A QP, which stands for a quarter pound, is a common unit for purchasing marijuana in bulk. But how much actual cannabis is in a QP? Let’s take a closer look at what comprises a QP and how to calculate the amount of marijuana in this large bundle.
What is a QP of Weed?
A QP, or quarter pound, contains 4 ounces of cannabis. One ounce is equal to 28.3495 grams. Therefore, when you multiply 4 ounces by 28.3495 grams per ounce, you get 113.398 grams total in a QP.
So in summary:
- 1 QP = 4 ounces of marijuana
- 1 ounce = 28.3495 grams
- 4 ounces x 28.3495 grams per ounce = 113.398 grams total in a QP
Converting QP to Pounds and Kilograms
To put a QP into perspective, let’s compare it to pounds and kilograms:
- 1 QP = 0.25 pounds
- 1 QP = 113.398 grams
- 454 grams = 1 pound
- A QP contains approximately 25% of a pound of weed
- 1 QP = 0.113398 kilograms
So a quarter pound contains a substantial amount of cannabis, equivalent to about 4 ounces or 113 grams.
How Much Weed is in a QP?
Now that we understand the basic conversions, let’s take a look at how much actual smokable marijuana flower is likely to be in a QP bundle.
There are a few factors that determine the amount of usable cannabis in a QP:
Density of Buds
The density and structure of the buds makes a big difference in weight. Some strains naturally grow airier, fluffier buds, while other strains form dense, heavy nuggets. Dense buds will contain more grams of smokable flower per ounce than airy buds.
Moisture Content
The moisture level of the buds also affects their weight. Fresher buds with higher moisture weigh more. As cannabis cures and dries out, it loses moisture and becomes lighter. QP amounts are generally sold in drier, cured form for maximum shelf life.
Amount of Stems/Leaves
A QP is supposed to contain all flower buds, not leftover stems, leaves, and trim. But some lower quality QPs may contain more non-smokable plant material to inflate the weight. Top-shelf QPs will have a greater ratio of actual buds vs stems and leaves.
Taking all these factors into account, most high quality QPs contain around 85-95 grams or 3-3.5 ounces of usable cannabis buds, once you remove excess stems and leaves. Lower grade QPs may only have 50-75 grams of actual buds.
Here is a quick reference:
- Top Shelf QP: 3-3.5 oz buds
- Average QP: 2.5-3 oz buds
- Lower Grade QP: 1.5-2.5 oz buds
Visual Examples
To give a visual example, here is roughly what you can expect to find in different quality level QPs:
| QP Quality | Example Photo |
|---|---|
| Top Shelf | |
| Average | |
| Lower Grade |
As you can see, a top shelf QP contains mostly large, dense buds with minimal trim or leaves. Lower grade QPs have more leaves, stems, and compressed shake.
Pricing on a QP of Marijuana
So now that we know what comprises a QP, how much does a quarter pound of weed cost? Cannabis prices can vary substantially based on quality, strain, location, and other factors. Here are some typical price ranges:
High Quality QP:
- $600-$1000+ per QP
- $150-$250 per ounce
Average Quality QP:
- $400-$700 per QP
- $100-$175 per ounce
Lower Grade QP:
- $200-$400 per QP
- $50-100 per ounce
As you can see, a premium top-shelf QP can run $1000 or more, breaking down to around $250 per ounce. Average mid-level buds run $400-$700 for a QP, or $100-$175 per ounce. Outdoor and lower grade buds can be priced as low as $200-$400 per QP, or $50-$100 per ounce.
Prices are even lower when purchasing wholesale direct from growers, often as low as $600-$800 per pound. So a QP bought in bulk wholesale can be $150-$200. Dispensaries then mark up QPs to $800-$1200+ for retail sales.
Factors Affecting QP Pricing:
- Demand/availability – Popular strains in short supply command higher prices
- Recreational vs medical – Recreational marijuana tends to be more expensive
- Dispensary vs street – Dispensaries charge higher prices than black market due to overhead costs and taxes
- Location – Urban areas tend to have higher prices than rural areas
- Regulations/taxes – Areas with legal marijuana have added production costs and taxes
- Branding – Trendy brands and packaging add perceived value
So in summary, expect to pay between $400-$1000 for a QP depending on the quality, supply levels, location, and other factors. Top shelf indoor buds from in-demand strains will fetch the highest prices, while outdoor crops and overproduced strains tend to be cheaper.
Getting the Best Deal on a QP
Here are some tips for getting the most value when purchasing a quarter pound of cannabis:
Buy From Private Growers
Purchasing directly from the source saves money by cutting out any middleman markups. Many small growers sell QPs for reasonable wholesale prices.
