Cannabis has become a popular recreational drug, and understanding its various terms and measurements can be overwhelming, especially for new cannabis consumers.
In this article, we will shed light on the most common cannabis measurement, “a zip of weed.” We will answer questions like, “what is a zip of weed?”, “how many grams are in a zip of weed?”, “how much does a zip of weed cost?” and lastly, “where does the term ‘zip of weed’ come from?”
Key Takeaways – Zip of Weed
- 🌿 Cannabis measurements can be confusing for new users, especially the term “a zip of weed”.
- 💸 A zip of weed is equivalent to one ounce (28.35 grams) of dried cannabis flowers or buds.
- 👍 An individual can legally purchase up to an ounce of cannabis in most states where it’s legalized.
- 💰 The cost of a zip of weed varies based on factors like strain type, growing method, brand, location, and market value.
- ⏳ A zip of weed can last for a considerable amount of time depending on consumption rate and can save time and money.
- ❓ The term “zip” is of uncertain origin, but the most popular theory is that it comes from the fact that an ounce of cannabis fits into a Ziplock bag.
- 💊 The cost per dose varies depending on consumption rate and zip cost, and comparing cost per dose can help determine if buying a zip is a better deal.
- 🤔 The decision to buy a zip ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
What is a Zip of Weed?
A zip of weed is an ounce of dried cannabis flowers, also known as buds. An ounce is equal to 28.35 grams of dried cannabis.
Measurement | Equivalent | Objects of Same Weight |
---|---|---|
1 Gram | 0.03 Ounces | A paper clip |
1/8 Zip | 3.5 Grams | A AA battery |
1/4 Zip | 7 Grams | A dollar bill |
1/2 Zip | 14 Grams | A slice of bread |
1 Zip | 28 (an ounce grams) | A golf ball |
Note: Keep in mind that these are approximate conversions and objects may vary in weight. This chart is for reference purposes only.
In most states where cannabis is legalized, an individual can purchase up to an ounce of cannabis at a time, making a zip the legal limit of cannabis an individual can purchase in one go.
How Much is a Zip of Weed?



The cost of a zip of weed varies based on various factors like
- Strain type
- Growing method
- Brand
- Location
- And average market value
For example, an article from September 2021 stated that an good ounce of weed costs anywhere between $220.00 in Los Angeles to over $400.00 in New York.
How Long Does a Zip of Weed Last?
A zip of weed, which is an ounce of dried cannabis flowers, can last you for a considerable amount of time, depending on your consumption rate.
An ounce of weed can give you up to:
- 88 joints (0.32 grams per joint)
- 56 bowls (0.5 grams per bowl)
- 23 blunts (1.2 grams per blunt).
Buying a zip of weed can save you both time and money as you won’t have to visit a dispensary frequently and can buy your favorite strain at a lower price.
How Much Can You Save with a Zip of Weed?



While the cost of a zip of weed may seem expensive, the savings can be substantial. If you were to buy 88 pre-rolled joints in New York, where it is the most expensive, it would cost you $850.96.
On the other hand, if you bought a zip of weed at $400.00 and rolled your joints, you would save $450.96. This saving can be enough to buy another zip of weed in New York.
Where Did the Term “Zip” Come From?
The true origin of the term “zip” is unknown, but there are three commonly cited theories.
The first and most popular theory is that an ounce of cannabis is called a zip because it fits in a Ziplock bag, and as rapper Wiz Khalifa rapped in his song “Get That Zip Off”, there are “28 grams in a Ziploc.”
The second theory is that the term “zip” evolved from “O-zee” (short for an ounce) to “zip.” The third theory is that “O-zee” was a term for an ounce of marijuana, and over time, it shifted to “zip.”
Understanding the Cost Per Dose: Is Buying a Zip of Cannabis a Better Deal?
Scenario | Cost per Half-gram Dose | Cost per One-gram Joint |
---|---|---|
Light Smoker, $200 Zip | $3.57 | N/A |
Light Smoker, $250 Zip | $4.46 | N/A |
Moderate Smoker, $200 Zip | N/A | $7.14 |
Moderate Smoker, $250 Zip | N/A | $8.92 |
$40 per Eighth | N/A | $11.43 |
As you can see, the cost per dose changes depending on the amount of cannabis consumed and the cost of the zip. Comparing the cost per dose of the different scenarios can help consumers determine if they are getting a better deal.
How to Determine Cost Per Dose To determine the cost per dose, we’ll use two examples: a light smoker and a moderate smoker.

Example 1: The Light Smoker Let’s say you’re a light smoker who smokes one half-gram bowl daily before bed to aid in a restful sleep. If you’re considering buying a zip of cannabis for $200 (28 grams), you would have 56 daily doses (equivalent to a two-month supply) with a cost per dose of $3.57. This translates to a weekly cost of roughly $25 and $107.14 for a 30-day supply.
However, what if the light smoker is offered a zip for $250 instead of $200? The same 56 doses would now cost $4.46 per dose, which is nearly a dollar more per day. Deciding whether to pay the extra fee will depend on the smoker’s perception of improved quality or preference for saving that money for something else.
Example 2: The Moderate Smoker If you smoke more than .5g per day, for example, two 1-gram joints, a zip (28 grams) would contain roughly a two-week supply. With a $200 zip, a one-gram joint would cost about $7.14. If you smoke two joints per day, your daily cannabis costs would come out to $14.28 or $100 per week. With a $250 zip, each joint would cost closer to $8.92.
Comparing to an Eighth Recreational cannabis typically ranges from $30 to $45 for an eighth of an ounce (3.5 grams). With a $40 eighth, a one-gram joint would cost $11.43. This difference of $4.29 per joint compared to the $200 zip results in an extra $60.04 per week or over $3,000 annually if you smoke two joints per day.
Consider your smoking habits, and weigh the extra cost against the convenience of having a two-month supply. The decision ultimately comes down to personal preference and budget.
Conclusion
When deciding whether to buy a zip of cannabis, the cost per dose is a useful tool for determining if you’re getting a better deal compared to purchasing a smaller quantity.
This article has given you an in-depth understanding of what a zip of weed is, how much it costs, how long it lasts, how much you can save with a zip of weed, and where the term “zip” originated from.
Zip of Weed Questions & Answers
Q: Is a zip of weed a lot?
A: No, a zip of weed is not a lot.
How much is a zip?
Q: A: No, a zip of weed is not a lot. A zip is a slang term that’s used to describe an ounce of cannabis, which generally contains 28 grams.
Q: What is a zip of weed called?
A: A zip of weed is called an ounce of cannabis flower.
Q: How many 3.5 s are in a zip?
A: 8
Q: How much does a zip of weed cost?
A: The cost of a zip of weed varies based on strain type, growing method, brand, location, and average market value.
Q: Where did the term “zip” originate from?
A: The true origins of the term “zip” are unknown, but the most popular theory is that an ounce of cannabis was referred to as a “zip” because it filled up a Ziplock bag.
A zip of weed in grams equals what?