What Is a Zip of Weed and How Much Does it Cost
Article written by
Jordan WoldSEO Content Writer
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
A “zip of weed” is an ounce — or just over 28 grams — of marijuana. As far as routine cannabis measurements go, a zip is generally considered the largest quantity of marijuana that you can purchase from a dispensary in a single trip.
While those more well-versed in cannabis culture might include “zip” as a standard part of their marijuana vocabulary alongside traditional cannabis slang terms, less experienced users might find themselves confused by the terminology.
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What Is a Zip of Weed?
There’s a lot of debate over the origin of the term zip, with many sources attributing the name to the method of storing marijuana in a Ziploc bag. While this seems logical, there is ultimately no evidence for this claim. Like many other cannabis slang terms, no traceable source explains the term’s origin.
While we may not know if zip comes from using Ziploc bags, we do know that for some cannabis users, 28 grams — or one zip of weed — may seem like a lot of cannabis, and that’s because, for many, it is.
In California, for example, a zip is the legal limit you can buy at once. Other commonly purchased quantities of cannabis include an “eighth,” which is 3.5 grams (i.e., one-eighth of an ounce), a quarter, which is 7 grams, or a quarter of an ounce, and so on.
How Much Does A Zip Cost?
Like all cannabis products, zip prices vary from state to state and sometimes even from dispensary to dispensary. The quality and rarity of the type of cannabis also make a difference.
As a general rule of thumb, one can assume that states with more mature legal recreational cannabis markets are more likely to have lower prices. States newer to recreational or medical cannabis, on the other hand, are likely to have higher costs.
For example, the Oxford Treatment Center estimates that a zip of cannabis flower might cost around $207 in California or $200 in Colorado. Both states have had recreational and medical cannabis for several years. Medical-only states such as Minnesota or North Dakota have a significantly higher cost for a zip, at around $330.
The cheapest zips on the legal market are in the Pacific Northwest, with an ounce in Washington and Oregon running around $197 and $187, respectively. On average, a zip of weed costs around $250 in the United States.
However, location is not the only factor in how much a zip of weed costs. The specific strain or cultivar that makes up the ounce will also be a significant price factor.
For example, a strain with a higher amount of THC, like Wedding Cake, which averages around 25% THC, is likely to cost more than a more moderately balanced strain like 12 Year OG.
If you plan on purchasing a zip of marijuana, you should probably be a more experienced cannabis user. If you’re newer to the cannabis world, you might find yourself out a few hundred dollars with a large quantity of marijuana that is way too strong, not strong enough, or just not right for you.
In other words, if you have never smoked cannabis, maybe try buying a single gram, or a pre-roll joint, before going all in on a zip. If you are somewhat experienced but a more occasional user, 3 grams might be suitable for you.
You should also consider your goal for using cannabis. Are you looking to relax with friends, or do you need some health benefits cannabis can provide? For guidance on finding the right strain or dosing method, consider making a cannabis guidance appointment with one of Leafwell’s healthcare providers.
How Long Does a Zip of Weed Last?
How long a zip of weed lasts is entirely up to you and both your method and frequency of consumption. We estimate that at 28 grams, a zip would get you anywhere from 28 to 84 joints with varying potency levels.
On the other hand, if you are using your zip for baking edibles at home, an ounce could be all you need to continue baking for months due to the long-lasting, high potency of edibles.
You should be careful not to use the entire zip in one batch. Not only would you be out of a lot of cash, but the dosages in your baked goods could be too high for even the most experienced cannabis user.
The Bottom Line
A zip of weed is an ounce made up of 28 grams. You can purchase cannabis in various quantities, from much smaller quantities like a single gram to more moderate amounts like 7 grams (i.e., a quarter), up to a zip. If you’re a cannabis expert, you likely know how much you want to buy, but if you’re newer to the plant, try taking it slow and purchasing a smaller amount.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does a zip of weed look like?
A zip of weed looks like several nugs of cannabis or small pieces of smokable cannabis flower. A zip of marijuana is comparable in weight to a zinc pencil or, in a nice bit of symmetry with cannabis grams, 28 paperclips.
How many zips are in a pound of weed?
As 1 pound equals 16 ounces, and 1 zip equals 1 ounce, we know there are 16 zips in 1 pound of cannabis. That said, there is no legal way for you to purchase an entire pound of weed. Not only would that be prohibitively expensive, but each state has its own cannabis quantity limits, none of which come anywhere near an entire pound.
How much is half a zip of weed?
Half a zip of weed, or 14 grams, costs between $90 and $160, according to Leafwell’s measurement guide.
