Zip

A zip of weed is a slang term for one ounce of cannabis flower, equal to 28 grams. 

  • ” I bought a zip of Runtz this weekend.”
  • What do you mean I can only buy a zip a day from recreational shops in California?!”
  • “This zip I got from my friend is gas!”

How much is a zip of weed?

In terms of weight, a zip of weed is equal to 28 grams, or one ounce. You can convert a zip of weed by breaking it down into other cannabis amounts such as:

  • 1 zip = 8 eighths (3.5 grams each)
  • 1 zip = 4 quarters (7 grams each)
  • 1 zip = 28 joints (1g per joint)
  • 1 zip = 14 blunts (2g per blunt)
  • 1 zip = two half-ounces (14g per half-ounce)
  • 1 zip = 1 oz = 28 grams
  • 16 zips = 1 pound (also called a “pizzle”) = 16 oz

In recreational states, a zip is usually the most cannabis flower an adult without a medical card can purchase in a day. Due to varying densities and sizes of individual cannabis strains and buds, a zip of one strain may look bigger or smaller than another strain.

What does a zip of weed cost?

A zip of weed can range in price depending on a variety of factors, including your location, the quality of cannabis, the season, and the inventory available at your dispensary. All things considered, you can expect to pay between $100-$300 per zip of weed. This amount does not include taxes.

Amount of weedMetric AmountLow-Shelf Cost*Mid-Shelf Cost*Top Shelf Cost*
1 zip1 ounce (28 grams)100$$200$300+

*indicates national averages. The exact cost of a zip of weed may cost more or less at your own dispensary.

What does a zip of weed look like?

A zip of weed looks like 20-30 nugs, or 28 joints. To the naked eye, a zip of weed should fit in a large Ziplock bag. A zip may appear deceiving because different strains can produce shorter or heavier buds than others, making it seem like there is less flower. For example, the buds of one strain may look small yet be dense and packed with trichomes, while another strain’s buds may be less dense and have fewer trichomes—this would make a zip of the second strain look like more since it isn’t as heavy.

Where does the term ‘zip’ come from?

Before medical marijuana legalization passed in California and other states, many medical dispensaries operated on a flexible, deli-style model for purchasing cannabis flower, rather than selling pre-weighed, pre-packaged amounts. 

The dispensary would often package a patient’s purchase in a Ziploc or generic resealable bag—a standard Ziploc bag can hold an ounce of cannabis, hence “zip.” Beyond legal dispensary sales, a zip is a way to refer to a sale or inventory without arousing suspicion from the authorities.


Find the best zip of weed at a dispensary near you



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