An eighth (⅛) is a measurement of cannabis weight. It is the shorthand for “one-eighth of an ounce,” or 3.5 grams. Cannabis shops and dispensaries sell cannabis in a variety of different weights, the most common of which are grams, eighths, quarters, half-ounces, and ounces. Depending on how big the bowl is on your pipe or bong, an eighth of cannabis will typically provide you with seven to ten bowls.
“I’m going to pick up an eighth of Bubba Kush at the dispensary.”
“You should get a quarter of Bubba Kush, because last time an eighth wasn’t enough.”
What is an eighth?
An eighth refers to a common weight measurement used when selling cannabis. It equates to one-eighth (⅛) of an ounce by weight, which is approximately 3.5 grams. Just as coffee shops typically sell coffee in 12 oz., 16 oz., and 20 oz. cups, cannabis shops and dispensaries usually sell cannabis flower by specific standardized amounts. These include:
- One gram
- An eighth (3.5 grams)
- A quarter (7 grams)
- A half (14 grams)
- An ounce (28 grams)
The cost of an eighth varies based on quality of cannabis, local market prices, and taxes. On average, eighths usually cost approximately $35-40, but they could cost more, especially in legal markets with high taxes.
What does an eighth look like?
Cannabis strains can vary in density, so some eighths may look larger than others. For example, some sativa strains like Maui Wowie can grow more fluffy, airy buds that allow the plant to thrive in more humid environments without developing mold. Other varieties, like Northern Lights or Gelato, might grow more dense, tightly packed buds that might appear smaller.
Because buds can vary in size and density, there is no way to say how many full buds will be found in an eighth. Your eighth could be made up of three large buds, or it could contain several smaller buds. The only way to accurately measure an eighth of cannabis is by using a scale.
Difference between an eighth and a quarter
Two of the most common quantities of cannabis you will find at the dispensary are eighths and quarters. The difference between the two is their weight; an eighth is one-eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams), and a quarter refers to one-quarter of an ounce (7 grams).
Other typical sizes other than an eighth include a gram, a half, and an ounce. You likely will not see cannabis sold in amounts larger than an ounce in legal markets due to possession limits.