If you’re at the beginning of your cannabis journey, it’s likely that you haven’t even purchased any by yourself. Luckily today, your chances of living in a legal state are higher than it’s ever been. However, while dispensaries and delivery services are often very helpful at guiding your purchase, you may want to know how much you want to buy before you get there. It also is good to know if you’re looking to share or split up cannabis among friends or family members.

Cannabis quantities might seem confusing at first, but really it’s simple math! Plus, once you find the quantity that works for you, chances are you’ll get the same amount next time. For reference, these quantities that we’re talking about are really just a visual approximation. Every nug is different, and has a different density, meaning two nugs that appear the same may have varying masses.

Cheat Sheet

Before we walk through the quantities here’s a quick cheat sheet:

1 ounce = 28.3 grams

1/2 ounce = 14 grams

1/4 ounce = 7 grams

1/8 ounce = 3.5 grams

Gram

One gram of weed is the smallest measurable unit of bud and probably only for personal use. Chances are, you can’t even buy a gram on it’s own because it’s such a small quantity. One gram is the amount that a roommate or friend may lend you to pack a few bowls or roll a blunt with.

Dub

Two grams, or a “dub” is the next step up. The name may also come from the amount of money needed to purchase this amount, $20. A dub looks like a few nugs, but really isn’t a large quantity of cannabis flower. With a dub you may be able to roll a few joints, and comfortably share with a couple friends for a sesh.

If you’re trying to eyeball two grams, here’s a handy trick: two grams of marijuana actually weigh just a bit less than a single penny, which comes in at 2.5 grams. Visually, you’re looking at roughly two average-sized buds—enough to roll one or two solid joints, or to pack a few bowls for a chill session with friends.

Keep in mind, the density of the bud makes a big difference. Fluffier, airy nugs can look like a lot more than dense, compact ones, even if they weigh the same. So, while scales are always the most accurate way to measure, using these visual cues can help when you’re estimating on the fly.

Indica vs. Sativa: Why Buds Can Look Different

Not all cannabis looks the same, even when the weight is identical. The appearance and density of 2 grams of weed can vary based on whether you’re holding an indica or a sativa strain.

Indica strains tend to produce dense, compact buds. Two grams of an indica might look like just a few small, tight nugs, but they’re packed with weight and resin.

In contrast, sativa strains grow fluffier, more open buds. The same 2 grams of a sativa may look larger or take up more space in a jar simply because the buds are lighter and less dense.

This difference in structure can be confusing when eyeballing amounts. Just remember: no matter how it looks, the weight remains the same.

Trichome Density and Why It Affects Appearance

Trichomes are tiny, crystal-like structures on cannabis buds that produce THC, terpenes, and other compounds. These glands play a big role in how your cannabis looks, smells, and feels.

Buds with high trichome density appear frosty or sparkly and often feel sticky due to their resin content. These dense, resin-rich buds can make 2 grams of weed look smaller than expected because they’re so tightly packed.

In contrast, buds with fewer trichomes look less shiny and may appear pale green or dull. These airy buds may appear larger in volume, even though their weight remains the same.

When comparing two bags of cannabis, don’t just judge by size—trichome coverage tells you a lot about potency and quality.

Eighth Ounce

One eighth is among the most common quantities to buy. At three and half grams, an eighth is enough to last several sessions over the course of days. As you’ll learn later, an ounce is 28 grams, so 28/8 = 3.5. See, math! Visually an eighth looks like 4-5 solid nugs and could be stored in a small jar. You should be able to get an eighth for anywhere from $25-$50 depending on quality and where you purchase it.

Quarter Ounce

One quarter ounce is seven grams or two eighths. It always depends on how frequently you smoke, but a quarter ounce of weed could last weeks, especially if smoked conservatively. Visually, quarters will look like two eighths and could last at least a month or more. Again, this will vary depending on habits and behavior.

