Do you know how many times you've walked into a dispensary and looked at the menu, seeing the term "eighth" everywhere? That term represents the sweet spot for a lot of cannabis users, but there is so much uncertainty around what that term means. What does it represent? On the scale, and for your wallet?
I have experienced the confusion first-hand. For years, an eighth wasn't always 3.5 grams, and prices varied wildly. So today, we will break down the term, and provide a visual representation that connects the numbers to the actual products that you can buy in dispensaries today.
What is an Eighth of Weed?
First, let's talk about the facts. An eighth refers to 1/8 of an ounce.
- There are 28 grams in an ounce. Therefore, 28 divided by 8 equals 3.5 grams.
This is the only acceptable amount in a regulated market. A 3.5-gram jar from a reputable brand is proof that regulation provides the standards and accountability needed. The consistency of being able to trust the amount of weed inside each jar is one of the greatest quality-of-life improvements that legalization has brought to consumers. In my experience, this consistency is one of the largest positive changes that consumers have seen since the days of the unregulated market.
What Does an Eighth Look Like? The Visual Test
But 3.5 grams of what? This is where using visual aids and making real life comparisons are important. The appearance can vary significantly depending on the density of the flower.
Scenario 1: The Heavy, Frosty Nugs
Visualize opening a jar of Fig Farms or Northern Emerald, two companies known for producing extremely heavy, resinous flowers. An eighth of this type of weed would likely consist of 2-3 very large, solid nugs that fit in the palm of your hand. They are heavy for their size, and feel like little, fragrant rocks. When you open the jar, the container will feel completely filled because the buds are tightly packed.
Scenario 2: The Light, Airy Buds
Now imagine opening a jar of Cannabiotix (CBX) or any sativa-dominant strain of flower from Flow Kana. These types of flowers tend to be lighter and fluffier. An eighth of this type of weed would appear to be a much larger pile, possibly filling the entire jar with 3-6 of the light, airy nugs. Do not judge the size of the jar! The weight is the same, but the buds themselves will be structured differently. I found this to be another major area of confusion when transitioning from the unregulated market to the regulated market - bigger jar = more weed.
The Palm Test
In my experience, a 3.5 gram eighth of average density will contain 3-5 decent-sized nugs that fill the middle of your palm when combined without spilling over the sides.
How Much Does an Eighth Cost?
Price is probably the most subjective element in the equation. Price isn't just for the plant material, it reflects cultivation quality, branding, taxes, and your location. Here's a breakdown of what you'll find on menus:
Budget Tier ($20-$35)
Usually contains smaller "smalls" or "popcorn nugs," value brands, or weekly specials. Brands such as Oregrown's Bakershook line or Fluent's house brands are examples of brands in the budget tier.
This is your great every-day driver or a cost-effective way to create your own edibles. Quality can be surprisingly high, although the nugs will not be nearly as visually appealing as those in higher tiers.
Mid-Range Tier ($35-$55)
This is the norm for most of the top shelf and craft cannabis out there. You're paying for full-sized, well-trimmed nugs with complex terpene profiles and for grow operations from reputable farmers. Examples include Woody Nelson, Connoisseur Cannabis, and Pistil Point.
This is where I spend most of my money. The jump in quality, consistency, and overall experience from the budget tier is usually substantial and worth the additional $10-$15 for something special.
Premium/Exotic Tier ($55-$70+)
This is the luxury end. It often comes in the form of hyped strains, live soil/organic cultivation (i.e. Lemon Grown Organics), or small batch releases. Even the packaging itself looks luxurious.
Is it worth it? Some of the time, yes. The taste and effects can be better than anything else out there. I think of this like buying a fine bottle of wine. It's for a specific occasion when you want to experience the ultimate of what cannabis has to offer.
Pro Tip: Consider Beyond the Jar
One last thing to keep in mind is to consider the "eighth" as a reference point for value. If you see a 1/2 oz (14g) for $100, you can easily calculate that is approximately $25/eighth equivalent, a great value. On the flip side, a single pre-roll for $15 seems inexpensive, but is that $15 a bargain for over 4 grams of a budget eighth? The single gram purchase puts the single gram purchase in perspective.
The Final Answer
An eighth of weed is 3.5 grams of flower that can look very different, but always weigh the same. The price of an eighth, typically between $30 and $60, is a reflection of the quality of the flower, the branding, and the effort put into cultivating the flower.
Next time you go to the dispensary, look beyond the sticker price and the size of the nugs. You will begin to see the value. You will see the difference between a dense eighth of Fig Farms and a fluffy eighth of a sativa and be able to make a decision as to what you are really getting for your dollar.