Buy in Bulk
The more you buy, the lower the price. Multi-QP purchases can save you 15-25% compared to buying a single quarter pound. Offer to buy a pound or more for the best deal.
Buy Shake/Small Nugs
Less visually appealing shake (loose buds and leaves) and small popcorn nugs are drastically cheaper than big colas. The potency is the same.
Shop Sales & Clearance Items
Check dispensaries for discounts on clearance strains, bundles, and products nearing expiry dates. Sign up for deal alerts by text or email.
Buy Outdoor Harvests
Outdoor crops tend to much cheaper to produce than indoor, resulting in lower prices. Nothing wrong with sun-grown buds!
Negotiate Prices
Don’t be afraid to politely negotiate, especially when making large or bulk purchases. The worst they can say is no.
Buy Directly From Growers
Purchasing directly from growers saves money by cutting out any dispensary or retail middleman markups.
Split Bulk Orders
Get together with friends to split a pound or more. Bulk pricing combined with a group buy equals huge savings.
Following these tips can help you score the most marijuana for your money when buying a QP. Do your research to sniff out the best deals.
Maximizing Value & Quality When Purchasing a QP
Beyond just getting the lowest price on a QP, there are also some steps you can take to ensure you’re getting top-notch buds:
Inspect Product Thoroughly
Don’t be afraid to closely inspect the cannabis when buying QPs, including smelling jars, examining buds, and weighing on a scale. Verify quality before handing over money.
Ask for Samples
Request a small sample bud from a QP to assess quality, potency, and smoking experience before making a large purchase. Most sellers will happily provide samples.
Check Lab Reports
Reputable dispensaries and growers should provide up-to-date lab reports on the potency of strains they sell. Verify THC/CBD percentages and terpene profiles.
Research Strains
Leafly, Wikileaf, and other sites allow you to research info and reviews on specific strains. Look up pricing info and quality feedback.
Look for Premium Genetics
Top-shelf buds usually come from proven, brand name seed banks and popular clone-only strains. Don’t hesitate to ask genetics.
Avoid Old Product
Check dates and batches and try to buy newly harvested QPs for maximum freshness and potency. Old product loses quality.
Purchase from Trusted Sources
Buying directly from reputable growers and dispensaries ensures you’re getting exactly what you pay for. Avoid random unreliable sources.
Put in the research and legwork to find and verify the highest quality QP from premium marijuana strains. Never settle for subpar quality or dubious products. A QP is a big investment – take steps to ensure it meets your standards.
How Long Will a QP Last?
Finally, a common question is how long a quarter pound of weed will last you? This depends on a few factors:
Your Personal Consumption Habits
Light smokers may make a QP last 6 months or more. Heavy smokers can easily smoke a QP in under a month. Think about how quickly you consume cannabis.
Intended Use
Selling to friends and making edibles, extracts, and joints will exhaust a QP faster than just smoking pure bowls. Think about your plans for the weed.
Strain Potency & Density
A QP of dense, high potency buds like GG4 will last longer than an airy QP of mid-level buds. Consider the actual amount of consumable cannabis.
Storage Conditions
Properly stored in sealed jars with humidity packs, a QP can stay fresh for over a year. Poor storage will dry out buds faster. Use best practices.
Grow Your Own
To make a QP last indefinitely, start growing your own plants! Just 4-5 plants can yield QP-sized harvests every 3 months indoors.
Here is a rough estimate for how long a QP will last for average consumers based on usage frequency:
| Consumption Frequency | QP Duration |
|---|---|
| Heavy: Multiple times per day | 2-4 weeks |
| Moderate: Once per day | 1-3 months |
| Light: Few times per week | 4-6 months |
| Ultra Light: Weekly or less | 6-12 months |
Properly stored and portioned out, a QP can maintain quality and last for over a year. But avid smokers may go through a quarter pound in just a month! Regulate your intake accordingly.
Conclusion
A QP contains 4 ounces or 113 grams of cannabis product. The actual amount of premium smokeable flower buds is generally around 3-3.5 ounces or 85-100 grams when you remove excess stems, leaves, and shake.
QP pricing ranges from $200-$1000+ depending on quality and source, with top shelf dispensary buds commanding premium prices around $250/ounce. Value hunters can score deals buying wholesale, shopping sales, purchasing shake and smalls, buying outdated product, and buying in bulk.
With proper storage, a QP can stay fresh and last for over a year. But for frequent consumers, a quarter pound may only supply a month or two of usage. Plan accordingly based on your consumption habits.
Knowing exactly what comprises a QP, pricing, and how to maximize value allows you to make educated bulk purchases. Now that you understand the ins and outs of quarter pounds, you can confidently shop for these large bundles of buds.
