How Much is a Zip in Grams? (Instant Converter Inside)
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A zip is 28 grams of cannabis flower, which equals one ounce under standard U.S. weight measurements. In practice, an ounce measures 28.35 grams, but it is almost always rounded and sold as 28 grams in the cannabis market.
If you’ve spent some time around the cannabis community in the U.S., you’ve probably heard weed called by a lot of different names.
Pot. Ganja. Loud. Zaza. Gas. Tree. Chronic. You get the idea.
Cannabis slang is everywhere and has been evolving for decades.
Some terms describe quality and price, while others, like zip, refer to the quantity of weed.
While the term zip of weed goes back decades, if you’re new to the cannabis world, you might be wondering what it actually means in practical terms, especially when it comes to weight.
So today, we’re breaking it down.
We’ll answer the question of “how much is a zip in grams?” in more detail.
Read along to learn how many grams are in a zip of weed, how it typically breaks down for daily, weekly, and monthly use, what it usually costs, and whether it’s legal to carry in your state.
🔑 Key Takeaways
- A zip, or ounce of weed, is equal to 28 grams.
- The amount you spend on a zip of weed depends on its quality, your location, market dynamics, and product branding.
- We recommend getting a digital kitchen scale to ensure your cannabis measurements are always accurate.
- In most states, you’re allowed to purchase one zip of weed at a time.
What Is a “Zip” in Cannabis Terms?
In cannabis slang, a zip equals an ounce or 28 grams of cannabis flower. Depending on how much you smoke at a go, this is considered a lot of cannabis. With this many grams, you can roll 28 full-gram or 56 half-gram joints, enough weed to last the average smoker a month or so.
The term “zip” comes from the Ziploc bags traditionally used to store and transport cannabis. Since a standard Ziploc bag comfortably holds about an ounce of flower, people began using “zip” as shorthand for that amount, and the term eventually became a cannabis slang.
How Much Is a Zip in Grams?
A zip of cannabis equals 28 grams. Technically, one ounce weighs 28.35 grams, but it’s commonly rounded down for simplicity. While the appearance of a zip can vary from strain to strain (fluffy buds may look larger and dense buds more compact), the actual weight always stays the same, with grams being the standard measurement used in both recreational and medical markets in the US.
In California and several other states where cannabis is legal, a zip is the most you can buy at a time for recreational use. This differs from New York, where adults can purchase up to three ounces, or three zips of weed flower.
The rules are different for medical marijuana patients, who can access higher limits, depending on where they live.
For instance, patients in Florida can only buy two and a half zips of smokable weed every 35 days. However, there’s an additional restriction: you cannot possess more than 4 ounces of smokable marijuana at any given time. So, while you have access to your medicine, you can’t stockpile beyond the legal threshold.
If you use cannabis regularly, buying a zip instead of smaller quantities can save you money over time. Since it’s a larger amount, proper storage is essential to maintain potency and aroma. Keeping your weed in an airtight jar and storing it in a cool, dark place helps protect it from light, heat, and air exposure.
What Does a Zip Actually Look Like?
Now that you know a zip of weed is equal to 28 grams, you’re probably wondering if you can identify one by sight. Experienced budtenders can often tell right away, but for untrained eyes, it usually takes a bit more guidance
From our experience, a zip of weed should roughly consist of 20–30 individual nuggets of flower. As far as volume, a zip fills a standard sandwich‑sized Ziploc bag or a small to medium jar.
That said, visual appearance isn’t the most reliable way to measure weed. Don’t get us wrong, a zip always translates to an ounce of marijuana, but how that looks in real life can vary. This is because strains grow differently and each has unique physical density. Some are super dense, so just a few nugs can fill a zip bag, while others are light and fluffy, making the bag appear much fuller.
Thus, we recommend using a small digital kitchen scale to measure your weed.
This is not only great for confirming you’re getting what you paid for, but it will also help portion out your weed when rolling joints, vaping, or making edibles.
How a Zip Breaks Down (Grams, Eighths, and Joints)
As we’ve seen, a zip of weed is a unit used to measure weed. However, it’s not the only one. Here are some of the other common terms you’re likely to interact with when buying marijuana:
1 Gram
This is the smallest unit available for purchase at a cannabis dispensary in the US. It’s enough to roll a joint or two, making it the perfect choice when you want to sample a new strain.
