Dime bag, dubstack, and key, are just a few slang terms for various amounts of weed. In this article, we are taking a look at another slang term for cannabis, a zip of weed. Whether you’re a seasoned user or new to the cannabis scene, it’s important to learn about the various amounts you can buy cannabis in. Buying a zip of weed is becoming incredibly popular so let’s learn what it all entails.
The Basics of a Zip
A zip of weed is about 1 oz or 28 grams of cannabis flower. While this measure standard has become very popular in recent years, there is debate on the true origins of this term.
- Origin 1: Some swear that “zip” comes from the term “ziplock” due to early medical dispensaries operating on a flexible model vs. selling prepackaged amounts. These dispensaries would use a standard ziplock bag (think sandwich size) to package a patient’s purchase. Personally, I think this origin is the most likely reason for the name, but some are adamant that there is another origin for the term.
- Origin 2: As laws around cannabis have reduced their extreme restrictions on cannabis flower, it’s become common for many to buy in bulk. Instead of buying an eighth or even a quarter, many buy an ounce now. To hide the fact that they were carrying around so much, instead of saying they had an oz, they would drop the “o” from “oz” and turn the “z” into zip.
Now, it’s important to know that due to the light spectrum and other growing methods affecting density, a zip won’t always look the same or fill out the bag to the same degree.
Practical Implications of Buying a Zip
Like pretty much anything else, buying cannabis in larger vs. smaller quantities can really save you a lot of money. Dispensaries often offer deals when buying in bulk and that’s definitely the number 1 reason why buying an oz vs. an eight has become so popular. But that’s not the only reason.
When using cannabis every day, especially, if sharing with a roommate, friend, or significant other, it’s fairly easy for many users to go through an eighth in a single week. Some high users — no pun intended — can go through a quarter, especially if they’re using it to medicate. A zip of weed is often enough to last most people at least 1-2 months.
As you can see, buying a zip of weed can save you money, however, you are often locked into buying a single strain. For some, that’s not a big deal. But for those who love the range of aromas, flavors, and effects cannabis offers, this can eliminate the saving advantages.
Quality and Quantity – What to Expect in a Zip
A zip of weed only refers to the amount (quality) you’re buying and has no effect on the quality. It says nothing about how potent that flower is or what it will look like — a zip of weed may perfectly fill out a ziplock bag or may not, especially if the flower was grown under LEDs that tend to promote dense buds vs. an HID light.
For some, a zip of weed can last them a month, for others, that’s enough cannabis to last them 6 months to a year! When properly cured, cannabis can easily be stored for a year without much loss in potency and quality, but you do need to be diligent about keeping it in an airtight container away from light and hot temperatures. Think about where and how you store your other medications for help finding the perfect location. To limit the risk of oxidation, I recommend separating your zip into multiple containers if you’re planning on it lasting for more than 1-2 months.
According to Leafly, 1 zip = 28 joints (4 quarters that are 7 grams each). That’s a fine estimate, but it’s very hard to put a definitive number on that, especially if you’re rolling yourself. Remember, a zip of weed says nothing about flower potency, making it hard for me to tell you just how long it will last or cost, along with just how many bowls/joints it provides.
Navigating Cannabis Purchases Responsibly
In the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis, it’s crucial you approach purchases responsibly by understanding and adhering to local laws while always purchasing from a reputable dispensary. This is no different whether you’re buying a zip or a dime bag (which equals one gram or $10). However, because a zip is a much bigger amount of weed vs. a dime bag, understanding laws that govern cannabis is even more crucial, especially when it comes to transporting it.
Responsible buying extends beyond legality; consider product origins, supporting sustainable practices, and engaging in open dialogue with dispensaries. The more you can learn about where your cannabis flower comes from and how it was grown, the better. At a minimum, make sure you’re always buying cannabis products with a certificate of analysis (COA).
Conclusion
Let’s quickly summarize what we just learned:
- A zip of weed most often refers to 1 ounce or about 28 grams of cannabis flower.
- The origin of this term may come from the fact that 1oz of cannabis flower neatly fills out a standard ziplock bag. The term may also come from dropping the “o” from “oz” and turning the “Z” into zip to better hide cannabis use.
- Purchasing a zip of weed often comes with deals, as this is a fair amount of cannabis for many. However, while it may take 6 months for some to go through, it may only last a month for others. Potency and tolerance will play a large part in this — a zip only refers to a unit of measurement and says nothing about potency, quality, or cost.
As when buying any amount of weed, whether it’s a gram or an ounce, I encourage you to stay up-to-date on your local cannabis laws.
Nicholas McKenzie - Cannabis Research Specialist
Nicholas has spent the last ten years teaching gardeners, businesses, and enthusiasts how to succeed in the exciting and ever-changing world of cannabis. Whether he’s in the field getting his hands dirty or in the lab studying cannabinoids and their uses, Nicholas is passionate about bringing well-researched, factual, and concise information to an industry that very much needs it.
