How Much Is an Ounce of Weed?

How Much Is an Ounce of Weed? Cannabis Prices and What Factors Affect Them

Whether you are new to cannabis or a regular consumer, the most prominent question you'll hear is how much you pay for your weed.

We all compare prices in search of the best deal, so knowing "How much is an ounce of weed?" in your area can help you not overspend and know what to expect when buying.

If you vape carts rather then smoke weed you can check our blog for the average prices for vape cartridges.

While it may seem like a simple question, it is much more nuanced, as prices can vary depending on factors such as location, strain, quality, and legal status.

In northwest states like Washington and Oregon, prices will be considerably cheaper than buying on the east coast in the District of Columbia or Virginia.

In this article, we'll break down how much you can expect to pay for an ounce of weed, what impacts those prices, and how to get the best value for your purchase.

What Is an Ounce of Weed?

Before diving into the prices, it's important to understand the standard measurements in the cannabis world. An ounce, often referred to as an "O," "lid," or "zip," is a unit of measurement for cannabis commonly used in both dispensaries and regulations. One ounce is approximately 28.349 grams, although it's nearly always rounded down to 28 grams, for simplicity's sake.

An ounce of weed is a popular quantity for consumers who want to stock up for a longer period or take advantage of bulk pricing, especially in legalized markets. In most legal states, an ounce is the most you can purchase or carry on you at one time.

But how much will you actually pay for this quantity? The price can range significantly, and understanding the factors that influence the cost is key.

What Does an Ounce of Weed Look Like?

The weight and appearance of marijuana can be different for each bud, so no two ounces will look exactly the same. This can sometimes make it hard to tell how much weed you're actually getting just by looking at it. Typically, an ounce of marijuana can fit into a small sandwich bag, but because of factors like how dense or moist the buds are, it might look different each time.

How Much Does an Ounce of Weed Cost?

The price of an ounce of weed in the U.S. can vary significantly depending on the state, the legal status of cannabis in the area, and whether the marijuana is of high, medium, or low quality. Generally speaking, the price of an ounce of weed ranges from $150 to $300 or more, depending on these factors. In some areas with high competition or abundant supply, the price could fall even lower.

National Average Prices:

 Low-End Weed ($100–$150) Lower-quality cannabis can cost $100 to $150 per ounce, especially from black market sellers or in places where it's illegal. While it seems like a good deal, lower prices usually mean less potency, quality, and safety.

• Medium-quality weed: The average price for an ounce is around $256.08​
• High-quality weed: The national average for an ounce of high-quality cannabis is about $320.70​

States with the Cheapest Weed:

• Oregon has the lowest prices for high-quality weed, with an ounce costing around $210.19​
• Mississippi offers the cheapest medium-quality weed, priced at $170.22 per ounce​

Other states with relatively low prices for high-quality weed include Washington ($233.93) and Colorado ($242.49)​

States with the Most Expensive Weed:

• Washington D.C. holds the record for the most expensive weed in the U.S., with high-quality weed averaging $598 per ounce.​
• For medium-quality, the cost is also exceptionally high at $494.65​
• North Dakota has the second-highest price at $384 for high-quality weed.​
• Other states with high prices for high-quality weed include Virginia ($365) and West Virginia ($363)​

The variations in prices reflect several factors, such as local taxes, the cost of living, regulations, and the maturity of the cannabis market in each state. While some states like Oregon benefit from mature markets and lower taxes, others like D.C. and North Dakota have higher costs due to stricter regulations and higher taxes.

How much is an ounce of high-quality weed in each state?

What Affects the Price of Weed?

As mentioned earlier, the price of cannabis is influenced by a number of factors. Let's break down these key elements:

Quality and Strain

The quality of the weed you purchase is the most obvious factor in determining its price. Premium strains with high THC levels and a rich terpene profile typically command a higher price. Strains like OG Kush, Gelato, or Blue Dream might cost more due to their reputation, flavor profiles, and potency.

