Eighth, Quarter, Half Ounce, Ounce: A Flower Size Guide

Cannabis is sold in a set of measurements that don't map neatly onto anything else you buy by weight, which makes the first few purchases confusing for a lot of new customers. An "eighth" isn't an eighth of anything obvious, and the jump from an eighth to a quarter doesn't feel intuitive until you've seen the numbers side by side. Here's a straightforward breakdown of what each size actually is, in grams, and who typically buys at each level.

Where These Measurements Come From

Cannabis measurements are based on fractions of an ounce, which is why the names sound like fractions: an eighth is one-eighth of an ounce, a quarter is one-quarter of an ounce, and so on. The convention predates legal, regulated cannabis by decades, it's a holdover from how the plant was measured and sold long before dispensaries existed, and it stuck around because it's what both buyers and sellers already understood.

The Sizes, in Grams

An eighth = 3.5 grams
A quarter = 7 grams
A half ounce = 14 grams
A full ounce = 28 grams

Each size up is exactly double the one before it, which makes the math easier once it clicks: two eighths make a quarter, two quarters make a half ounce, two half ounces make a full ounce.

Eighths: The Standard Starting Point

An eighth (3.5g) is the most common single purchase for both new and experienced customers, and most dispensary menus, including Altocanna's flower menu, are priced and displayed with the eighth as the default unit. It's a reasonable amount to try a new strain without committing to more, and for an occasional user, an eighth can last several sessions.

If you're brand new to shopping at a dispensary, starting with an eighth of something recommended by a budtender is a common, low-risk way to get a feel for a strain before deciding whether to buy more of it later.

Quarters: For Regular Use or Trying Two Strains

A quarter (7g) is a natural next step for someone who's settled into more regular use, or who wants to buy two different eighths' worth of a strain without paying for two separate transactions. It's also a common size for people who prefer to have a small stock on hand rather than making frequent trips.

Half Ounces: Buying in Bulk Without Going All-In

A half ounce (14g) is where pricing efficiency starts to matter more, buying at this size is often noticeably better value per gram than buying the same amount split across multiple eighths. It's a common purchase for customers who've already found a strain they like and are stocking up, without committing to a full ounce of just one option.

Full Ounces: For Committed Buyers

A full ounce (28g) is the largest single flower size typically sold as one unit, and it's usually bought by customers who know exactly what strain they want and go through cannabis regularly enough that buying in bulk makes sense, both for convenience and cost. New York limits purchases to 3 ounces of flower per transaction, so an ounce is well within a single legal purchase.

How to Decide What Size Is Right for You

A few practical questions can help narrow it down:

Have you tried this strain before? If not, starting smaller (an eighth) limits the downside if it's not what you expected.

How often do you use cannabis? Occasional use rarely justifies buying past an eighth or quarter at a time, simply because flower is best when reasonably fresh.

Are you buying for yourself or splitting with someone else? Shared purchases often make sense at the half-ounce or ounce level, where the per-gram price improves.

Do you have proper storage? Larger purchases are only a good value if you can actually store the flower properly, an airtight container, away from light and heat, since improperly stored flower degrades in both potency and flavor over time.

A Note on Pricing

Prices per gram typically drop as the size goes up, an ounce usually costs less per gram than four separate eighths of the same strain would. Exact pricing varies by strain and shelf tier, so the most accurate way to compare is to check the live menu directly rather than relying on a general rule of thumb, since pricing shifts with each new drop.

Don't Forget the Legal Limit

Whatever size you're buying, New York caps purchases at 3 ounces of flower (or the equivalent in concentrate) per transaction. For nearly everyone, this is a non-issue, even a full ounce leaves plenty of room under the cap, but it's useful context if you're placing a larger, mixed order that includes flower alongside concentrates or other product types.

Storing Larger Purchases Properly

Buying more than you'll use in a week or two only makes sense if you can store it properly. Flower degrades over time when it's exposed to light, heat, or air, the terpenes responsible for aroma and flavor are the first thing to fade, followed eventually by potency. An airtight, opaque container kept somewhere cool and dark (not a sunny windowsill, and not the refrigerator, which introduces moisture) will keep a half ounce or ounce fresh far longer than a plastic bag left on a counter.

If you're buying at the half-ounce or ounce level specifically to save money over time, it's worth factoring proper storage into that decision, a great price on an ounce isn't much of a deal if half of it loses flavor and potency before you get through it.

Common Mistakes First-Time Bulk Buyers Make

Buying a large amount of an untested strain. Jumping straight to a half ounce or ounce of something you've never tried is a common way to end up with a lot of flower you don't love. Starting with an eighth of a new strain before committing to a larger size avoids this.

Underestimating how long flower stays fresh. Cannabis doesn't spoil the way food does, but it does lose quality gradually. If a full ounce is going to take several months to get through, a smaller, more frequent purchase might actually make more sense than one large one.

