With cannabis legalization, the cannabis industry has boomed. It’s expected to reach an awesome US$51.28bn in 2023, with no real end in sight. But with so many new consumers in the market, it’s only natural that the terminology gets a little lost in translation.
If you’re new to all things cannabis, we’ve here to help with the jargon–specifically, an eighth.
So, what is an eighth? What does an eighth look like? Why is an eighth so popular? And, most importantly, is an eighth the right amount of weed for you? Read on to learn the answer to all these burning questions.
WHAT IS AN EIGHTH OF WEED?
An eighth is a measurement of weed. When you buy an eighth of weed, you’re buying one-eighth of an ounce, hence the name ‘eighth’.
To sell weed, dispensaries need to measure the weed first. Unlike other types of products, it’s hard to determine what one unit of weed would look like and its cost. That’s why dispensaries use a measurement system to categorize their products.
After measurement, the weed is then packaged, priced, and sold according to how much it weighs.
There are five common types of measurements for sale:
- A gram (1 gram of weed)
- An eighth (an eighth of an ounce; 3.5 grams)
- A fourth (7 grams of weed)
- A half (4 grams of weed)
- An ounce (28 grams of weed)
Of all of these, the eighth is the most popular measurement of weed. Even before legalization, an eighth was a popular option for most consumers.
What Does An Eighth Look Like?
As mentioned above, weed is difficult to categorize and sell without a standardized measurement like weight.
Weed, made up of buds, can vary in size and density. Some strains of weed have big buds that are very light. Others are smaller but much heavier. The bud’s moisture content and the drying process can also affect the weight and size of the product. So, don’t be fooled by big buds. They could be much lighter than you expect.
Because of this, it’s difficult to concretely determine how many buds of weed are in an eighth.
That being said, an eighth should comfortably give you 5 – 7 joints or fill 7 – 10 bowls. If you’re getting way below this, you might not be getting the right amount.
When you buy weed, make sure the product is weighed out. This is the only way to make sure you get your money’s worth.
Why Is An Eighth So Popular?
An eighth of weed is easily the most popular unit of weed on the market. If you stop any consumer and ask them what they’ve got on them, the majority will have an eighth. But why is an eighth so popular?
The answer lies in the price.
An eighth of weed is the perfect midpoint of price and product. Users get more than five joints worth of weed, which will fill the average consumer’s supply for a few days. The price of an eighth, which can be anywhere from $20 to $60, is also not an overwhelming cost.
Even before legalization, an eighth was the best deal for price and quantity. It was also the easiest and safest to carry around without raising suspicion of possibly dealing.
All in all, an eighth is popular because it offers the most value for money for everyday users.
What Affects The Price Of An Eighth?
An eighth of weed can range anywhere from $20 to $60. While you might be tempted to go for the $20 option, it’s worth learning what causes the prices to vary, and how this affects the quality of your product.
Weed Type
Today, there are dozens of weed types or strains to choose from, and as the market continues to grow, dispensaries will continue to add more options to their catalogs.
Because the weed types are made differently, their prices also vary greatly. An easy-to-grow eighth cannabis option will be cheaper than a super-sensitive strain that needs a very specific soil pH. The weed-type production costs will naturally influence how much you’re charged.
Weed Quality
If you’re paying $20 for an eighth of weed, it isn’t going to be a great quality weed. If the producers spent time and money to grow the best possible product, the price will have to compensate for the work. While there is nothing wrong with buying $20 weed, you won’t experience the same effects you would with a higher-quality option.
Dispensaries usually charge more because the product production costs more. The buds are of the highest quality, ensuring better highs and more consistent results.
So, if you’re looking for an eighth that’ll be potent on every draw, paying a little more at a high-quality dispensary, like Embarc, is the way to go.
Local Taxes
Although weed is legal in many states, regulations are still very strict. One of the ways the government hopes to control sales is through taxes. A weed tax has been added to many products, forcing dispensaries to add an ad valorem tax to all sales.
The tax price is on top of production costs and other miscellaneous expenses.
The tax is also not consistent. Most states have different regulations, which trickle down to the local government. By the time you make it to the local government, two cities in the same state could have different weed tax charges.
You can familiarize yourself with state marijuana rates to understand how tax is affecting the price of weed in your area.
IS AN EIGHTH THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF WEED FOR ME?
If you’re a weed newbie, an eighth is a great amount to start with. It won’t break the bank and it’ll give you enough product to test the strain and different consumption methods. If you’re buying high-quality weed, it will also last longer as a little bit of product will go a long way.
Even if you’re a veteran consumer, an eighth could still be the right amount for you. If you’re getting tired of your usual supply, an eighth is a great sample size to try out new strains.
CONCLUSION
Whether you’re a newbie looking to get into cannabis or you’re a long-time user curious about different strains, an eighth is a great way to start your marijuana journey. It contains enough buds to try out the product without costing an arm and a leg.
Now that you know how the measurement system works and what to expect price-wise, visit your local Embarc dispensary and get a high-quality eighth of cannabis.
