A QP, which stands for a quarter pound, is a common unit of measurement used to weigh cannabis. On a typical scale used to weigh cannabis, a QP would equal 4 ounces or around 113 grams. Knowing how much a QP weighs on a scale is important for both buyers and sellers of cannabis to ensure fair transactions.
What is a QP?
A QP, also known as a quarter pound, is a unit of measurement equal to 4 ounces or 113.4 grams. It is commonly used to measure the weight and quantities of cannabis sold on the black market or in legal recreational/medical markets.
Some key facts about QPs:
- QP stands for “quarter pound.” A pound is equal to 16 ounces.
- A QP is precisely:
- 4 ounces
- 113.4 grams
- 125.6 grams (rounded to the nearest 5 grams)
- A QP is one quarter of a pound. So four QPs make up one pound.
- A QP is also known as a “quarter pounder” in slang terms.
- On the black market, a QP typically sells for around $600-$1000 depending on quality and location.
- In legal markets, a QP sells for $400-$2000+ depending on quality, location, and dispensary markup.
Knowing exactly how much a QP weighs allows buyers and sellers to accurately measure quantities during cannabis transactions.
How Much Does a QP Weigh on a Scale?
When weighed on a digital scale or balance beam scale, a QP should weigh:
113.4 grams
However, due to variability in scales and the density of cannabis buds, most buyers and sellers round the weight of a QP to:
125 grams or 4.4 ounces
This accounts for a +/- 5% margin of error and allows for some stems/leaves/stalks attached to the buds.
So in practice, if you place a QP of cannabis onto a scale, you can expect a reading somewhere around 125 grams or 4.4 ounces. Anything from 120g to 130g would generally be considered acceptable.
Converting a QP to Other Units
While most scales used for weighing cannabis will be calibrated in either grams or ounces, it can be helpful to know how a QP converts to other common units:
| 113.4 grams | = | 4 ounces |
| 113.4 grams | = | 3.99435 ounces |
| 113.4 grams | = | 0.25 pounds |
| 113.4 grams | = | 16 ounces |
| 113.4 grams | = | 4537.01 grains |
| 113.4 grams | = | 0.1134 kilograms |
As you can see, in most cases it converts cleanly to other units or rounds nicely when converted. Knowing these equivalencies allows you to communicate effectively about QP weights even if you or the other party are used to different units of measurement.
Typical Scales Used to Weigh a QP
The two most common types of scales used by cannabis buyers, sellers, and dispensaries to weigh QPs are:
Digital Scales
Digital scales use an electronic load cell and digital display to precisely measure weight. They are inexpensive, widely available online and in stores, and provide highly accurate readings instantly.
For weighing QPs, look for a digital pocket scale or small kitchen scale with a capacity between 100-500 grams and precision to 0.1 gram. Many also include ounce measurements. Scales made specifically for cannabis, herbs, or jewels are ideal.
Balance Beam Scales
Balance scales use a balanced beam and sliding weights to determine mass. They are classic, durable, and do not require batteries or calibration.
For weighing QPs, look for a smaller balance beam scale with a capacity up to 100-500 grams and precision to 0.1 gram. The scale should include gram and ounce weight sliders.
Vintage balance scales can work but may be less precise. Modern digital balance beam scales offer the best accuracy.
Other Scale Types
Larger capacity digital and balance beam scales can also work for QPs if they have precision to 0.1g or 0.01oz. Kitchen, shipping, lab, and jeweler scales are all options, though less convenient for portability. Most cannabis dispensaries use larger digital scales.
Avoid personal weight scales, as they only measure in pounds and usually have poor precision for weighing cannabis.
Factors that Impact QP Weight
Several factors can cause the actual weight of a QP to deviate slightly from 113.4 grams when measured on a scale:
Moisture Content
The moisture content of cannabis buds directly impacts their weight. Fresher buds with higher moisture weigh more. As cannabis dries and cures, it loses moisture and becomes lighter. A QP of dried cannabis stored for months may weigh 5-10g less than fresher cannabis.
