Do you buy cannabis regularly? If so, you probably know some basic terminology like grams, eighths, and ounces, however, do you also know what a half ounce means? While the term is widely used, many people don’t actually know how much weed is included in a half ounce.
In this article, we'll take a closer look at the half ounce with simple math, visual examples, and practical examples. As you read through this article, you'll be able to understand the true nature of the half ounce and how much you're actually paying for.
The Simple Math: Breaking Down a Half Ounce
Cannabis weight is typically measured in the Imperial System (pounds and ounces) when measuring large quantities.
- 1 Ounce (oz) = 28 grams
- Half Ounce (½ oz) = 14 grams
Therefore, if you divide an ounce into half, you get 14 grams. Therefore, 14 grams is all there is in a half ounce of marijuana. But what does that equate to in terms of the units you are familiar with? A half ounce has the same number of items as four of the most common products you can purchase:
- Four 3.5 g Eighths
- Two 7 g Quarters
- 14 Single 1 g Grams
It is for this reason, a half ounce is a great unit of measure to buy in bulk; you will receive a greater number of grams at a lower cost than you would if you were to purchase four separate small quantities.
A Visual Exploration: How Much Weed Is Really In That Half-Ounce?
At this point, it becomes all about the way those buds grow together - based on the density and structure of your buds. Here's how it has worked out for me.
Scenario 1: The Extremely Densely Packed Flower
I bought a half ounce of Gorilla Glue #4 that was extremely densely packed with bud, it felt like I had a small stone in the jar when I held it. The buds were extremely compact, tight and full of resin. For example, in this case the whole half ounce may only be 3-5 of these type of golf ball size nugs, depending on what they measure to. It was misleading, the half ounce seemed like very little until I went to break it apart and then I realized the massive amount of flower I had. Typically, this is a sign of top quality flower grown indoors.
Scenario 2: The Extremely Light And Airy, Sativa Dominant Bud
In contrast, a half ounce of Jack Herer, a classic Sativa that I bought last year, consisted of extremely light, airy, spongy, and loose buds. Compared to the previous example, this half zip appeared to be quite larger and would fill a large Mason Jar with many more smaller, branching nugs. Visually, it was impressive and overflowing from the edge of the jar, however, it weighed exactly the same as the other half zip (14 grams). Early on, this taught me to never estimate the quantity of cannabis strictly by volume.
Scenario 3: The Typical Combination
Most likely, your average, high-quality half ounce will contain a mixture of both. A typical half ounce will include several medium sized "primary" colas, and a handful of smaller "popcorn" nugs, and will fit easily into the palm of your hand or a standard 8-ounce Mason Jar with a little extra space to move around.
The Real-World Perspective: What Can You Do With a Half Ounce?
What you do with a half ounce, is far more important than the number itself. A half ounce represents a large collection of possible experience opportunities. Based on my personal use pattern:
- As a Mostly Evening User: A half ounce is the perfect quantity for me for 2-3 weeks. Assuming I make approximately 1.5 to 2 gram joints every evening, I get 10-14 total joints. It provides enough variety - I can have a strong Indica in the evening and a brighter Sativa for the weekend, without running out.
- As an Occasional Social Smoker: If you smoke only on weekends with friends, a half ounce could provide enough cannabis for a month or longer. Two nice bowls in a bong (about 0.3 grams each) for a Friday movie night takes an insignificant portion of your overall stash.
- As a Vaporizer Enthusiast: This is huge. Once I began using a dry herb vaporizer, my cannabis began to last me twice as long. A half ounce, under these conditions, appears to be an endless resource. Dry herb vaporizers are extremely efficient, providing great results from extremely low amounts of cannabis, typically between 0.1 to 0.3 grams per vape session. A half ounce of cannabis can result in over 100 vaping sessions.
My Personal Insights: Beyond the Scale
Over time, you begin to understand the ins and outs of purchasing cannabis in this quantity.
- The Price Breakdown: Generally speaking, in most areas of the country, purchasing a half ounce will offer a substantially better price per gram, than if you purchased two separate quarter ounces. You will pay significantly less for your cannabis per gram, which provides the best value for the casual smoker.
- The Strain Lock Problem: One disadvantage of purchasing a half ounce is the commitment. After smoking the same strain for two weeks, you will develop a tolerance to the specific cannabinoids and terpenes in that strain (which some refer to as "strain lock"). My answer to this problem, is that I sometimes divide my half-ounce purchase into two separate 7-gram strains, to keep my taste buds and endocannabinoid system guessing.
- Store it Properly: You are investing in this product. Don’t allow it to become dried out or lose its potency. I can’t stress this enough, buy yourself a glass Mason Jar with a secure-fitting lid. Store your half ounce of beautiful, cured cannabis in a cool, dark location. By doing so, you will help preserve the freshness and potency of your half ounce of cannabis throughout its life span.
Final Toke
Therefore, a half ounce is greater than just 14 grams. A half ounce is a diverse, affordable quantity that symbolizes your independence and relaxation. It is the equivalent of a small handful of nature’s fascinating flowers, with the ability to create endless quiet nights, creativity sparks, and enjoyable times with friends.
Regardless if it is a compact cluster of densely packed Indica “rocks” or a jar-packed bouquet of loosely formed sativas, you should now view that half zip not only as cannabis, but as a vast opportunity.