Half Ounce

Half an ounce or a half O is the equivalent of fourteen grams. If you live with other weed enthusiasts, this could be a very cost-effective quantity to purchase. As you begin to purchase in bigger quantities, you’ll see that the cost will go down per gram. On the other hand, buying one gram at a time will cost you if you’re a frequent smoker. Not to mention you’ll be paying the dispensary several visits a week.

Ounce

A full ounce of weed or 28 grams is probably the largest quantity you’ll be buying. Let’s call this, the family size. Again, a cost-effective method could be to buy one ounce for an entire household or friend group and distribute it evenly. This is where a scale could come in handy in order to weigh the quantities precisely. Trying to eyeball the amount could also work if you don’t have a scale, but is also a recipe for arguments. Different amounts can look deceiving, especially if the nugs are especially dense. Overall, buying in bulk is a great way to keep cannabis costs down, even if it involves the extra work of weighing it out.

How to Measure Your Weed Accurately

While eyeballing weed can work in a pinch, using a digital scale is the most accurate way to measure cannabis, especially if you’re dividing it up or trying to stick to a budget.

Modern digital scales are easy to use. Just place your weed on a small tray or piece of weighing paper, hit the button, and you’ll get an instant readout. This setup helps avoid mess and prevents losing smaller pieces.

Using the same scale regularly can also train your eye over time. You’ll get better at estimating what 1 gram, 2 grams, or more actually looks like—though nothing beats the precision of weighing it out.

What Does a Nug of Weed Typically Weigh?

When trying to learn about weed nugs, it’s important to understand the typical weight of a nug. A standard nug of weed usually weighs around 1 gram, but it can vary anywhere from 0.5 grams to 1.5 grams. The weight of a nug depends on factors like strain, density, and moisture content.

Slang Terms

Like with any drug community, the world of cannabis is filled with slang terms, especially when speaking about quantities. Let’s run through some of them.

Dime Bag

A dime bag is short for 1 gram of weed. This may be because grams go for around 10 dollars. Unfortunately, it’s not worth an actual dime.

Dub Sack

A dub sack as mentioned before is slang for 2 grams.

Eif

Also known as a half quarter, or an eif.

Q

A quarter ounce is often called a q or quad. Not to be confused with qwop, which would indicate a quarter pound.

Half

Exactly what it sounds like. Half an ounce or half O.

Ounce

An ounce can also go by ‘O’ or ‘zip’. This may refer to the fact that an ounce would fill an entire Ziploc bag.

Summary

In the beginning, cannabis quantities can seem elaborate and confusing. Legal cannabis has made navigating this easier, but it’s still good to understand in practical terms regardless. Overall, dried cannabis can be deceiving if you’re just trying to eyeball how many grams you think it is, so always weigh it if you need to. In addition, depending on the particular strain, certain marijuana quantities will last shorter or longer. You may find yourself blowing through cheaper, less potent strains while high roller strains could keep you occupied for weeks.

As mentioned earlier, buying in larger quantities will ensure you save money as the average price per gram will go down. Any frequenter of big box stores will understand this phenomenon. But remember, when buying larger quantities, consume cannabis with discretion.

How to Keep Your Weed Fresh

Just because you have a bigger stash doesn’t mean you need to use it all at once. To keep your cannabis fresh and potent, airtight glass jars are your best bet. These containers help lock in flavor and aroma by protecting your weed from air, which can dry it out and degrade valuable cannabinoids and terpenes.

Pro tip: Store your jars in a cool, dark spot—like a cupboard or drawer. Sunlight and heat can break down the trichomes that give your bud its strength and scent. With the right storage setup, your weed stays fresh, tasty, and ready whenever you are.

Get Started Today!

Looking to get started with a medical marijuana card? Leafy Doc makes it easier than ever for first-time patients.

Enter your zipcode on Leafy Mate to find a dispensary near you!

Purchasing cannabis frequently? Earn cashback on each of your cannabis purchases with Leafy Rewards. Never let a transaction go to waste!