Not comparing price per gram across sizes. It's not automatic that larger sizes are always the better value, promotions and pricing structures vary, so it's worth doing the math (or asking a budtender to) rather than assuming.

Understanding Shelf Tiers

Flower at most dispensaries, Altocanna included, is generally organized into different shelf tiers, sometimes described as value, mid-shelf, and top-shelf, which reflect differences in growing conditions, trim quality, and overall bud appearance rather than necessarily a difference in effect. Price per gram typically tracks with tier, so a value-tier ounce and a top-shelf eighth might cost similarly different amounts despite the size difference. Browsing the full flower menu is the most direct way to compare tiers and pricing side by side before deciding what size and quality level fits your budget.

Bringing It All Together

There's no universally "right" size to buy, it depends on how often you use cannabis, whether you've settled on a favorite strain, and how you plan to store it. If you're not sure where to start, the team at Altocanna's Chambers Street dispensary can help match a size to how you actually plan to use it, rather than just defaulting to whatever's cheapest per gram.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many eighths are in an ounce?

Eight, it's where the name comes from. An eighth is exactly one-eighth of an ounce (3.5g), and eight of them add up to a full ounce (28g).

Is it cheaper to buy a full ounce than four eighths?

Usually, yes. Per-gram pricing typically improves at larger sizes, though the exact difference varies by strain, check the live menu to compare.

How long does an ounce of flower last?

This varies enormously by how often someone uses cannabis, but for context, an ounce is roughly eight standard eighths' worth, for an occasional user, that can realistically last several months if stored properly.

Can I buy a full ounce on my first visit?

Yes, there's no requirement to start small, though it's often a more cost-effective learning experience to try a smaller amount of an unfamiliar strain before buying in bulk.

Does flower go bad if I buy too much?

It doesn't spoil in the way food does, but it does lose potency and flavor gradually. Proper airtight, cool, dark storage significantly slows that process.

Is pre-ground flower sold by the same sizes?

Ground and whole flower are generally measured and sold using the same weight-based sizing, the difference is in preparation, not measurement.

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Altocanna x Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event

