When you start asking about a QP, you are not simply curious — you are planning ahead. At the point when you are thinking in terms of bulk rather than casually purchasing an eighth or quarter-ounce. I recall the first time I thought seriously about purchasing a quarter pound. The quantities listed on the paper appeared to be theoretical. Just how much pot does a quarter pound represent? Is it worth the expense?
Through both the legal and illicit cannabis markets, I've discovered that evaluating a QP is not merely evaluating the expense per ounce. Rather, it is a matter of conceptualizing the quantity of the QP relative to what you already know and being able to make a well-informed, sensible choice. Let's examine this jointly.
What is a QP?
A QP represents a Quarter Pound.
- That means 4 ounces.
- Approximately 113 grams.
But these figures mean nothing until we provide context to them. So let's do that.
What Does a QP Actually Look Like?
Let us ignore the scale for now and look at it visually. I have personally handled far more QPs than I can remember and there has never been a QP that did not initially impress me by its sheer physical appearance.
Imagine this:
- Picture carrying a sack of 112 individual 1-gram jars of pot upon leaving a dispensary. That is the raw weight of the pot. In reality, it is typically found in a few large, vacuum sealed bags or in a container that weighs substantially.
- A typical sandwich bag will accommodate about half an ounce to an ounce of fluffy marijuana. A QP would be sufficient to fill four to eight of those bags.
- This is my personal yardstick. A one-quart mason jar will contain roughly one ounce of dense cannabis. To preserve a QP correctly — which you must do to maintain freshness — you will need four full quart sized mason jars lined up on your shelf. It is quite an impressive sight.
When I purchased my first QP, I poured the contents of the bulk bag into my jars. It took me about 15 minutes and the aroma filled my entire apartment for hours. It’s a serious commitment — physically and through the sense of smell.
How Much is a QP of Weed?
This is where things get confusing and my personal experiences vary greatly. The cost isn't just about the weight, it is about the circumstances surrounding the sale, the quality of the product and the relationship you have with the person selling it to you. I have watched the original market evolve into a regulated market.
The Legal Dispensary Route (The Higher End)
You may be able to go into a licensed dispensary and ask for a QP in some markets, but in many cases, this route will not provide you with the lowest cost per unit.
- Cost range: $600-$1200
- Reality: Licensed dispensaries have huge costs associated with running their business: taxes, testing, packaging and retail markup. In many cases, you will be paying close to the individual ounce price, but multiplied by four. I once looked at pricing a QP in a California licensed shop, and for top-shelf exotic flower, they wanted $1100. You are paying for the consistency, the testing, and the peace of mind, not for the bulk price.
The Legacy Market & Direct Grower Connection (Where You Find Value)
This is where the term "bulk price" is alive and well. All of my best purchases have been made through a direct connection with a grower, or through a trusted and established source.
- Cost Range: $400-$800
- Reality: Pricing is a back-and-forth. It is based upon:
Quality: Mids (medium grade) will be priced on the low side ($400-$550), while top-shelf, fragrant, perfectly trimmed bud will be priced on the high side ($600-$800).
Relationship: This is also very important. A first-time buyer may be quoted $700, while a long-term customer who buys monthly may be quoted $550. If you are loyal, you will pay less.
Location & Supply: Generally, states where marijuana is legal will have lower pricing due to less risk. States where marijuana is illegal will see higher pricing because the risk is greater. I have paid $650 for amazing indoor in Oregon, while the same grower would quote me $750+ for the same product in a higher-risk area.
For excellent quality, indoor flower from a trusted source, I believe $500-$650 represents the "sweet spot". If you are purchasing high-quality flower and receiving it for under $500, then you are getting a great deal. If you are paying significantly above $650, then you better have a reason, such as you are purchasing a specific strain that has won awards.
What Else Could Your QP Money Get?
This is the best way to understand the value. Suppose you locate a quality QP for $600. What are your other options?
- vs. Purchasing Eighths (3.5g):
$40 an eighth (a common dispensary price), your $600 would buy you 15 eighths.
15 eighths = 52.5 grams.
You'll get more than twice the amount of cannabis for the same price with the QP (113g).
- vs. Purchasing Single Ounces:
If you were to spend $180 for each ounce, your $600 would purchase you 3.33 ounces.
You will obtain almost a complete second ounce of cannabis (two ounce jar) with the QP in addition to the 3.33 ounces you would purchase with your $600.
- vs. Other Expenditures in Daily Life:
That $600 QP is equivalent to a new video game system, a weekend trip away, or multiple fine dining meals out. That is the ultimate trade-off. A QP is an investment in your cannabis use for the next few months. You must ask yourself: is that a better way to utilize the funds than either of those other ways to enjoy yourself?
The Bottom Line
The price of a QP of weed is a reflection of quality, location, and source. While you can find a cheap QP for around $400, a premium, top-shelf quarter-pound will likely set you back close to $1,000 or more.
If you are a heavy consumer, have a trusted source, and can store it correctly, buying in this quantity can be a great way to save money. Just make sure you do your homework, understand the legalities in your area, and are ready to commit to a large amount of the same herb.