An eighth or 1/8th of an ounce is a common weighing metric that is used to measure and sell weed. It can also be called half of a quarter ounce or 1/4th of a half ounce.
To give you a clear picture, one ounce is 28 grams and it is the maximum amount of weed that one can buy legally in parts where it is legal such as California.
However since most people do not buy or require such a supply, the legal weed industry was quick to notice the need to pack smaller portions of it for their consumers.
As a result, weed is now sold in a wide range of metrics starting from 1 gram to an ounce. And an eighth of the ounce is one of the standard metrics along with a quad or a quarter of an ounce and half an ounce.
Understanding the Measurement: What is an Eighth of Wee?
An eighth of weed is approximately 3.5 grams which can also be understood as half a quarter ounce or 1/4th of half ounce. Also referred to as a ‘slice,’ it is a common quantity of weed for buyers as well as sellers due to its manageable size.
What makes it so popular among users and sellers alike is the moderate quantity which is not too much or too little but just enough to last for a week. That’s right! 3.5 grams or 1/8th of an ounce of weed is enough to give you a desirable hit for up to 7 days if you use it responsibly and carefully.
To be specific, 1 gram of dried weed can be used to make one large joint or two slightly smaller joints. As such, 3.5 grams of it can be used to prepare 6-7 healthy joints to suffice for the whole week.
Visual Guide: What Does an Eighth of Weed Look Like?
Weed is usually sold by weight and not its appearance or size. There are several factors that can affect its overall weight like the density of the strain, the type of the product, and the moisture or humidity levels.
As such, two similar-sized buds of two different or even the same strains may not be entirely equal in weight. Besides, most cannabis buds and flowers have the same texture and appearance. So at the end of the day, it is all about their weight.
Still, to give you a rough idea, an eighth of weed might be the size of a golf ball or a ping-pong ball. If you spread it out, it can easily cover the entire area of a standard playing card.
Price Range: How Much Does an Eighth of Weed Cost?
As far as the cost of an eighth of weed is concerned, the price may vary depending on the strain, the quality of the buds, the local laws, and regulatory taxes. On average, a slice or 1/8th of an ounce of high-quality weed will cost you somewhere between $25 to $60 here in California. While the national average is about $40 for an eighth of high-quality marijuana.
Nonetheless, if you compare it with the least expensive states like Oregon where the cost of an eighth of weed is just over $25, you will realize that California is not that expensive either. The diversity in the price range is largely because of the strain and its THC content.
The higher the THC, the less weed you’d require to have your fill.
Consumption Methods: How to Use an Eighth of Weed
An eighth of weed can be used in many ways across a vast number of products. From rolling a joint to preparing a bowl and from vaping the flower directly to cooking cannabis-infused edibles such as brownies, cakes, and cookies, the convenient quantity of 3.5 grams of weed can be used as per your preferences and wishes.
To give you a fair estimate, 2.5 mg THC is the recommended level for newcomers and medicinal users which you can gradually increase to obtain the desired effects. And to adapt to those effects, it is always better to start low and go slow with your weed.
Comparisons: Eighth vs. Other Common Cannabis Measurements
As clarified earlier, an eighth is not the only standard quantity of weed. There are many other metrics that can be used to sell and use cannabis starting from a gram to an ounce which is 1/16th of a pound and enough to suffice for a month or two depending on the frequency of use and the strength of your joints.
In any case, some of the most common measurement metrics to weigh and sell cannabis include:
- one gram which is 1/28th of an ounce.
- an eighth or 1/8th of an ounce i.e. 3.5 grams.
- 1/4th or a quarter or quad of an ounce which is somewhere about 7 grams or 7.0874 to be specific.
- half ounce which is 14 grams.
- and finally, an ounce which is 28 grams in total.
Longevity: How Long Does an Eighth of Weed Last?
While an eighth or 3.5 grams of weed is more than enough for 3-4 large and solid joints, it all depends on the frequency of use and your tolerance levels.
Experienced and heavy users might finish it in one sitting or a single day; whereas a new or light user can make it last for a week and even more.Regular and disciplined users on the other hand can use an eighth of weed from one single day to a whole week depending on the usage.
For ideal longevity though, you should use one gram of weed to make about 2 slightly stronger joints for a day or two.
Storage Tips: How to Store an Eighth of Weed
Similar to any other form or quantity of cannabis, an eighth of it must also be stored in the best-recommended conditions. These are-
- A resealable and airtight container like a glass or mason jar and not one made of plastic or metal.
- A cold and dark place away from direct sunlight and heat such as a cabinet, drawer, or cupboard.
- The right humidity level of about 59-63%.
- And temperatures below 70° F or 20° C at all times.
Along with these tips, remember never to store your weed especially dried cannabis in a freezer or fridge as it can have varying temperatures and more moisture than outside.
Legal Aspects: Legal Considerations of Possessing an Eighth of Weed
Possessing or carrying an eighth of weed or any other amount for that matter depends on various factors such as your age, medicinal prescription, the location of purchase, and local laws and regulations.
In the United States, you have to be at least 21 years of age and must have valid identity proof for the same. But again, it depends from region to region as weed is still not legal across the entire nation.
For instance, in D.C. and Virgina, it is still illegal to purchase cannabis and its products. In North Dakota, it is only allowed for medicinal use with a proper prescription from a certified healthcare professional.
Interestingly enough, the places where marijuana is most restricted are also the most expensive when it comes to purchasing weed.
Even in places where weed is legal and relatively cheaper to buy such as Oregon, Washington, and California, one can only buy up to an ounce or 28 grams of dried weed in a day and about 8 grams of highly potent cannabis concentrates such as wax and oils.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Your Eighth of Weed
As a common measurement for weed, an eighth or 1/8th of an ounce is enough to last for a week should you use it with some responsibility. The amount which is 3.5 grams to be approximate is especially perfect for light and new users who do not require a large or strong joint to experience the desired effects.
For experienced and heavy users, this 3.5 grams is enough to give them multiple pot sessions in a single day or two. Aside from smoking, an eighth of weed can also be used in bud-specific vaping devices or vaporizers and cannabis-infused edibles if you like to consume your weed through eating.
Moreover, due to the moderate quantity, an eighth of weed is quite unlikely to go wrong or unsafe for consumption as is the case with storing too much weed at home. All-in-all, it is a convenient quantity be it for measuring, storing, or using.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cannabis Storage
Ans: An eighth of weed or 1/8th of an ounce of weed is approximately 3.5 grams and is a common metric to measure weed as it falls between the standard quantity of 1 gram and an ounce that weed is usually packed and sold in by the current legal industry.
Ans: The average cost of an eighth of top-shelf weed is between $25-$60 but it depends on several factors such as the strain, quality, location, and the local laws, taxes, and regulations.
Ans: The best way to store an eighth or any other quantity for that matter is to store it in an airtight container that is free from any contamination be it water, air, moisture, light, or temperature.
Ans: Yes, to possess or carry your weed, you should be at least 21 years of age and have valid identity proof to show the same. In addition, you can only buy up to 1 ounce of dried cannabis in a day plus up to 8 grams of any other rich cannabis concentrate.
Ans: Being a common industry standard, buying an eighth is quite easy as many sellers pack and sell their premium weed in tiny portions of 3.5 grams at relatively affordable pricing than other higher quantities such as a quad or half an ounce.
Just like our West Coast Safe Delivery has a variety of high-THC strains for you in that measurement for ease of use and convenience.
