Why Is An Ounce Of Cannabis Actually 28 Grams Instead Of 31.1 Grams?
Have you ever wondered why an ounce of weed always weighs 28 grams instead of the actual 31.1 grams?
I definitely have, especially when I first started getting familiar with cannabis. Back then, I remember being surprised that an ounce of cannabis never aligned with the 31.1 grams listed on my kitchen scale. If you're new to the cannabis scene, you might've had the same thought. So, what's going on here?
The difference between ounces
First things first, let's clear this confusion up right away. When we're talking about an ounce of cannabis, we're dealing with the avoirdupois ounce, the same measurement system used in groceries and everyday goods. This ounce weighs exactly 28.3495 grams. On the other hand, the ounce you're thinking of—the one that's about 31.1 grams—is known as the troy ounce, primarily used for precious metals like gold and silver (here’s a good explanation of troy ounces).
So, cannabis suppliers simplify things. Instead of saying 28.3495 grams, it's rounded down to a clean, easy-to-remember 28 grams. It's not just laziness—it's practical. You won't find someone in your dispensary asking for 28.3495 grams of weed, will you?
How did cannabis end up with the avoirdupois ounce?
The avoirdupois ounce didn't become the cannabis industry's standard overnight. Historically, cannabis wasn't a carefully weighed product in the early days of recreational use. Dealers just went with familiar measurements they used every day. Most household scales also use this avoirdupois system, so it naturally became the go-to.
Besides, imagine trying to convince people to switch to a measurement system typically reserved for precious metals. It just wouldn’t make sense. Weed might feel precious sometimes, sure, but it's not exactly gold or silver.
The Reddit perspective made me think
When I looked into this, it clicked that the cannabis community itself shaped this standard. One reason is that 28 grams divide evenly into smaller units that we use every day—halves (14 grams), quarters (7 grams), eighths (3.5 grams). Good luck neatly dividing 31.1 grams into eighths or quarters without driving yourself crazy!
Think about buying from bulk sources—those who purchase bulk cannabis often prefer simpler math too. Even for casual consumers, knowing exactly how much they're getting makes transactions smooth. So yeah, we're kind of stuck with 28 grams, but honestly, I don't mind it.
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Why not just switch to metric?
Now, a lot of people (including myself at times) argue that we should just go fully metric. After all, the metric system is straightforward, global, and consistent. In fact, metric is already being casually used for smaller amounts—grams are the standard for everything below an ounce.
But there's resistance. For a lot of people in America, the ounce system feels familiar and easy. Shifting completely to metric for large amounts might create more confusion than it solves, especially for regular customers who just want a simple transaction.
Plus, let's face it—part of the cannabis culture in America is tied to those familiar terms and measures. An "eighth" or "quarter" is practically ingrained in our culture at this point.
Buying cannabis products: Does the measurement matter?
Here's the real question—does it matter that we're a little off from a precise ounce? Practically speaking, not really. Customers are usually more concerned about quality, not whether they're missing out on a fraction of a gram. When I pick up my cannabis, I’m far more interested in getting a great deal on a high-quality strain from my favorite flower strains, than worrying if the ounce measures precisely to 31.1 grams.
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Speaking of quality, checking out pre-rolls is always convenient, and I know exactly what I'm getting—28 grams or not, simplicity is key.
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Is it misleading?
I wondered briefly if the cannabis industry was shortchanging people by using 28 grams. But honestly, I don't see it that way anymore. It's transparent—everyone knows exactly what they're getting. No one buying cannabis seriously expects precious metal precision, right? I certainly don't. And if you do have questions about measurements or anything cannabis-related, you can always reach out via our contact page.
Final thoughts
The bottom line is, the ounce of weed is 28 grams because it's easy, practical, and culturally ingrained. It's a straightforward, no-fuss system that works incredibly well for everyone involved—customers, suppliers, and businesses alike.
If you’ve ever stressed about that missing 3.1 grams, trust me, it's not worth it. Spend that energy exploring something new instead—maybe check out some great deals on discount cannabis products. That's what I usually do!
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