An Eighth of an Ounce (1/8 of a Zip)
An eighth (3.5 grams) is roughly 1/8 of a zip. While an eighth ounce isn’t quite enough for regular users, it’s perfect for the occasional stoner. This is about 3.5 grams of weed, which can last a week if you’re a light smoker.
A Quarter Ounce (1/4 of a Zip)
Seven grams of weed make up a ¼ ounce. This can roll seven full-gram joints or 14 half-gram joints. And if you prefer to roll thin, one-hitters, this will get you more than 20 of those.
A Half Ounce (Half Zip)
If you’re wondering how much is a half a zip in grams, it’s enough to roll 14 full-gram, 28 half-gram, and more than 50 one-hitter joints. This quantity is suitable for heavier smokers, regular users, or busy professionals who prefer to buy in bulk.
A Pound (16 Zips)
One pound of weed is much more weed than the average smoker buys. This is literally 16 zips, or 448 grams! It’s not generally possible to buy this much weed at once in the United States. However, some states allow medical marijuana patients and home growers to store as much as 16 ounces of weed.
Knowing the various units of measurement used by the cannabis community gives you a point of reference when buying weed. Depending on your smoking patterns, you can opt to buy a zip, half a zip, or even an eighth ounce.
How Cannabis Units Break Down: Grams, Ounces, and Zips
| Quantity | Grams | Zip Equivalent |
| ⅛ Ounce | 3.5 grams | 1/8 zip |
| ¼ Ounce | 7 grams | ¼ Zip |
| ½ Ounce | 14 grams | ½ Zip |
| 1 Ounce | 28 grams | 1 Zip |
| 1 Pound | 448 grams | 16 Zips |
Can You Buy a Zip at a Time? Legal Purchase Limits by State
Many states limit how much cannabis you can purchase in a single transaction, which is why it’s important to understand the specific laws in your jurisdiction.
In most recreational states, buying a zip of weed at one time is allowed, though some states impose additional conditions.
Examples of states where adults can purchase a zip of weed from licensed dispensaries include:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Illinois: 1 oz for state residents; non-residents are limited to 15 grams
- Massachusetts
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Oregon (purchase limit from a dispensary is 2 oz of usable marijuana, but the possession limit away from home is 1 oz)
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Washington
- Washington D.C. (legal to possess up to 2 oz and gift up to 1 oz, but sales are not legally regulated through dispensaries)
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New Mexico
- New York
- Ohio
State purchase limits and retail rules keep changing, so what is allowed today may not apply tomorrow. Always confirm current limits through your state’s cannabis regulator before making a purchase.
How Much Does a Zip Cost?
Here’s a general breakdown of how much a zip of weed costs stoners in different states:
| State/Region | Average Price Per Zip |
| Alaska | $300 |
| Arizona | $297 |
| California | $259 |
| Colorado | $242 |
| Delaware | $340 |
| IIIinois | $352 |
| Massachusetts | $341 |
| Montana | $267 |
| Nevada | $271 |
| NewJersey | $344 |
| Oregon | $211 |
| Rhode Island | $308 |
| Vermont | $346 |
| Washington | $234 |
| Maine | $288 |
| Maryland | $361 |
| Michigan | $290 |
| New Mexico | $284 |
| New York | $337 |
| Ohio | $330 |
The amount of money you pay for a zip of your favorite weed strain will depend on the following factors:
Quality
Not all batches of weed are the same. High-quality, craft cannabis strains boasting obscene amounts of THCa typically cost more than lower-grade options.
That said, if you’re on a budget, you can easily buy a zip at a low price without compromising on quality. Some growers and retailers like The Hemp Doctor focus on providing superior AA and AAA-grade flower with high concentrations of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Location
Demand and supply, which determine price, are directly affected by location.
Certain jurisdictions have less stringent rules when it comes to growing, transporting, and selling cannabis, making it cheaper to buy a zip there.
But if you’re in Michigan, Illinois, Minnesota, or another state with hefty cannabis taxes, you can anticipate paying more for an ounce of bud.
Season Changes
Like every other agricultural product, cannabis prices change from season to season. During harvest seasons, when supply is plentiful, prices are low. Over the winter, when few people are growing them, supply becomes limited, resulting in higher prices.
