The price of a quarter of weed varies dramatically throughout the country, from $40 in Colorado to over $126 in Washington, D.C.. The national average has dropped $6 from last year to $68. Local dispensary prices depend on several market conditions.
Understanding the value you receive for your money is vital. A quarter provides 7 grams of cannabis that typically produces about 14 joints when each contains 0.5 grams. The product’s worth depends on factors of all types such as strain quality. THC concentrations range from 15% to 30%, and your location’s market dynamics play a significant role.
This piece examines quarter prices comprehensively. You’ll discover regional price differences, cost-influencing factors, and strategies to maximize your purchase value. Our breakdown of current market trends will help you make smart buying decisions in 2025.
Understanding Quarter Measurements
The term “quarter” stands as a standard measurement in cannabis retail that equals a quarter of an ounce. Cannabis enthusiasts often call it a “quad” or simply “Q”.
What Exactly is a Quarter of Weed
A quarter of cannabis equals one-fourth of an ounce. The imperial system gives us this measurement, which you’ll find throughout North America. Regular users and medical patients find this amount hits the sweet spot between quantity and freshness.
How Many Grams in a Quarter
A quarter weighs exactly 7.0874 grams when converted to metric. All the same, dispensaries usually round it down to 7 grams to keep things simple. This makes it easier for everyone to track their purchases and usage across the cannabis industry.
Visual Size Comparison
Several factors affect how a quarter looks physically. The strain type and bud density shape its visual volume substantially. You might see dense, compact nugs from some varieties, while others give you lighter, fluffier buds – both weighing exactly 7 grams.
A quarter of cannabis usually:
- Takes up about half of a standard mason jar
- Looks about the size of an apple
- Fits right in your open palm
- Tucks nicely into a small sunglasses case
You can roll about 14 half-gram joints from a quarter. This amount works great for regular users who want a steady supply without buying too much at once.
Bud density matters because it can trick your eyes. Two quarters might look totally different in size but contain the same weight. That’s why knowing these measurement standards helps you make smart choices at dispensaries.
Dispensaries package quarters in small, resealable containers. Regular users find this amount keeps their product fresh throughout use. On top of that, it offers better value than smaller amounts, making it an affordable choice for steady users.
Average Quarter Prices in 2025
Cannabis prices show big regional differences across the US in 2025. Market dynamics have changed dramatically between states. The national average for a quarter of cannabis currently stands at $68, which is $6 less than last year.
Price Ranges by Region
Oregon remains the cheapest state to buy cannabis, with quarters costing $46.57. Washington comes in close at $47.67. At the other end, Washington D.C. tops the price chart at $126.55 per quarter.
Here’s what a quarter costs in some major markets:
- Michigan: $68.15
- California: $62.50
- Colorado: $49.97
- Illinois: $74.24
Illinois’s cannabis products cost 89% more than other states because of high tax rates. Prices tend to drop in late fall and winter when producers stock too much inventory in dispensaries.
Legal vs Illegal Market Prices
Legal and illegal market prices tell two different stories. Buyers pay up to 80% more at legal dispensaries compared to street prices. A gram of legal cannabis costs $10.65 on average, while illegal market prices hover around $5.93.
This price difference comes from:
- State-imposed taxes and regulatory fees
- Running costs for licensed dispensaries
- Quality control requirements
- Compliance expenses
Retail cannabis prices have dropped 32% since 2021. States with older legal markets offer better prices. Michigan’s mature market now beats Oregon ($106.62), Colorado ($96.10), and Massachusetts ($144.53) in flower prices.
The wholesale market keeps changing. The U.S. Cannabis Spot Index reached $888 per pound. Markets continue to adjust as they mature and competition grows. Some regions see prices getting squeezed, which makes dispensaries rethink their pricing strategies.
Factors That Affect Quarter Prices
The price of a quarter of cannabis in 2025 depends on several important factors that create big price differences in different markets. Buyers need to know these factors to make smart choices.
Strain Quality and Potency
THC concentration affects the price directly. Premium strains with 26-30% THC cost more. Medical strains cost more to produce because they need strict testing and have special cannabinoid profiles. New strains that use advanced genetic techniques or special growing methods also cost more to produce.
Seasonal Changes
Prices change in a regular way throughout the year. They usually go up from late summer into September and then drop toward the end of the year. Prices hit their lowest point in October-November. People buy more pre-rolls in summer when they go hiking and to the beach.
Local Supply and Demand
Supply levels really change how the market works. States like Colorado and California that have 10-year old legal markets keep prices low because they have enough supply and lots of competition. New legal markets start with higher prices until their supply chains get better. Prices change based on when people shop most – between 4 PM and 7 PM daily, and recreational sales go up on weekends.
Taxes and Regulations
Each state has different tax rates. They range from 6% in Missouri to 37% in Washington. Illinois has some of the highest cannabis taxes in the country, which can make the original price go up by 40%. California and Michigan keep their cannabis tax at 10%. Some states tax products based on their THC strength – stronger products pay more tax.
The cannabis market stays strong even though federal rules still don’t allow sales between states. Each state has its own unique market that depends on local conditions. Companies feel pressure from higher labor costs and supply chain problems, but most try not to raise prices for customers.
How to Get the Best Value
Smart shopping strategies are a great way to get better prices on quarters without sacrificing quality. You’ll get more value for your money by knowing market trends and buying at the right time.
Comparing Dispensary Prices
Dispensaries show their prices in different ways, which makes price shopping tricky. Some places include tax in their listed prices, while others add it when you check out. Make sure you know the final price before you buy.
Medical cannabis card holders save big money in many states. Medical patients in Illinois pay just 1% pharmaceutical tax, while recreational users shell out anywhere from 19.25% to 42.75%.
Price differences between nearby dispensaries can be huge. Here’s what you might pay:
- Los Angeles quarters cost between $40 to $100
- Oregon dispensaries sell quarters for about $60 during harvest season
- Chicago quarters usually run around $80
Taking Advantage of Deals
Most shops run weekly specials on different products. Bulk buying deals happen on Mondays, edible specials pop up on Tuesdays, and concentrate deals show up on “Shatterday”. Your costs will drop when you match your shopping with these promotions.
Loyalty programs help you save even more. Dispensaries often give you:
- Points you can use later
- Member-only discounts
- First crack at sales
- Birthday specials
New customer discounts are a great way to save, with 20% to 30% off your first buy. On top of that, shops often run flash sales, holiday deals, and clearance prices on top-shelf strains.
Prices change with the seasons. Fall harvest brings better deals, making it perfect for stocking up. Some shops sell “shake” – smaller pieces from larger buds – at lower prices. While it might not look as pretty, shake keeps its strength and works great in many ways.
Veterans and seniors can usually get 10-20% off regular prices. Shop newsletters will keep you in the loop about sales and special offers, sometimes with coupons worth $25 or more.
Conclusion
Quarter prices play a vital role in making smart cannabis purchases. The average quarter now costs $68 nationwide, which is $6 less than last year as market prices continue to fall. Legal markets show stark differences across states – Colorado offers quarters for $40 while Washington, D.C. charges up to $126.
Buyers can get excellent value through several smart shopping approaches. Most states offer special discounts and reduced tax rates to medical cardholders. You can also save money by using loyalty programs, watching for seasonal sales, and timing your bulk purchases.
Product quality factors such as THC content, strain genetics, and proper testing directly influence the price points. Legal dispensary prices may be higher than street prices, but they ensure product safety and exact measurements. This pricing knowledge and smart shopping tactics will help you make confident choices at dispensaries while getting the best value possible.
