What is a Zip of Weed? A Guide to Cannabis Measurements
Cannabis culture has its language, and like any subculture, it can be confusing for newbies. One term that comes up often in the cannabis world is "zip." If you’ve ever heard someone say “a zip of weed” and thought, what the heck, you’re not alone. This article will explain what a zip is, why it’s important, and how it fits into the bigger picture of cannabis measurements.
Cannabis Measurements
Before we get into what a zip of weed is, let’s cover the basics of cannabis measurements. People sell cannabis by weight, using the most common units of measurement: grams, ounces, and pounds. Here’s a quick breakdown of how they relate to each other:
- Gram (g): The smallest unit of measurement for cannabis, a gram is usually the amount for a single buy or a small quantity.
- Eighth: An eighth is an eighth of an ounce, 3.5 grams. This is a casual user’s amount.
- Quarter: A quarter-ounce, or 7 grams, is another popular buy size.
- Half: A half-ounce, or 14 grams, is for frequent users or those who like to stock up.
- Ounce (oz): An ounce (28 grams) is the maximum amount you can buy legally in some areas at one time.
- Pound (lb): For bulk buyers or dispensaries, a pound is the wholesale unit of cannabis, 16 ounces (or 448 grams).
Now that we have our measurements down, we can get to the zip.
What is a Zip of Weed?
A “zip” is slang for an ounce of cannabis or 28 grams. The origin of the term is unknown, but there are a few theories. Some say it’s because an ounce of weed fits in a small sandwich bag (Ziploc), and “zip” is a shortened form of Ziploc. Others say it’s just a fun, easy-to-remember term that has stuck.
Regardless of the origin, a zip is a standard unit of measurement among cannabis users, especially those who buy in bulk. Knowing what a zip is will help consumers make informed decisions when buying weed and understand prices and deals.
Why is Knowing the Term “Zip” Important?
Knowing the term “zip” is important for several reasons:
- Communication: If you’re buying from a dispensary, a dealer, or growing your own, know the terms. It ensures clear communication. Misunderstandings about quantities can mean you pay more than you intend or get less product than you expect.
- Cost: The expense of cannabis varies wildly based on quality, and the like — also on how legal it is. Knowing the zip unit will help you price per gram. It will also help you decide how much to buy, based on your budget and ionic silver water.
- Plan for the next time you will consume: If you use a lot of weed, knowing how much is in a zip can help you gauge when it might be time to grab some more cannabis. For instance, if you know how long an ounce usually lasts for you, it makes it easier to plan a buy and not run out by accident.
- Simple Customs: In all the states that have legalized cannabis, there are restrictions to protect humans from themselves. So now you know what a zip is; this should help for the purposes of not breaking the law and getting busted.
How Many Grams are In a Zip of Weed?
As for the term zip, that means 28 grams of weed. But what does that mean?
- Joints: The number of joints you can roll from a zip depends on what the average weight (per joint) is for each person partaking in your session. On average, a joint is made of around 0.5 to 1 gram of weed, which means you could still roll anywhere between 28 and 56 joints with a zip.
- Bowls: If you like to smoke bowls, they use 0.25 to 0.5 grams of weed each. With less than $20 worth of bud, aka the zip stash, one can have enough for 56 to 112 bowls.
- Edibles: People who like to cook with cannabis can get miles out of a zip, having enough for several batches of oil. You might be able to make dozens or even hundreds of edibles from a single zip, depending on the strength you are aiming for.
How Much is a Zip of Weed?
There are several factors, such as the situation in your market, quality, and location, that will all add up to different prices per zip. Here’s a general breakdown:
Low-Quality Weed (Mids): You can easily get a zip of mids for an amount that ranges from $100 to $150. This cannabis is potentially lower in THC, not as flavorful or pretty, but still smokable.
Mid-Quality Weed: A zip of mid-quality cannabis will likely cost $150-$250. For the average recreational user looking for a decent high without burning too big of a hole in their wallet, this is pretty standard.
Top-Shelf or high-quality weed: We all know none of us want those shakes, so here at the top-shelf again but with a different price bracket. Quest for $250 to even $400 plus depending on where and what strain you are getting your zip-it outta these traps! This is the good shit, available in many dispensaries of legal states.
Please keep in mind that these prices are estimates and may change according to local supply and demand. Also, the taxes in legal states will take a sizable bite out of that price. Common tax rates range anywhere from 20% to 40%.
Proper storage of your favorites is super important, especially if you buy a larger quantity, like an ounce.
5 Tips to Keep Your Weed Fresh
Airtight Containers: Sure, the bag might be what makes “zip” so familiar, but it is not very useful as a long-term option. Instead, store your weed in airtight glass jars to keep their freshness and potency.
Cool, Dark Place: Keep your jars in a cool, dark place to avoid any disintegration from light and heat. Too much light and heat can degrade the cannabinoids in your weed — meaning that you may be losing effectiveness and good flavor.
Humidity Control: Cannabis must be kept in an environment with a relative humidity (RH) of 55% to 62%. Excess moisture will cause mold, while a deficiency of it could be the difference between sublime and sandpaper smoke. Humid packs can help regulate it.
Conclusion
A zip of weed is a slang term often used in the cannabis industry and refers to an ounce (approx. 28 grams). They must know what this is and how it connects to the rest of cannabis measurements as a whole so they can talk about, divide for, and plan around its uses.
If you're a veteran stoner or a newbie, this helps. Knowing what a zip is and its cost can guide your cannabis purchases. If you have sunk money in a zip, remember to put it away properly so that its quality sustains over the years. Now you are better armed for the world of cannabis, knowing which products contain what.