An eighth of an ounce, also known as an “eighth”, is a common unit of measurement used to sell cannabis in the United States. But how many eighths are actually contained in a full ounce? Let’s break it down.
An ounce is a unit of measurement used in the imperial system to measure mass. One ounce is equal to 28.3495 grams. An eighth of an ounce is one eighth of that total amount. So to find out how many eighths are in an ounce, we simply divide the total ounce into eight equal parts.
Using simple math:
- 1 oz = 28.3495 g
- Divided by 8 (to get 1/8th)
- 28.3495 / 8 = 3.5436875 g
So one eighth of an ounce is equal to 3.5436875 grams.
Now to find out how many eighths fit into a full ounce, we flip the math:
- Start with 1 oz = 28.3495 g
- Divide by the weight of one eighth: 3.5436875 g
- 28.3495 / 3.5436875 = 8
Therefore, there are 8 eighths in 1 ounce.
Why is an Eighth Used to Measure Cannabis?
The eighth has become a standard unit for selling cannabis in the United States for a few key reasons:
- It’s a convenient size – small enough for personal use, but large enough to share.
- As a fraction, it can easily be divided into smaller amounts like half eighths or quarter eighths.
- Pricing cannabis by the eighth allows for a good range of affordable options for customers compared to other increments like grams or ounces.
- The weight aligns well with traditional measurement systems for cannabis, with 1/8 ounce close to 3.5 grams.
For both buyers and sellers, pricing cannabis by the eighth is simple and intuitive. It has therefore become the de facto standard unit in many legal markets.
Weights and Prices by Eighth
Now that we know there are eight eighths in an ounce, let’s look at the typical weight and price range when buying cannabis by the eighth:
- Weight: An eighth is generally between 3.5-4 grams of cannabis flower.
- Price: Between $25-$60 USD, depending on quality, strain, and geographic region.
However, here are some key considerations around eighth pricing and weights:
- States with legal cannabis may set limits on how much can legally be sold as an eighth. In Illinois for example, it’s capped at 3.5 grams.
- Price will depend largely on quality, THC levels, demand for the strain, and geographic region.
- Higher end or top shelf eighths generally start around $45 and can be up to $60+. Mass market eighths tend to cost between $25-$40.
- The weight may legally need to be labeled clearly. Actual weight can vary slightly around 3.5 grams based on moisture content and plant structure.
So while 3.5 grams and $30-50 is typical, there can be variation in exact weight and pricing. As with any purchase, it’s good to check details like strains, potency, and exact weight when shopping.
Buying Options by Eighth
Eighths are commonly purchased in two forms – either pre-packaged or by weight:
- Pre-packaged eighths – Many brands and dispensaries sell popular strains in pre-packed eighth sized portions. This makes shopping easy, with the weight and strain information already calculated and labeled.
- By weight – You can also purchase loose cannabis flower by weight. Simply request the amount you want and it will be weighed out and packaged on the spot. This allows maximum flexibility in strain selection and exact weight desired.
When purchasing by weight, eighths are a common quantity due to their popularity. But other sizes like a half quarter (1.75g) or a quarter ounce (7g) can be requested as well.
Packaging Considerations
Eighths purchased pre-packaged or by weight will arrive packaged in an airtight container, usually with a label indicating:
- Dispensary name
- Strain name
- Weight
- THC and other cannabinoid content percentages
- Harvest date or pack date
This ensures the product retains freshness and the customer has full transparency on what they’re purchasing.
Pricing and Tax
In states like Colorado and California where recreational cannabis is legal, additional taxes get added to the base price at time of purchase:
- Base price – The cost set by the dispensary for that particular strain and quantity.
- Excise tax – An additional tax on cannabis purchases, usually around 15% of the base price.
- Sales tax – Normal state/local sales tax is added on top of the excise tax.
Keep the added taxes in mind when budgeting for an eighth purchase. The total cost will be higher than just the listed price.
Equivalents and Subdivisions
Eighths can be broken down into smaller amounts called “half eighths” and “quarter eighths”. An eighth can also be converted to other metric measurements like grams and milligrams.
Half Eighth
A half eighth is half of a full eighth ounce, or one sixteenth of a full ounce:
- 1/8th oz = 3.54 g
- Half of 3.54g is 1.77g
So a half eighth is typically around 1.75 grams of cannabis flower. The price is also roughly half of a full eighth – so around $15-$30 depending on quality and location.