By Nicole Savocchi • October 29, 2026

Altocanna and Weedmaps are throwing a Customer Appreciation Event on Friday, October 30, from 3 to 6 PM at our shop at 110 Chambers St in Tribeca. It is free to attend, open to adults 21 and older, and it comes with merch giveaways, light bites and a raffle for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor, the Tribeca haunted house. This post covers what the event is, what to expect, how to get here and what to know before you come. If you only need the basics, the quick facts are right below. The Event at a Glance What: Altocanna x Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event When: Friday, October 30, 3 to 6 PM Where: Altocanna on Chambers, 110 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007 (Tribeca) Cost: Free Who: Adults 21 and older What is happening: Merch giveaways, light bites, and a raffle for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor Event listing: Halloween x Weedmaps on Weedmaps What Is the Altocanna and Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event? It is our way of saying thank you. Altocanna is a licensed adult-use cannabis dispensary on Chambers Street, and the people who walk through our doors are the reason the shop is part of Tribeca. This event, hosted with Weedmaps, is a few hours set aside to celebrate them with some Halloween season fun. Weedmaps lists the event on its platform as "Halloween x Weedmaps," a pop up with raffles, prizes and free swag. On our flyer it is called a Customer Appreciation Event. It is the same afternoon, at the same address, so if you see either name, you are looking at the same event. You do not need to be a regular to join. If you have been meaning to visit the shop, a relaxed afternoon with a friendly crowd is an easy first visit. If you already shop with us, come say hello. What to Expect on Friday, October 30 The event runs for three hours, and you can stop by at any point between 3 and 6 PM. Here is what we have planned. Merch Giveaways Weedmaps is bringing free merch for guests. Giveaways are first come, first served while supplies last, so earlier in the afternoon is the safer bet if you want to be sure to take something home. Light Bites We will have light bites on hand so you are not browsing on an empty stomach. Think of it as a small thank you, not a full meal. The Raffle This is the headline. One raffle, two sets of prizes: two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor. More on that below. Friendly Faces Our team will be here all afternoon. If you have questions about what is on our menu, how pickup works or what is new in the shop, this is a relaxed time to ask. The Raffle: Two Puffco Devices and Two Blood Manor Tickets The raffle is for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor. Our team will explain how to enter when you arrive, and the Official Rules apply to the raffle. You must be 21 or older to enter. Puffco is a well known name in the cannabis accessories world, and a device is a prize many of our customers will be glad to win. We have kept the details simple on purpose: the prizes are the devices themselves, and winners will be announced at the event. Blood Manor is a haunted house at 359 Broadway, a short walk from our door. According to its website, it is about 10,000 square feet of themed rooms and passageways, and it calls itself NYC's Scariest Haunted House Attraction. You can check dates, hours and ticket information on the official Blood Manor website . Tickets are provided by Blood Manor and are subject to its availability and rules. If you win Blood Manor tickets, our Tribeca haunted house guide covers what to expect inside, how the timed entry works and how to plan the rest of your night. Why We Are Hosting This Event There is a simple reason for the afternoon. Our customers are why Altocanna is here, and an in person thank you is better than a thank you in an email. Altocanna is a CAURD licensed, majority women owned and social justice owned business, and being part of Tribeca is something we take seriously. Events like this keep us connected to the neighborhood: customers who live nearby, people who work in Lower Manhattan, and visitors who find us while they are out for the day. The event also gives us a chance to work alongside Weedmaps, a platform many people in New York use to find dispensaries, and to team up with a local neighbor, Blood Manor, for the Halloween season. A Quick Word About Weedmaps Weedmaps is an online platform where people find cannabis dispensaries and see what they offer, and it hosts event listings like this one. Altocanna is listed on Weedmaps, and the event page there has the details of the afternoon. If you found us through Weedmaps, welcome. You are in the right place. You can see the event on the Weedmaps listing for Halloween x Weedmaps , and learn more about the platform at weedmaps.com . How to Get to Altocanna on Chambers We are at 110 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, between West Broadway and Church St, in the heart of Tribeca. By subway: The 1, 2 and 3 trains and the A and C trains stop at Chambers St, a short walk away. The R and W trains stop at City Hall, also close by. On foot or by bike: If you are coming from the west side of Tribeca, the Hudson River Greenway is an easy way in. From the Financial District: Walking up Church St brings you straight to our block. Many guests come from the neighborhoods around us, including the Financial District, SoHo, Battery Park City, Chinatown, the West Village and the Lower East Side. If you work in Lower Manhattan, 3 to 6 PM on a Friday is a good time to stop by on the way home. What to Bring and What to Know A few simple notes will make your visit smoother. Bring valid government issued ID. You must be 21 or older, and a valid ID is required to shop with us. Know the basics of New York law. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 3 ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis. If you have questions about the rules, our team is glad to explain what we can. Come with a friend. A group is welcome as long as everyone is 21 or older, and sharing the afternoon makes the raffle more fun. Plan your timing. The event runs from 3 to 6 PM. Giveaways are while supplies last. Ask questions. Our team is happy to help, whether you are a first timer or know exactly what you like. If you are new to dispensaries, our staff can walk you through how everything works. There is no pressure and no wrong question. Make an Afternoon of It in Tribeca Friday, October 30 falls right at the start of Halloween weekend, and Tribeca is a good place to be. Walk around the neighborhood, take in the decorations and look for a coffee or an early dinner nearby before or after the event. If you are curious about the haunted house next door, our Blood Manor and Halloween in Tribeca guide will help you plan the evening. Frequently Asked Questions When is the Altocanna and Weedmaps Customer Appreciation Event? It takes place on Friday, October 30, from 3 to 6 PM. Where is the event? At Altocanna on Chambers, 110 Chambers St, New York, NY 10007, in Tribeca. Is the event free? Yes. Admission to the event is free. Who can attend? Adults 21 and older. Please bring a valid government issued ID. What will be at the event? Merch giveaways, light bites and a raffle for two Puffco devices and two tickets to Blood Manor. Giveaways are while supplies last. Where can I see the event listing? On Weedmaps, under "Halloween x Weedmaps" for Altocanna. The listing is linked above. How do I get to Altocanna? Take the 1, 2 or 3 train or the A or C train to Chambers St, or the R or W train to City Hall. We are between West Broadway and Church St. See You on October 30 Thank you to everyone who has shopped with us, shared us with a friend or stopped in to say hello. We are looking forward to seeing you on Friday, October 30, from 3 to 6 PM at 110 Chambers St. Come hungry for light bites, curious about the raffle and ready for a good time. Questions before you come? Call us at (212) 933 4737. 21+ only. Valid government issued ID required. Giveaways while supplies last. Raffle subject to Official Rules. Altocanna, Weedmaps and Blood Manor are independent businesses.

What Is Drink Pink? Supporting Breast Cancer Awareness Month

By Nicole Savocchi • October 29, 2026

Learn what Ayrloom's Drink Pink campaign is, who it supports and ways to take part for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, with Altocanna in Tribeca.

Close-up of a grotesque monster face with red eyes in dark blue-purple lighting

Win Free Blood Manor Tickets with Altocanna this Halloween!

October 28, 2026

Altocanna and Blood Manor team up for Halloween in Tribeca. Learn about NYC's haunted house, plan your night, and enter to win a pair of tickets. 21+.