If you’re trying to figure out what a “quarter” of weed means at the dispensary—or wondering if you’re paying too much—you’re in the right place. Cannabis measurements can be confusing at first, but once you understand the basics, you’ll be able to shop with confidence and spot a good deal. First, it’s important to understand how many grams are in a quarter.
The short answer: Most people pay between $40 and $100 for a quarter of weed in 2025, with prices averaging around $64 nationally. Where you live and what quality you’re looking for will determine where you land in that range.
Last Updated: November 11, 2025 | Medically Reviewed by PrestoDoctor Cannabis Specialists
What Exactly Is a Quarter of Weed?
A quarter means a quarter-ounce, which weighs 7 grams. Some people call it a “quad” or just a “Q” for short.
The name comes from dividing up an ounce. Since a full ounce has 28 grams, one-quarter of that equals 7 grams. Pretty straightforward once you know the math.
How It Compares to Other Amounts
Here’s how a quarter stacks up against other common purchase sizes:
| Amount | Weight | Typical Price | Who It’s For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single gram | 1g | $10-$20 | Testing a new strain |
| Eighth | 3.5g | $25-$45 | Light users, weekend supply |
| Quarter | 7g | $40-$100 | Most people—best value |
| Half-ounce | 14g | $80-$180 | Heavy users buying in bulk |
| Full ounce | 28g | $150-$300 | Max legal limit in most states |
What 7 Grams Actually Gets You
Depending on how you consume, a quarter can give you:
- Around 7-14 joints (depending on how fat you roll them)
- 10-15 blunts if that’s your style
- 20-28 bowl packs for pipe smokers
- 30+ hits if you’re using a one-hitter or small vape
Current Prices for a Quarter in 2025
The National Average Is $64
Based on 2025 market data, most dispensaries charge around $64 for a quarter. That’s actually down from $68 last year, thanks to more competition and better growing efficiency across legal states.
What Most People Actually Pay
While $64 is the average, the real-world range is broader:
- Budget flower: $40-$55
- Mid-tier quality: $55-$75
- Premium stuff: $75-$100
- Exotic/limited drops: $100-$130
Why Prices Vary So Much
Your Location Matters Most
Where you live has the biggest impact on price. States like Oregon and Colorado have tons of dispensaries competing for business, which drives prices down. Newer markets or places with fewer stores tend to charge more.
Quality and Potency
Not all weed is created equal:
- Lower potency flower (15-20% THC) costs less
- Mid-range options (20-25% THC) offer the best balance
- Top-shelf strains (25-30%+ THC) command premium prices
How It Was Grown
Outdoor grows cost less to produce, so they’re cheaper. Indoor operations have higher overhead but produce more consistent quality year-round. Greenhouse operations fall somewhere in the middle.
Time of Year
Harvest season in late fall usually brings prices down 20-30% because there’s more supply. Summer months can get pricey when inventory runs low.
Taxes Hit Different
Some states really pile on the taxes:
- Oregon charges around 20% total
- Illinois can hit you with 40% when it’s all said and done
- California adds 15% excise tax plus whatever your city charges
- Washington tacks on 37% excise tax
Brand Names and Hype Strains
Celebrity-backed brands and trendy new genetics cost more. House brands and less hyped strains offer better value for the same effects.
What Does a Quarter Look Like?
Size Comparison
Seven grams is roughly:
- The size of a large egg
- About as heavy as a dollar coin
- Takes up maybe a quarter of a sandwich bag
- Roughly two tablespoons if you scoop it
But Appearance Varies
Here’s where it gets tricky—7 grams of one strain might look totally different from 7 grams of another.
Dense, compact buds (usually indica-leaning strains) are tightly packed and take up less space. They might look smaller but they’re not.
Fluffy, airy buds (often sativa-dominant) are less dense and spread out more. They’ll look like more flower, but the scale doesn’t lie.
Bottom line: Don’t judge by eye. That’s why licensed dispensaries have to weigh everything, and you should ask to see the scale if you’re curious.
What You’ll Pay by State
Prices swing wildly depending on where you shop. Here’s what a quarter of weed costs across major legal markets:
| State | Average Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $46-$55 | Cheapest in the country |
| Washington | $48-$60 | Strong competition helps prices |
| Colorado | $50-$70 | Mature market, solid quality |
| California | $60-$90 | Taxes add up fast here |
| Michigan | $55-$75 | Getting more competitive |
| Massachusetts | $70-$90 | Fewer dispensaries = higher prices |
| Illinois | $75-$100 | Highest taxes in the nation |
| New York | $70-$95 | Still building out the market |
| Washington D.C. | $100-$130 | Limited availability drives prices up |
These are mid-tier prices. You can find cheaper budget options or more expensive premium strains in each state.
Why the West Coast Is Cheapest
States like Oregon, Washington, and California have had legal weed for a decade or more. They’ve got hundreds of growers and tons of dispensaries fighting for customers. That competition keeps prices low.