Quarter Eighth
A quarter eighth is one quarter of a full eighth ounce, or one thirty-second of a full ounce:
- 1/8th oz = 3.54 g
- One quarter of 3.54g is 0.885g
A quarter eighth is roughly 0.9 grams. Pricing is around one quarter of a full eighth as well, usually $7-$15.
Grams
Eighth ounces can easily be converted to grams:
- 1/8th oz = 3.5436875g
So in metric weight, an eighth is close to 3.5 grams of cannabis.
Milligrams
Switching to the smaller scale of milligrams:
- 1/8th oz = 3.5436875g
- 1g = 1000mg
- 3.54g x 1000 = 3543mg
An eighth ounce contains approximately 3500 milligrams of cannabis when converted to metric weight units.
Strain Selection
One of the benefits of purchasing cannabis by the eighth is the flexibility to pick from many different strains. Dispensaries will have a selection of popular eighth strains available either pre-packed or as flower by weight.
Here are some highly rated strains frequently found in eighth size:
- Hybrids – Blue Dream, Girl Scout Cookies, Gorilla Glue, Wedding Cake
- Sativas – Durban Poison, Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, Super Lemon Haze
- Indicas – Granddaddy Purple, Northern Lights, Bubba Kush, Purple Urkle
However, availability will vary based on your location. Be sure to check your local dispensary’s menu for current strain selection.
Choosing a Strain
With the variety of strains available, how do you choose? Here are some tips:
- Desired effects – Sativas for energy, Indicas for relaxation and sleep.
- THC/CBD levels – Check percentage levels and ratios to estimate potency and effects.
- Terpenes – Choose strains with terpenes suited to your needs and preferences.
- Ask your budtender for recommendations – They can guide you based on your desired experience, tolerance, and consumption method.
- Buy a few different eighths to sample – Try out multiple strains to see which you like best.
Uses for an Eighth
3.5 grams gives you a good amount of cannabis to work with. Here are some of the most popular uses for an eighth:
- Smoking/vaping flower – Can roll 5-10 joints or pack 10+ bowls depending on your smoking habits.
- Vaporizers – Perfect amount for portable vape ovens and multiple sessions.
- Edibles – Infuse butter or oil to bake edibles like cookies, brownies, or gummies.
- Concentrates – Make small batch solids or oils using extraction methods like ice water hash or rosin pressing.
- Topicals – Infuse into lotions, balms, or creams for localized relief. A little goes a long way.
- Capsules – Make your own THC capsules for convenient and controlled dosing. Roughly 40 x 10mg caps.
An eighth gives you room to experiment with different strain varieties and consumption methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are eighths the most common amount sold?
Eighths hit the sweet spot between being affordable for customers while still providing a decently sized amount for a range of uses. Their popularity with both buyers and sellers has made them the norm.
Can I purchase more or less than an eighth ounce?
Absolutely. Dispensaries will sell cannabis flower in any amount you request, usually starting at a gram. Other common quantities include quarter ounces (7g), half ounces (14g), and full ounces (28g).
Is an eighth enough to share with friends?
Eighths are a very shareable amount. Two to three people could comfortably smoke or vape an eighth together in a session. For larger groups, having a few eighths on hand works well.
What’s the best value in terms of price per gram?
Ounces offer the best value per gram since you buy in bulk. However, eighths strike a great balance of value while keeping the upfront cost lower. Larger amounts also risk losing freshness over time.
Can I split an eighth into two separate purchases?
Unfortunately, no. Dispensaries can only sell cannabis in child-resistant packaging meant to deter underage use. Pre-packaged eighths must be sold whole and cannot be split into two purchases.
How should I store an eighth to keep it fresh?
Keep your eighth in the sealed container it came in, stored out of direct sunlight in a cool, dark place. An airtight glass jar also works well for storage. Maintaining a humidity level around 58-62% will help preserve freshness.
The Bottom Line
An eighth ounce, or an “eighth” for short, has become the standard unit for purchasing cannabis flower in legal markets across the U.S. Containing approximately 3.5 grams of cannabis, eighths strike the perfect balance between quantity, versatility, and affordability. Their popularity with both consumers and dispensaries has made them the go-to choice.
Now that you understand exactly how many eighths are in an ounce and why they are commonly used, you’ll be well equipped to purchase your next batch. Pay attention to details like strain, potency, and pricing to find the perfect eighth for your needs.