North Americans have more access to legal cannabis than we've ever had in our lifetimes. The good news is that this trend is only likely to grow as more U.S. states and Mexico launch their legal marketplaces for adult consumers. The newfound access to pot is incredible but poses uncertainties for new buyers entering a dispensary.
While the "normal" purchase for many newcomers is a gram, consumers all have their unique ideal amount. For lots of new buyers, it's a bit of a head versus heart scenario with their budgets playing a deciding factor. As is the case, it's not surprising to see people buying much more than a gram or two. Some typical flower orders can look like any of the above sizes.
A guide like the one above helps determine your weed measurements. Measuring out your purchase may not be the most fun aspect of cannabis, but it can help save you cash while avoiding over-purchasing. Knowing your correct measurement of weed will not only help keep costs at a minimum--they can also help you avoid going over any state's possession limits.
And even if you aren't worried about skirting the law or breaking your bank, you don't want to buy too much and have to store your cannabis for longer than you'd like. That's how a good flower goes stale.
How Much Marijuana Should You Smoke Your First Time?
Cannabis shares several similarities with alcohol. Both the plant and booze come in various types, flavors, aromas and most of all, strength or potency. Like alcohol, how much cannabis you should consume varies by person, depending on several factors determining their unique tolerance. Moderation is always key.
Whenever unsure of how to approach cannabis, it's always wise to try the "start low, go slow" method. Essentially, most first time smokers begin with just one or two puffs, assess the results for 30 or so minutes, and then consume more if needed.
Cannabis flower is much more potent than it used to be, so if you've ever smoked in the 70s or 80s, the experience isn't really comparable. Most people could smoke half a joint in the 70s and just feel good, with no ill effects. Now, even experienced smokers tend to limit their dose to just a few puffs if it's potent cannabis. To do otherwise is to risk getting a bad case of couch lock.
So, the first time you purchase cannabis, you should start with a small purchase, like a gram, and see if it meets your needs before buying any more.
With over-consuming, you can find yourself struggling with adverse effects from over-intoxication. When buying pot, you could find yourself spending far too much money while storing much of it away for a later day--which is fine but will likely lead to you consuming some less than fresh flower if you wait for too long. In either case, knowing your measurements of weed can help offset these outcomes.
Speaking of weed measurements and prices, consider using this weed measurement chart to determine your ideal low-dose starting point. A weed measurement chart may not seem like an essential tool in your consumption arsenal, but it can help pinpoint the perfect starting purchase.
Thankfully, unlike alcohol, cannabis over intoxication can be offset to a degree. Refer to these tips on how to sober up from weed if you ever find yourself in such a position.
How much is a gram of marijuana?
In terms of legal market weed measurements, grams are the smallest size consumers will find at a dispensary. Sold as intact flower buds or as loose “shake,” flower grams serve as an ideal starting point for cannabis consumers.
Now, let’s get down to a key question: How much is a gram of marijuana going to cost me? Depending on the marketplace, a gram tends to retail for around $10 to $15. Be sure to double check with the dispensary's menu before buying.
Using our handy measurements for weed helps us understand that a gram is ideal for making up one to two joints, depending on how much flower is allotted to each joint.
An eighth of marijuana
An eighth of marijuana is the next step up from a gram. Eighths often serve as a go-to amount for consumers visiting dispensaries due to their price efficiency over single grams without over-purchasing in the process.
Using our weed measurement tool for grams to eighths, we know that an eighth is equal to 3.5 grams. If one gram results in two joints, then we can assume that most eighths should net you seven joints, depending on the amount of flower used in each roll.
U.S. markets typically sell eighths of marijuana at around $30 to $35, depending on the market and flower quality. In some cases, prices can reach as high as $65. So, always check the menu prices before placing an order.
A quarter of marijuana
A quarter of marijuana is one-quarter of an ounce, hence its name. In other terms, a quarter is equal to seven grams, or about 14 joints. Quarters are excellent choices for heavier consumers. Newcomers are likely going to overextend themselves with such a large amount. Though, some people’s consumption preferences and needs certainly could warrant a quarter.
If you find yourself looking to get a quarter of marijuana, be ready to pay between $65 and $75 in most markets. In more extreme cases, some quarters have reached $120.
A half-ounce of marijuana
We go from quarters to halves. A half of marijuana is double the figures of our previous entry, totaling 14 grams or roughly 28 joints. Prices tend to run between $90 and $200 for a half ounce of marijuana. Be prepared to have ample storage if you pick up a half, especially if you aren't consuming that much as a newcomer.
An ounce of marijuana
The next step up is an ounce of marijuana. Totaling 28 grams, or roughly 56 joints, an ounce should last most consumers for a good while. Ounces are typically the peak of public possession laws in North America, with many markets capping totals below an ounce of marijuana. Most ounces retail for around $200 to $300, with prices reaching approximately $500 or more in some cases.
In Closing
With your weed measurements chart either in hand or in mind, you should have a better grasp on just how much pot you can get for your bucks. At the same time, knowing your measurements for weed should ensure that you don't pick up too much in one purchase.
And again, while weed measurements might not be the most fun component to cannabis consumption, they could be the most beneficial when heading to the dispensary. Feel free to print our handy chart and take it with you while you shop!
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.