A Friendly Guide to Cannabis Measurements for Beginners
Let’s be honest — the world of cannabis can feel like its own language sometimes. You walk into a dispensary or talk to someone about a grow, and suddenly you’re hearing words like “eighth,” “zip,” “QP” and you’re nodding like you know what they mean… but deep down, you’re thinking: “What is a quarter, exactly?”
Don’t worry. You’re not alone — and you’re in the right place.
Whether you’re buying, growing, or just getting curious, understanding cannabis measurements is one of those small but powerful steps that makes you feel more confident and in control.
Let’s break it down, Mr. Nice style — no fluff, just facts (with a little bit of good energy).
Why Grams, Eighths, and Ounces Matter
Cannabis is typically measured by weight, and the industry uses a mix of metric (grams) and imperial (ounces) units. While this can get confusing, especially if you’re new, once you see the pattern, it clicks.
These measurements help you:
- Buy the right amount (and avoid overpaying)
- Store your weed properly
- Track your yields if you’re growing
- Talk the talk — whether you’re in a shop or with your grower friends
Common Weed Measurements (And What They Look Like)
Let’s start small and work our way up. This list is based on dried cannabis flower — not concentrates or edibles. 
1 Gram
A gram is the smallest quantity you can typically buy. It’s enough for a couple of joints or one hefty personal session.
Looks like: A nug or two, about the size of a large blueberry.
Good for: First-timers or trying a new strain.
Eighth (⅛) = 3.5 Grams
This is one of the most common purchases at dispensaries.
Looks like: A small handful of buds.
Also known as: “A slice”
Good for: Casual users or someone who wants enough for a few solid sessions across the week.
Quarter (¼) = 7 Grams
A quarter ounce gives you a little more breathing room — it’s a favorite for folks who want enough to last a while without restocking.
Looks like: Roughly the size of a small clementine when the buds are fluffed.
Also known as: “A Q” or “quad”
Good for: Regular users or someone splitting with a friend.
Half Ounce (½) = 14 Grams
This is when you start getting into bulk territory.
Looks like: A sandwich bag that’s starting to puff out.
Also known as: “Half zip”
Good for: Rolling deep, prepping edibles, or stocking up for the month.
Ounce (1 oz) = 28 Grams
An ounce is often the legal personal possession limit in many states or countries. For home growers, this is often what you’ll measure your harvests in.
Looks like: A fully packed sandwich bag — fluffy and full.
Also known as: “Zip”
Good for: Daily users or growers curing and weighing harvests.
Quarter Pound (¼ lb) = 4 Ounces = 113.4 Grams
Now we’re moving into serious grower territory. This is usually not something you casually purchase — more common for cultivation or medical caregivers.
Also known as: “QP”
Good for: Tracking harvests, long-term use, or making edibles in bulk.
Wait, Why Is It Called a “Zip”?
“Zip” is slang for an ounce because it typically fills a Ziploc bag. That’s it. No mystery. Just stoner shorthand that stuck — and now it’s part of the culture.
Quick Conversion Table
| Name | Grams | Slang |
| 1 Gram | 1g | — |
| Eighth (⅛ oz) | 3.5g | Slice |
| Quarter (¼ oz) | 7g | Q or Quad |
| Half (½ oz) | 14g | Half Zip |
| Ounce (1 oz) | 28g | Zip |
| Quarter Pound | 113.4g | QP |
For Growers: Why This Info Matters
If you’re growing your own, especially from seeds like ours at Mr. Nice, understanding yield measurement is a must. Knowing what your plant produces per harvest helps you:
- Track performance across different strains
- Improve your technique over time
- Manage storage and curing space
- Speak the same language as dispensaries, breeders, and customers (if you’re licensed)
The Mr. Nice Approach
At Mr. Nice, we’re all about empowering you with tools and knowledge that make you feel confident on your cannabis journey. Whether you’re just learning to trim your first plant or you’re shopping strains for your grow room, we believe in clarity, transparency, and real-world know-how.
Because it’s not just about grams and ounces — it’s about growing something with intention, sharing it with good people, and doing it right.
Looking to grow your own?
Start with award-winning genetics you can trust.
→ Shop Our Seeds