Weed quality can also be impacted by cultivation methods. Cannabis grown indoors with specialized lighting, temperature control, and soil conditions usually fetches a higher price than outdoor-grown marijuana. Organic cannabis also tends to be priced higher due to the labor-intensive farming methods. 

Location

Geography plays a major role in cannabis pricing. Legal markets, especially those in states like Colorado, Oregon, and California, may offer lower prices due to high competition and a robust supply chain. In contrast, states with newer cannabis markets or where marijuana is still illegal can experience price hikes. The more restricted the market, the higher the price.

Additionally, cannabis prices tend to be lower in areas with abundant supply and high competition. For example, Michigan's cannabis prices dropped 78% between 2020 and 2023 due to oversupply and more dispensary licenses flooding the market.

Legality

Where cannabis is legal, the price often includes extra costs, such as taxes and regulatory fees, which can raise the final price at dispensaries. However, despite these additional costs, legal markets often provide the benefit of higher-quality, lab-tested products with transparent labeling regarding THC content and cultivation methods.

On the other hand, in illegal markets, prices may fluctuate wildly, depending on demand, risks involved in distribution, and the quality of the cannabis. Additionally, black-market weed carries the risk of being contaminated or tainted with unsafe chemicals.

Supply and Demand

The general law of supply and demand plays a huge role in cannabis pricing. When demand outpaces supply, prices rise. During certain times of the year, cannabis markets experience price drops as harvest seasons bring fresh supplies into dispensaries. The price might also drop in response to overproduction like we saw in Michigan, where growers faced a price battle to reduce their stockpiles.

Taxes

Cannabis taxes can significantly affect the final price of an ounce. Legal markets impose a variety of taxes that can range from sales tax to specific cannabis excise taxes. Depending on your location, these taxes can add up, making the price of weed higher than what you would expect from just the product itself. In states like California, these taxes can push prices well above $250 per ounce.

How Long Does an Ounce of Weed Last?

The longevity of an ounce of weed depends on how much you consume. For a casual user, an ounce could last anywhere from a month to several months. On the other hand, a frequent user might go through an ounce in a couple of weeks.

To give you a rough estimate:

• Casual User: A few grams per week, which could stretch an ounce to 4-6 weeks.
• Regular User: A gram per day, which would deplete an ounce in about 28 days.

The potency of the weed also impacts how long it lasts. Stronger strains with higher THC percentages may require smaller amounts to achieve the desired effects.

How Many Joints or Blunts Does an Ounce Make?

If you're planning on rolling joints, the amount of weed you use per joint typically ranges from 0.3g to 0.5g, depending on your preference. Here's a quick breakdown of what an ounce can yield:

• Joints: An ounce can make approximately 56 joints (using 0.5g per joint) or 93 joints (using 0.3g per joint).
• Blunts: Most blunts are rolled with about 1 gram of weed, meaning an ounce could make about 28 blunts.
• Bowls: A standard bowl for a pipe or a bong contains about 0.25g, so an ounce could fill up to 112 bowls, depending on how tightly it's packed.

Is Buying by the Ounce Worth It?

For regular users, buying in bulk can offer better value. The price per gram usually decreases when you buy an ounce compared to purchasing smaller amounts. However, if you're new to cannabis or want to experiment with different strains, it may be better to buy in smaller quantities to avoid being stuck with a product you don't enjoy.

Moreover, buying an ounce can offer a steady supply, reducing the frequency of dispensary visits and the cost of buying smaller quantities. If you're planning to share with friends, an ounce can also go a long way.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost of an ounce of weed and what factors influence the price is essential for anyone interested in buying cannabis. Prices can range from as low as $100 to upwards of $300, depending on factors like quality, strain, location, and legal status. The cannabis market is dynamic and constantly changing, but with a little knowledge, you can make informed decisions and get the best value for your money. Always be sure to buy from legal, reputable sources to ensure quality and safety.