A QP, which stands for a quarter pound, is a common unit of measurement used to quantify amounts of cannabis. As cannabis measures can vary, there is often confusion around exactly how much a QP equates to in standard weight measurements. This article will provide a definitive answer on whether 4 ounces is equivalent to a QP of cannabis.
What is a QP?
A QP or quarter pound is a unit of measurement frequently used in cannabis transactions, particularly for larger amounts. A QP refers to one quarter of a pound. As a pound is equal to 16 ounces, one quarter of a pound equates to 4 ounces.
However, in relation to cannabis transactions, a QP takes on a slightly different meaning. Rather than referring to exactly one quarter pound or 4 ounces, a QP has become known as around 4 ounces. This distinction is important, as the exact weight of a QP can actually vary.
Typical weight of a QP
Though a QP is considered approximately 4 ounces, the precise weight can range from 3.5 ounces up to 5 ounces depending on geographic location and individual sellers.
On average, commercially available cannabis QPs weigh:
- 3.5 ounces (99 grams)
- 4 ounces (113 grams)
- 5 ounces (142 grams)
These weights account for variations in stem weight, moisture content, and density of different cannabis strains.
Is 4 ounces exactly a QP?
Given the variation in QP weights, 4 ounces is generally considered to be a QP in cannabis transactions. However, a QP may not always weigh exactly 4 ounces.
Some key points:
- A true quarter of a pound is exactly 4 ounces or 113 grams
- Commercially available cannabis QPs often range from 3.5 – 5 ounces
- 4 ounces sits in the middle of this typical QP weight range
So while 4 ounces is not guaranteed to be the exact weight of a QP, it falls into the accepted weight range. For simplicity and consistency, 4 ounces is widely referred to as a QP.
Average QP prices
Beyond weight, QP cannabis prices also vary based on factors like quality, geographic region, market supply and demand. Here is an overview of typical QP prices:
Low quality
For low grade ‘schwag’ quality cannabis, QPs can be priced from $200 to $800 wholesale. The lowest end prices are generally found in legalized states with an oversupply of low potency cannabis.
Medium quality
Medium or ‘mids’ quality cannabis QPs are commonly priced from $800 to $2500 wholesale. This covers most commercial grade cannabis with moderate potency levels.
High quality
Premium high grade cannabis purchased in QP quantities normally ranges from $2500 to $5000+ wholesale. These prices reflect high quality strains with high THC levels purchased in bulk.
Geographic price differences
Regional prices vary significantly for wholesale cannabis QPs:
| Region | Typical QP Price Range |
|---|---|
| West Coast | $1000 – $2500 |
| Colorado | $600 – $3000 |
| Midwest | $1200 – $5000 |
| East Coast | $2000 – $6000 |
As shown above, QP prices tend to be lower in western cannabis markets like California and Colorado compared to east coast prices. This reflects regional supply and demand.
Breaking down a QP into smaller units
A QP can be broken down into smaller standard units for selling and distributing smaller cannabis amounts. Here is how a QP typically breaks down:
1 QP = 16 ounces
- 1 ounce = 28 grams
- 16 ounces x 28 grams/ounce = 448 grams
1 QP = 454 grams
A QP is also approximately equal to 454 grams at typical cannabis weights.
1 QP = 112 grams
If we assume an exactly 4 ounce QP at 28 grams/ounce:
- 4 ounces x 28 grams/ounce = 112 grams
1 QP = 128 eighths
An eighth refers to an 1/8 ounce or 3.5 grams of cannabis.
- 1 ounce = 3.5 grams x 8 = 28 grams
- 16 ounces x 8 eighths/ounce = 128 eighths
So a QP contains around 128 eighths if perfectly divided. However weights will vary slightly.
Equivalents and conversions
To understand QPs, it helps to know cannabis weight equivalents and conversions:
1 ounce = 28 grams
1 pound = 16 ounces = 448 grams
1 QP = 4 ounces = 112 grams
1 gram = 0.035 ounces
Use these conversion ratios to calculate cannabis weights and quantities.
FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about QPs:
Why do QP weights vary?
The exact weight of a QP varies due to differences in cannabis density, moisture content, amount of stem weight, and grower curing and handling processes. Geographic regional differences also impact weight variation.
Is a QP the same as a zip?
A zip is slang that refers to the same amount as a QP. Both zip and QP are used to refer to around 4 ounces or 114 grams of cannabis.
What’s the difference between indica and sativa QPs?
There is no difference in QP weight between indica and sativa strains. The only difference will be in the effects and potency levels, which vary between cannabis strains and genetics.
Why buy a QP instead of smaller amounts?
QPs offer bulk pricing discounts compared to purchasing smaller ounce quantities. Buying a QP at once saves multiple cannabis transactions and purchase costs. QPs also provide enough cannabis for resale by dealers and dispensaries.
Is a QP considered felony drug trafficking?
In most U.S. states, possession of a QP remains a felony charge and can be considered drug trafficking. Laws differ between states, with some like California considering a QP a legal amount for personal possession and use.
The bottom line
While a QP is technically defined as exactly 4 ounces or one quarter pound, typical cannabis QP weights range from 3.5 – 5 ounces depending on the region and individual sellers. On average across the cannabis industry, 4 ounces serves as an accepted approximate weight for a QP. When purchasing QPs, expect some variation in actual weights. And always understand current laws, as QPs can constitute a trafficking felony in prohibition states.