Why the East Coast Costs More
Newer legal markets on the East Coast are still building out infrastructure. Fewer dispensaries and tighter regulations mean less competition and higher prices. That should improve over the next few years.
How Long Will a Quarter of Weed Last?
Depends entirely on how much you consume:
Light Users (2-3 times per week)
About a month
If you’re a weekend smoker or just enjoy a little here and there, a quarter can easily last you 3-4 weeks.
Regular Users (daily but moderate)
1-2 weeks
Daily bowl smokers or evening consumers will typically go through a quarter in a week or two.
Heavy Users (multiple times daily)
Less than a week
If you’re smoking all day or rolling big blunts, a quarter might only last you 3-7 days.
Some Quick Math
Let’s say you smoke one half-gram joint every day. A quarter would last you exactly 14 days.
If you pack two bowls a day at 0.3 grams each, you’re looking at about 11-12 days.
Using a vaporizer? They’re more efficient, so that same amount might stretch to 17-18 days.
How to Get the Best Deal
1. Shop Around
Don’t just go to the closest dispensary. Check menus online for 3-5 places near you. Prices can vary by $20 or more for the same product.
2. Sign Up for Loyalty Programs
Pretty much every dispensary has one now, and they actually save you money:
- 10-15% off automatically
- Points that add up to free stuff
- Member-only sales
- Birthday discounts (usually 20-25% off)
3. Time It Right
Best times to buy:
- October through December (harvest season = lower prices)
- Weekday mornings (less crowded, budtenders have more time to help)
- End of the month (dispensaries often need to clear inventory)
Skip these times:
- April 20 (prices go up because of demand)
- Summer (supply is lower)
- Holiday weekends (everyone’s buying)
4. Look for “Smalls” or “Popcorn Buds”
These are just smaller buds from the same plant. Same genetics, same potency, same effects—just not as pretty. They’re 20-40% cheaper and you’re grinding them up anyway, so who cares?
5. First-Time Customer Deals
Most dispensaries offer 20-30% off your first purchase, plus freebies like a pre-roll. Always ask about new customer specials.
6. Buy Slightly More to Save More
The math works out better when you buy larger quantities:
- Single grams: around $15 per gram
- Eighth: about $10-12 per gram
- Quarter: roughly $7-10 per gram ← sweet spot
- Half-ounce: $6-8 per gram
- Full ounce: $5-7 per gram
A quarter gives you bulk pricing without committing to more than you need.
7. Store It Properly
Nothing worse than wasting money on weed that dried out or lost its potency. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Use an airtight jar (mason jars work great)
- Keep it in a cool, dark spot (not the fridge)
- Add a humidity pack to maintain 55-62% humidity
- Keep it away from heat and direct light
Stored right, your quarter will stay fresh for 6-12 months.
Common Questions
Exactly 7 grams. A full ounce is 28 grams, so one-quarter of that is 7.
Anywhere from $40 to $90 is pretty normal depending on where you live and what quality you want. The national average is $64.
Depends on how you roll. If you do half-gram joints, you’ll get 14. If you roll fat gram-sized joints, you’ll get 7. Most people fall somewhere in between and get 10-12 joints from a quarter.
Almost always, yes. You usually save 15-30% per gram by buying a quarter instead of two separate eighths. That $5-15 adds up over time.
In an airtight container away from light and heat, you’ve got a solid 2-4 weeks of peak freshness. With humidity control packs, it’ll stay good for 6-12 months, though the terpenes will fade a bit over time.
About the size of a large egg or small apple, but it really depends on the strain. Dense indica buds look smaller and compact. Fluffy sativa buds spread out more. Both weigh 7 grams—the scale doesn’t care what it looks like.
Usually. Medical cardholders typically save 10-20% through lower taxes and patient discounts. In some states, medical cannabis is completely tax-exempt, which can save you $10-25 on a quarter of weed.
Final Thoughts
Understanding what you’re paying for makes you a smarter shopper. At $64 on average nationally, a quarter hits the sweet spot between value and convenience for most people. You get bulk savings without buying more than you need.
Quick recap:
- A quarter = 7 grams = 7-14 joints
- Most people pay $50-$90
- Location, quality, and timing matter a lot
- Way better value than buying grams or eighths
- Store it right and it’ll last months
Want to learn more about cannabis measurements? Our complete guide breaks down everything from grams to ounces: Weed Measurements: A Guide to Cannabis Weights & Quantities.
Medical Patients: You can save serious money on cannabis taxes by getting your medical card. PrestoDoctor offers quick online evaluations that usually take less than 10 minutes—and the tax savings pay for themselves on your first few purchases.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and doesn’t constitute medical advice. Cannabis affects everyone differently. Talk to a healthcare provider before using cannabis, especially if you have health conditions or take medications. Always consume responsibly and follow your local laws.
