When it comes to buying cannabis for the first time, understanding the measurements on the labels can feel like reading another language. However, understanding the measurements of THC and CBD on packaging is crucial to having a good cannabis experience, as it ensures that you will dose these products properly when you are ready to use them. Here is what you need to know:
Grams and Ounces
With cannabis flower, measurements are in grams or ounces. That is the metric system versus the imperial system — the system of measurement to which most U.S. consumers are accustomed. Many people cannot quickly figure out the equivalent amounts, so here is a handy conversion scale:
- 3.5 grams = 1/8 ounce
- 7 grams = 1/4 ounce
- 14 grams = 1/2 ounce
- 28 grams = 1 ounce
Common Cannabis Measurements
Generally, the smallest amount sold commercially is ⅛ of an ounce, or 3.5 grams. It is also the most frequently sold weight. What does that mean in real terms for consumption?
- If you roll your own, an eighth of an ounce will provide you with seven one-half gram joints.
- If you want to try flower without purchasing ⅛ oz., consider purchasing 1 or multiple-gram pre-rolls. This allows you to sample new strains without spending much money.
Understanding 1 Ounce Limits
While some people may want to purchase higher quantities of cannabis, there is a limit to the amount of cannabis a person may purchase at a dispensary or keep in their homes. Under Massachusetts law, adult-use recreational consumers may only buy 1 ounce (or 5 grams of concentrate) at a time at a dispensary. They may keep up to 10 ounces at home. (It should be noted that medical users with a medical card may purchase up to a 60-day supply, or 10 ounces.)
What Does 1 Ounce of Cannabis Look Like?
Novice cannabis users will be surprised at how much product can be purchased under the 1 ounce limit. Below is a sampling of what you can purchase within that regulation:
- Five packs of 20-count 100mg edibles
- 10 bottles of tincture
- 28 pre-roll joints
- 10 0.5g vape cartridges
- Enough flower for 100 bowls
Weight and Product Categories
Massachusetts allows the sale of cannabis either by weight or count, and that depends on product categories.
The following products are sold via weight:
- Flower
- Concentrate
- Pre-Rolls
- Infused pre-rolls
- Kief
These product types are sold by count:
- Edibles, including fruit chews/gummies, mints, lozenges, etc.
- Infused non-edibles
- Vape pens and cartridges
THC and CBD Measurements
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) does not have these psychoactive effects, but is used to boost mood, relieve anxiety and depression, and ease pain.
When it comes to the right dosage, look for the THC and CBD measurements on each strain or product. If your primary goal is pain relief or getting a good night’s sleep, look for a Indica-dominant or CBD-dominant strain.
The total THC and CBD numbers should appear on the label. Both are measured in milligrams. One gram is 1,000 milligrams, therefore you can calculate the amount of THC or CBD in the product by multiplying 1,000 milligrams by the percentage of each cannabinoid on the label. A product containing 15 percent THC thus has 150 milligrams of THC.
If a product is sold in ounces, you can use a calculator to determine the amount of THC by converting ounces to grams and doing the math. For example, an eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams, is 3.5 x 1,000 x .15, which comes to 525 milligrams of THC.
Repeat the procedure for CBD, based on the amount in the flower. For instance, an 18 percent CBD strain contains 180 milligrams per gram.
Because THC and CBD can impact our bodies differently, look for an online dosage calculator that takes into consideration your weight, gender, frequency and method of consumption. This allows you to choose the dosage amount suitable for your needs, not anyone else’s.
Contact Us
At Garden Remedies, we are changing the conversation about cannabis. Not only are we the only physician-led and woman-led dispensary in Massachusetts, but we are strongly committed to helping as many people as possible live their best lives by providing access to safe, legal and natural cannabis. Our flower is all Massachusetts-grown. Visit one of our three dispensaries, located in Marlborough, Melrose and Newton, or call us at (844) 344-2420. For all other inquiries, email info@gardenremedies.com.
Jane Meggitt’s work has appeared in dozens of publications, including USA Today, Zack’s, Financial Advisor, nj.com, The Houston Chronicle and The Nest. She is a graduate of New York University.
Sources:
A guide to weed weights | Weedmaps
Visual guide to cannabis quantities | By ounce & gram | Leafly
Massachusetts law about marijuana | Mass.gov
Market_Data_and_Industry_Participation_February_2020.pdf (mass-cannabis-control.com)
How to Measure THC & CBD Levels in Cannabis Products | Leafly
