Ounce/Zip (28 grams)
A full ounce of weed is the largest amount most recreational users can possess at one time in Washington. It’s the best value per gram and is usually purchased by frequent consumers, or by those looking to stock up on different strains.
Concentrate Measurements
Concentrates like wax, shatter, live resin, and rosin are also sold by weight, but in smaller increments than flower. Because concentrates are much more potent than flower, a little goes a long way. The gram is the standard unit, and most dispensaries cap single purchases at a few grams due to potency and legal limits.
A gram of concentrate can last significantly longer than a gram of cannabis flower, even for regular dabbers. The half-gram size is a good choice if you’re trying a new product or only dab occasionally, but if you already know what you like, the full gram or more offers better value.
Edible Measurements
Edibles aren’t measured by weight. Instead, they’re dosed in milligrams of THC, which tells you how much of the active ingredient is in each piece or package.
In Washington, recreational edibles are regulated at 10mg of THC per serving and 100mg per package, so a pack of 10 gummies would contain 10mg each. Medical patients may have access to higher-dose products, but for most shoppers, these are the numbers you’ll see.
If you’re new to edibles, we recommend you start with 5-10mg and wait at least 90 minutes before taking more. Edibles hit differently and more slowly than smoking or vaping, and it’s easy to overdo it if you’re not patient. Understanding the mg on the label helps you dose consistently and avoid an uncomfortable experience.
Vape Cartridge Measurements
Vape cartridges are measured by the amount of cannabis oil inside, typically sold in 0.5g or 1g sizes. This refers to the volume of oil, not the THC content. Potency is listed separately as a percentage, so check both numbers to understand what you’re getting.
The 0.5g size works well for trying something new, while the 1g is better value if you already know what you like.
Washington’s Legal Limits
In Washington, recreational users 21 and older can possess up to 1 ounce of flower, 7 grams of concentrate, or 16 ounces of solid edibles at any given time. You can also possess up to 72 ounces of cannabis-infused liquid.
Medical patients with a valid recognition card can possess larger quantities, including up to 3 ounces of flower, 48 grams of concentrate, or 21 grams of THC in edible form.
Keep in mind that these are possession limits, not purchase limits. Dispensaries may have their own transaction caps based on inventory or store policy.
For additional information, check out the Washington State Liquor & Cannabis Board website and always check for changes in the law before purchasing.
Shop Smarter
Once you understand marijuana measurements, shopping at a dispensary gets a lot easier. Flower is sold in grams and ounce fractions. Concentrates come in half-grams and grams. Edibles are dosed in milligrams of THC. Vape cartridges are labeled by oil volume and potency percentage.
If you’re ever unsure about how much to buy or what a cannabis measurement means, just ask. Our experienced budtenders are there to help you find the right product and the right amount for how you like to consume.
A Greener Today carries a wide selection of flower, concentrates, edibles, and vape cartridges across all of our Washington locations. Stop by or explore online to find what works for you.
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Individual experiences with cannabis may vary depending on factors such as product type, dosage, and personal biology. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using cannabis products for medical purposes. A Greener Today makes no claims regarding the diagnosis, treatment, cure, or prevention of any disease.