Here’s How to Weigh Weed Without a Scale
Sometimes you need to know exactly how much weed you have, and that’s when a scale comes in handy. Most of us don’t just have scales on hand though, which can complicate scenarios where you need to know the exact weight of your bud. If you need to weigh your weed but don’t have a scale, don’t fret. Not all is lost. We’ll show you how to weigh weed without a scale so you can navigate this dilemma!
May 20, 2021
Maybe you went in with a friend on a bag of weed from our Bellingham pot shop or Seattle dispensary and now want to split it evenly so no one feels they are getting the short end of the stick. Or perhaps you stocked up on some green from our Spokane dispensary and want to accurately distribute your bud into daily microdoses. Whatever the case, read on to learn how to weigh weed without a scale.
The ruler and penny method
The ruler and penny method is probably the most common way to weigh weed without a scale. This is because pennies typically weigh about 2.5 grams, making for an easy object to compare with your bud.
Here’s how it works:
First, you need to channel your inner child, particularly if you used to balance random objects on rulers. This is pretty much the gist of the method.
You need to make a fulcrum, or base for the ruler to rest on. A pen or pencil works well for this.
Now, rest the ruler on the pencil or object you’ve chosen for the base. Once it is sitting evenly, it’s time to add your penny to one side. This should tip the scale to one side. Begin to add your weed to the opposite side and continue adding or taking away small bits until the ruler is evenly balanced.
Each penny is about 2.5 grams. You can continue to add pennies if you are looking to weigh large amounts of weed.
The hanger method
Another popular way to weigh weed without a scale is to use a hanger, since they come pre-balanced.
Cut two pieces of equal-length string and attach them to opposite sides of the hanger. Now, clothespin the bottom of each string to a ziplock bag.
Hang the hanger on a string or doorknob and make sure it sits evenly. You must ensure that it is balanced before you start adding weights.
In one bag, add a reference weight. Pennies work well, since they typically weigh 2.5 grams per penny.
In the opposite bag, add your weed. Continue to add or take away pieces until you have a balanced hanger.
Use a phone app
We prefer the other methods we’ve already mentioned because they are tried and true. You don’t need an internet connection or a charged phone to figure out exactly how much weed you have.
However, if you are looking for a quick way to measure your weed without a scale – like most things – there’s an app for that. In fact, there are several.
If you have a smartphone, no matter the type, you can probably find a scale app. Just download the app, place your weed on your screen, and let your phone tell you how much weed you have.
As convenient as this sounds, there is a catch. It’s a big catch, too. Smartphone scales aren’t accurate. That’s just a fact.
In fact, smartphone scales aren’t actually scales. These types of apps typically use gyroscopes to estimate weights, rather than actually measure the weight of an object placed on the screen.
Therefore, this method is good if you are looking for an estimate of how much weed you have. Don’t expect to get a super accurate reading using a smartphone scale. If you are looking to split up your weed with someone and prevent one person from getting extra or cut short, it’s probably a good idea to follow a different method of measurement.
Different measurements of weed
If you are looking to measure your weed, it’s likely because you want to evenly share it with someone 21 or older or are looking to microdose with accurate dosages.
We’ve gone over the different weed measurements before, but it’s worth pointing out what they are again:
- A gram – This is typically the smallest option available at Washington dispensary locations. You can find pre-rolled joints filled with a full gram or half gram of weed, or buy the flower to grind yourself.
- The next size up is typically the eighth. This refers to ⅛ of an ounce, or 3.5 grams.
- After the eighth is a quarter. This represents ¼ of an ounce, or 7 grams. It can also be seen as two-eighths.
- The ounce is the largest amount of weed you can purchase at our Seattle dispensary and other locations across Washington, per the state’s legal limit.
Unfortunately, these measurements don’t coincide with the 2.5 grams per penny. This means you’ll have to do some math to figure out the exact measurements.
Final thoughts on weighing weed without a scale
We hope our methods for weighing weed without a scale will help you when in a pinch. Note that the most accurate way to get a measurement of your weed is to use a true scale meant for that purpose. The methods we’ve recommended are great in a pinch, but by no means 100% accurate.
The cannabis at our Bellingham dispensary and other shops across the state comes in pre-measured packages so you don’t have to worry about how much you are getting. Keep in mind that these products are often rounded to the nearest measurement, and may not 100% reflect the exact measurement, either.
Want to stock up on some green? Whether you just need a gram, are looking to stock up on a full ounce, or anything in between, we’ve got your back at Piece of Mind Cannabis!
Stop by to browse our wide selection of flower, concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and more!