What Is a Zip of Weed? Your Guide to Cannabis Measurements

We’ve all been there. You’re standing at the counter, the budtender asks what you need, and your mind goes completely blank. Or worse, your buddy asks you to grab “a dub,” and you just nod along, hoping it’s not a trick question.

Navigating cannabis lingo can feel like learning a new language, especially when it comes to weight and measurements. But don’t sweat it. We’re here to break down the basics so you can shop with confidence and sound like you know what you’re talking about—even if you’re just starting out.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of cannabis quantities, starting with one of the most common questions we hear: what is a zip of weed?

What is a Zip of Weed?

A zip of weed is a slang term for one ounce, which is equivalent to 28 grams of cannabis. This is a substantial amount of flower, making it a popular choice for regular consumers or for groups to split. If you’re tired of making constant trips to the dispensary, buying by the zip can be a game-changer.

The zip weed ounce conversion is simple: 1 zip = 1 ounce = 28 grams. An ounce is often the maximum amount you can legally purchase at one time in states where cannabis is legal for recreational use, so the term "zip" has become standard shorthand for a full ounce.

Why Is It Called a Zip of Weed?

The term ‘zip’ is widely believed to come from the simple fact that an ounce of weed fits neatly inside a standard Ziploc bag. Before legalization, discretion was key, and using a Ziploc was a common and low-key way to store and transport an ounce. The name stuck because it was a simple, coded way to talk about a specific amount without raising alarm bells. This is the most accepted origin of the slang 'zip' for weed.

How Much Does a Zip of Weed Cost?

The price of a zip of weed typically ranges from $150 to over $350, depending heavily on your location, the quality of the cannabis, and local taxes. The cost of a zip of weed isn't set in stone. In areas with a mature legal market like Colorado or Oregon, you might find lower prices due to competition. In newer markets or places with higher taxes, you can expect to pay a premium.

• Quality: Top-shelf, high-THC, or exotic strains will always cost more than mid-tier or budget flower.
• Location: Zip weed price by state varies wildly. A zip in a major city will likely have a different price tag than in a smaller town.
• Legality: Prices in the legal, tested market reflect taxes and overhead, which can make them different from legacy market prices.

What Are Other Common Weed Measurements?

Walking into a dispensary, you’ll hear more than just "zip." To help you understand the menu, let’s break down the most common cannabis measurement terms.

• Gram (G): This is the smallest unit of weed you can typically buy. It's perfect for trying a new strain or if you just need enough for a couple of joints.
• Eighth (1/8): An eighth of an ounce is 3.5 gram
• s. This is easily the most common weight people buy for personal use.
• Quarter (1/4): A quarter of an ounce is 7 grams. It’s a solid choice if you’re a regular smoker and an eighth doesn’t last you very long.
• Half-Ounce (1/2): A half-ounce is 14 grams, or two quarters. It's often called a "half-O" or simply a "half."

Cannabis Slang Glossary: Dubs, Dimes, and More

Beyond the official measurements, there's a whole world of money-based slang. This lingo is all about the cash value, not the specific weight, though they often correspond to certain amounts.

• Dime Bag: A dime bag is $10 worth of weed. In most places, this will get you about a gram, but the actual weight can vary.
• Dub: A dub is $20 worth of weed. This usually works out to about two grams of flower. It's one of the most common cannabis slang zip vs dub-level terms you'll hear.

How Long Does a Zip of Weed Last?

For a casual smoker, a zip of weed can last for a month or more, while a daily smoker might go through an ounce in about two to four weeks. Honestly, this all comes down to your personal habits. How big are the bowls you pack? How many sessions do you have a day? Are you sharing with your roommates?

A zip contains 28 grams. If you roll 1-gram joints, that’s 28 joints. If you only smoke a half-gram bowl each night, that zip will last you almost two months. It’s all relative, but it’s almost always more cost-effective than buying gram by gram.

Weed Slang FAQ

What are slang terms for amounts of weed?

Besides a zip (ounce), common slang includes an eighth (3.5g), a quarter or quad (7g), a half (14g), a dime ($10 worth), and a dub ($20 worth). Larger amounts include a QP (quarter-pound).

Is buying a zip cheaper?

Yes, buying a zip is almost always cheaper on a per-gram basis. Dispensaries and dealers offer bulk discounts, so the price you pay

 per gram for an ounce is significantly lower than the price per gram when buying just one or two grams at a time.

What is a QP of weed?

A QP stands for a quarter-pound of cannabis. Since a pound is 16 ounces, a QP is equal to 4 ounces, or 112 grams. This is a quantity typically handled by growers or dispensary suppliers, not individual consumers.

What does "zaza" mean in slang?

"Zaza" is modern slang for very high-quality, exotic, and expensive cannabis. If someone is smoking on zaza, they’re referring to top-shelf, designer-level flower that is rare and potent. It’s a term popularized in hip-hop culture.

What does the slang "chronic" mean?

"Chronic" is a slang term for extremely potent, high-quality cannabis. The term was famously popularized in the 90s by Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg, and it has since become a timeless way to describe exceptionally good weed.

What are some Gen Z slang terms for weed?

While classics like "pot" and "ganja" are still around, Gen Z often uses terms like "gas" (for strong-smelling, potent weed), "zaza" (for exotic weed), or simply "flower." The specific slang changes quickly and varies by region.