Buying cannabis flower from a dispensary can be overwhelming. How much should you buy? How much is a gram of weed? Is the price I’m getting fair? How much do I need? If you’re a cannabis newbie, hearing words like “gram” and “ounce” may not make any sense when you’re just trying to grab some flower. And, how can you tell if the flower you’re getting is worth the price?
In this post, we’ll break down and explain some common weight benchmarks for cannabis purchases and what they mean. We’ll also explain how much you can expect certain amounts of weed to cost and the reasons some cultivars are more expensive than others. Keep reading to learn more about cannabis weight and what to expect at your next dispensary run.
Cannabis Weight: Understanding What You’re Actually Getting
You can buy weed in varying quantities suited for different flower-smoking habits, flower potency, and medical needs/recreational preferences.
One thing to note before we get into it: If you’re a beginner, we suggest starting with small weights first (a gram, for example) to try out different cultivars and learn how much cannabis you’re comfortable using. As you find your favorites and figure out how much cannabis you prefer to enjoy, you can get a better feel for how much you should buy at a time!
Why Cannabis is Sold By Weight
A lot of things are sold by weight, but why cannabis?
When cannabis buds are harvested, every plant is different depending on their growing conditions and cultivar. Some buds come out small, some come out large. Some buds are dense and tightly packed, while others may be lighter and looser. This variation means buying cannabis bud by bud or in containers of different sizes would make for inconsistent amounts for each purchase.
For example, you could buy a 2-cup container full of flower of one cultivar and get the most beautiful, dense, sticky buds you’ve ever seen, but next time you might get a cultivar that’s lighter and looser than before. This inconsistency would make keeping track of inventory and accurately pricing your buds a lot harder.
What Affects the Cost of Cannabis?
There are a few things that can affect the price of your weed: quality, quantity, state laws, availability, and competition.
The first thing that affects the price of your weed is its quality. Lower-quality cannabis is typically cheaper than higher-end cultivars. Different factors determine the quality of a cannabis cultivar, typically things like potency and the overall appearance of the buds.
Quantity simply refers to how much you are purchasing. The more weed you buy, the more expensive it will be. Some dispensaries offer small discounts on larger amounts of cannabis purchased.
State laws affect the price of weed by enacting cannabis taxes, managing market saturation, and influencing the overall function of the industry.
Availability also affects weed prices. If a pest or virus wipes out a lot of cannabis plants in a state, prices will go up due to scarcity. If a bunch of grows overproduce and saturate the market with lots of bud, prices tend to go down.
Lastly, competition also makes weed prices fluctuate. More dispensaries equal more competition and (usually) cheaper prices, while fewer dispensaries in an area constitute low competition and higher prices.
Cannabis Weights and What They Mean and Cost
Now that we’ve explained why we weigh cannabis for sale, it’s time to talk about what different weights mean. We’ll also look at how much different weights of cannabis cost on average. For cost estimates, please keep in mind that costs can vary greatly depending on the factors mentioned above.
A Gram of Weed: Starting Small
A gram of weed is typically the smallest amount of wee you can buy at a dispensary (with the exception of half-gram products like small joints or sample sizes). Grams are great for purchasing small amounts of cannabis when you’re testing out a new cultivar or are new to cannabis. A gram is roughly enough for a couple of small joints or a few bowls depending on how you roll or smoke.
Typically, the average gram of weed will run anywhere from $8-$15.
An Eighth of Weed: A Small Supply
An eighth of weed refers to an eighth of an ounce or 3.5 grams. Eighths are a good way to buy a small supply of weed at once for a weekend stash or just to have at home. If you’re new to cannabis and have discovered a couple of cultivars that you really like, an eighth will likely last you a few days to weeks.
An eighth usually costs between $25 and $50.
A Quarter of Weed: A Larger Stash
Double the previous amount, a quarter of weed equates to 7 grams. People who use cannabis more regularly or have higher tolerance might buy a quarter to have a nice consistent stock without having to worry about keeping their weed fresh for too long.
A quarter can cost anywhere from $50-$80, sometimes more for higher-quality buds.
A Half Ounce of Weed: For Consistent Enjoyment
For those who like to enjoy cannabis on a daily basis or use cannabis for medical reasons, a half-ounce is a common amount to purchase. You can often get a better price per gram here too since you’re purchasing a larger amount of flower.
Half-ounces typically cost between $90 and $160 depending on the quality of the flower and if the dispensary you’re buying from runs and discounts on larger purchases.
An Ounce of Weed: Buying in Bulk
An ounce of weed is 28 grams of weed, and it’s often a great option for those who use cannabis consistently and want to save a little money when they purchase. Ounces are typically discounted due to their bulk size and can help you stock up on a cultivar you really enjoy.
Ounces are typically $250 or more, but you can often find discounts on larger purchases like these.
Cannabis Weights and Costs: Final Thoughts
Next time you visit the dispensary, we hope this blog post helps you understand how much you should buy and what to expect when buying your next round of flower.
If you’re looking to purchase quality cannabis flower in New Mexico, shop with us at Dreamz Dispensary! Shop any of our locations online, or find a Dreamz near you on our locations page. Check out our blog for more information bout cannabis, and let us know on our contact page if you have any questions.
