What Is A Zip Of Weed And How Much Does It Cost?

Cannabis culture has its own lingo, and “zip” is one of those terms that can make you do a double-take if you’re new to the game.

A zip of weed is slang for an ounce (28 grams) and can cost on average between $100 to $300 across the U.S.

Let’s break down why it’s called a “zip,” what it looks like, and why this measurement is so commonly used.

The term “zip” dates back to the older days when marijuana was sold in “Ziploc” bags.

Over time, the expression was shortened, and “zip,” meaning an ounce of weed, has ironically become an integral part of the cannabis lexicon.

Other cannabis lingo includes:

• “G” – one gram
• “Slice” – one eighth ounce (3.5g)
• “Quad” or “Q” – one quarter ounce (7g)
• “Half zip” or “Half O” – half ounce (14g)
• “Quap” – quarter pound (4 ounces)

Sometimes you just want to go all in and buy an ounce of weed. Maybe you’ve found that chef’s-kiss strain, or maybe you’re just trying to save some cash. Either way, buying an ounce has its perks.

A pound of weed—often called an “elbow”—is made up of 16 ounces, or 16 zips.

If you’re at the dispensary, asking for “16 zips” might get you some confused looks from the budtenders. But if you’re talking to your dealer? They’ll know what’s up.

Weed can look totally different depending on the strain and factors like whether PGRs (plant growth regulators) were used during cultivation.

In general, sativa strains tend to have fluffier, fuller, and more elongated buds, while indica strains are usually denser, with tightly packed buds that feel heavier.

If you buy a zip of sativa, it might look like you have more weed compared to a zip of indica—simply because sativa buds are less compact.

Typically, a zip of weed will fill an entire regular-sized sandwich bag or Ziploc bag.

Unfortunately, not all weed is created equal (we can dream).

How much a zip of weed will set your wallet back depends on several factors:

1. Location – The country and city you’re buying weed in will insanely vary in pricing, especially if weed is illegal in your local area. A zip (28 grams) of weed can cost around $265 on average in the U.S., while it can cost up to $940 in Tokyo!

2. Quality – Is it top shelf or budget bud? High-quality, premium cannabis strains are going to cost more than your average mids.

3. Source – If you’re buying weed from a dispensary, chances are you’re paying a few extra dollars compared to your local street weed, thanks to quality assurance and taxes.

On average, in the U.S., you can expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $300 for buying a zip of weed.

The length of this journey really depends on you. Tolerance levels are all over the place—some of us at Herb can go through a zip in just a few days, while for others, it could last months. It all depends on how much you’re lighting up.

If you’re smoking daily, a zip might last you a couple of weeks. Moderate users could make it stretch to a month or more, while occasional users might be set for several months.

To put it in perspective, a zip weighs one ounce, about the same as a slice of bread or ten copper pennies. And with that ounce, you can roll 28 to 56 joints, 9 to 14 blunts, or puff about 56 bowls, depending on how you roll.

Just keep in mind, if you don’t store your stash properly, the freshness and flavor could fade before you’re done. An airtight, opaque container in a cool, dark spot can keep your zip fresh for up to a year.