The term “zip” is a common slang term used within the cannabis community to refer to a specific, substantial quantity of cannabis flower. This measurement originated before widespread legalization when discreet language was necessary for purchases. Understanding the term requires translating this vernacular into standard metric units. The “zip” typically denotes a bulk quantity that is often the maximum legal possession limit in many jurisdictions.
The Direct Conversion: Grams in a Zip
A “zip” of cannabis is universally understood to be one ounce (oz) of dried flower. This measurement links the imperial system, which uses ounces and pounds, and the metric system, which uses grams. The precise scientific conversion of one ounce to grams is 28.35 grams.
The cannabis industry and consumers have adopted a rounded figure for convenience. Dispensaries typically use 28 grams to represent a full ounce or a “zip.” This rounding simplifies transactions and packaging, establishing 28 grams as the industry standard. The term “zip” originated because one ounce of cannabis fits neatly into a standard Ziploc bag, which could be zipped shut.
The 28-gram quantity is significant because it is frequently the maximum amount of cannabis flower an adult can legally purchase or possess in many recreational markets. This makes the “zip” a standard unit for regular consumers who prefer to buy in bulk for better value. While the visual volume of a zip can vary depending on the density of the strain—fluffy sativa buds take up more space than dense indica buds—the weight remains precisely 28 grams.
Common Cannabis Measurement Slang
Beyond the “zip,” the cannabis market uses fractional measurements and slang terms for smaller quantities of flower. The smallest common purchase is the gram, often called a “G,” which is enough for one or two joints. This foundational unit is the basis for all other measurements.
The next most popular quantity is an “eighth,” which is one-eighth of an ounce and equates to 3.5 grams of cannabis. This amount is a common choice for moderate users, offering a balance between quantity and price. A “quarter,” or one-fourth of an ounce, is double the eighth, weighing in at 7 grams.
Moving up in size, a “half” or “half-zip” is half an ounce, which is 14 grams of flower. For those purchasing even larger quantities, terms like “QP” (quarter pound, 113.4 grams) and “HP” (half pound, 226.8 grams) are used. These larger terms are less common for the average consumer, as they often exceed legal possession limits and are typically reserved for commercial or wholesale transactions.