Plant Matter
Leaves, stems, stalks, and seeds all weigh less than the dense cannabis flowers. A QP containing more plant matter will weigh less than manicured buds alone. Sellers sometimes leave some plant matter attached intentionally or to meet a specific weight.
Packaging
The tare weight of any packaging – bags, jars, etc – must be subtracted from the total weight to determine the actual weight of the cannabis. Make sure to tare scales appropriately.
Scale Calibration
Scales can lose accuracy over time through improper handling or measuring outside their capacity. Check scales regularly with calibration weights to ensure the readings are precise and adjust as needed. Digital scales may require recalibration while balance beam scales can have their zero reset.
Scale Precision
The precision of the measuring device also impacts exact weight. A scale that rounds to the nearest gram will not give the precise weight down to the milligram. This rounding accounts for the +/- 5 gram variability typically allowed. Investing in a more precise 0.01g scale enables exact measurements.
Best Practices for Weighing a QP
To achieve the most accurate QP weight measurements:
- Use a digital pocket scale or balance beam scale designed for weighing grams and ounces.
- Choose a scale with acapacity between 100-500 grams.
- Find a scale with 0.1 gram or 0.01 gram precision for the most accuracy.
- Calibrate the scale regularly using weights to ensure accuracy.
- Tare or zero the scale with any containers on it empty first.
- Gently place cannabis on the center of the weighing platform.
- Wait for the display to stabilize before reading the weight.
- For bulk cannabis, divide into smaller amounts for most accurate readings.
- Subtract packaging weight by weighing first then with cannabis.
Follow this process carefully each time for reliable QP measurements down to the gram.
Common Questions About QP Weights
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about weighing QPs of cannabis:
Why does a QP sometimes weigh more or less than 113 grams?
Normal variability in moisture content, plant matter, packaging, and scale precision accounts for small differences from 113g. 125g or 4.4oz represents the accepted range. Significant shortages may indicate an issue.
What is the weight difference between a QP and a pound?
A QP is 4 ounces or 113g while a pound is 16 ounces or 453g. So a pound is 4 times heavier than a QP.
What does it mean if a QP weighs over or under?
A QP weighing 120-130g is generally still considered acceptable. Anything significantly outside this range may indicate a measuring issue or intentional shorting by the seller. Communicate with the seller or dispensary for major discrepancies.
Should I request weighing a QP before purchasing?
It is advisable to request weighing a QP in person before finalizing a transaction if possible. This allows you to confirm the weight on your own scale and avoids relying on someone else’s measurements.
Is it normal for different QPs to vary in weight?
Yes, it is very normal for different QPs, even from the same harvest, to show some slight variability in weight due to the factors mentioned earlier. Unless major inconsistencies, this is expected. Focus on the average weight across multiple QPs.
How can I make sure my scale is weighing accurately?
Regularly check your scales using calibration weights to confirm accuracy and adjust as needed. This ensures any measurements done, including QPs, will be as precise as possible. Investing in a high quality pocket scale is advisable for frequent cannabis weighing.
The Importance of QP Weights
Knowing precisely how much a QP weighs is important for fairness, transparency, and accuracy in cannabis transactions between buyers and sellers:
- Prevents buyers from being unintentionally shorted.
- Enables accurate pricing based on true quantities.
- Builds trust in transactions when both parties can validate weights.
- Reduces discrepancies in expected versus actual weights.
- Allows buyers to budget properly based on real QP weights.
- Discourages sellers from intentionally shorting as it is easily detected.
- Creates consistency across the cannabis industry.
Both buyers and sellers should invest in reliable scales, learn proper weighing techniques, and understand factors impacting QP weight. This promotes a fair, safe, and successful cannabis market.
Conclusion
When weighed properly on an accurate digital or balance beam scale, a QP of cannabis will measure very close to 113.4 grams. Due to small deviations in moisture content, plant matter, scale precision, and measurement practices, the accepted weight range is commonly 120-130 grams or 4.4 ounces. Knowing precisely how much a QP weighs enables buyers and sellers to confidently measure quantities during transactions and ensures a fair, equitable, and successful cannabis industry. Investing in a quality pocket scale and learning proper weighing techniques allows anyone participating in the market to accurately weigh QPs down to the gram.