Market Dynamics
Different growers and retailers may charge different prices for a zip due to the specific conditions under which they operate.
For instance, if a grower’s organic farming practices make production costly, these overhead costs will be pushed onto the final price.
Branding, Packaging, & Marketing
Some manufacturers and retailers sell expensive weed brands that come in swanky packaging and are grown to deliver a luxurious smoking experience. Some strains are also hyped, making them cost more than their less popular alternatives.
This differentiation in branding results in different prices.
If you look in the right places, you can easily buy a high-quality zip of weed without breaking the bank.
Here’s how:
1. Search for bargains, offers, and promotions
2. Opt for less popular strains
3. Try AAA and AA-grade options
4. Take advantage of clearance sales
5. Buy your weed when supply is high and prices are low
How to Measure a Zip at Home (Without Guessing)
To accurately measure an ounce of weed, we recommend using a digital kitchen scale. For as little as $15, you can purchase a fully functional digital scale with 0.01 g accuracy. This way, you can easily portion your weed out by the gram.
To measure your weed at home:
- Place the scale on the kitchen counter or another flat, stable surface.
- Avoid air currents and vibrations, as they may affect the reading.
- Turn the scale on and allow it to reset.
- Measure the weight of an empty zip bag and record it.
- Place 28 grams of cannabis in the bag. Take care not to place any extra weight on the scale with your fingers.
- Subtract the bag’s weight from the final measurement to ensure you have precisely 28 grams of weed.
Depending on the scale you purchase, you may need to calibrate it periodically to ensure accuracy. To confirm its precision, you can test it with known weights, such as coins.
1. Use it to portion weed by gram when rolling joints or packing bowls.
2. Measuring concentrates and edibles
3. Measuring infused ingredients when making edibles at home.
How Long Does a Zip of Weed Last?
While a zip of weed is a substantial amount of weed, how long it lasts depends entirely on your personal smoking habits.
How frequently do you smoke? Do you share with friends? Do you only smoke or do you also vape or use it to make edibles?
Here’s a quick breakdown to give you an idea:
| Frequency | Example | Days it Will Last (Average) |
| Heavy daily use | Two to three grams per day, multiple full-gram joints or sessions | 7 to 14 days |
| Moderate daily use | One 1-gram joint per day | 28 days (roughly a month) |
| Light daily use | One 0.5-gram joint per day | 56 days (nearly two months) |
| Microdosing or occasional use | Thin “pinner” joints at 0.35 grams or less | Two to three months |
Here are a few tips to make your stash last longer:
- Roll smaller joints (pinners are great for this).
- Use a grinder for even burns and less waste.
- Consider vapes or edibles, which can be more efficient than smoking.
- Store properly in an airtight container to keep it fresh.
Why Buy a Zip of Weed?
There are several reasons smokers opt to buy weed in larger quantities. Now that you know how much is a zip in grams, we’ll outline some of these reasons:
Better Prices
It’s more cost-effective to purchase in bulk than to buy a couple of grams at a time, especially if you’re someone who uses cannabis regularly. The latter means you spend additionally on taxes and delivery fees every time you order, and these add up.
In contrast, bulk purchases tend to attract discounts, leading to a lower price per gram.
Quality Control
Instead of buying half an ounce and hoping they have the same flower the next time you go back in, regular users prefer to buy a zip at once.
This way, you can enjoy a consistent smoking experience until you run out.
Hang-Outs and Get-Togethers
When you want to hang out with family and friends, it makes sense to buy in bulk. Don’t worry that some weed will be left over; just use it to recharge your social battery once the final guest leaves!
Experimenting
If you’re a new stoner looking to try out different cannabis consumption methods, then buying an ounce of cannabis is the best choice.
When you have this much flower, you can use a few grams to make edibles, others to pack a bowl, and the rest to figure out how to roll different joint styles.
Fewer Trips to the Dispensary
Buying a zip also means fewer trips to the dispensary. Instead of restocking every few days, keeping an ounce on hand saves time, reduces travel, and adds convenience—especially if you’ve found a strain or product you enjoy and keep in regular rotation.
If you were wondering why people buy an ounce of marijuana at a time, and whether you should, too, now you know. So why wait? Start shopping.
