So, your stash is depleted and you’re down to your last 1 gram of weed? That’s enough to induce at least mild panic in most of us, because surely that will disappear faster than a Castle Lite at a braai, right? Though it may not look like much, don’t be fooled. That 1 gram of weed comes from the cannabis plant, and its concentrated nature means it can go a surprisingly long way if you use it wisely.
In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at what you can do with 1 gram of weed – from joints and blunts to edibles and infused beverages. In recent years, the ways people use a single gram have expanded, offering more creative ways to enjoy it whether you’re a seasoned stoner or a dagga debutante.
How Much is 1 Gram of Weed?
Before we tackle the creative possibilities, it helps to get a sense of what 1 gram of weed really is in practical terms.
Feature | Description |
|---|---|
Weight | 1 gram = 1,000 milligrams |
Visual Size | Roughly equivalent to a stack of 3 R5 coins, once broken up and loosely piled |
Cost In South Africa | Typically between R80 and R150, depending on quality, strain, and supplier |
THC Content | With 20% THC, 1 gram contains approximately 200mg of THC. This number represents the potency of the gram, directly affecting its psychoactive effects and dosage calculations. |
It may be compact, but thanks to the concentrated nature of cannabis – especially with modern strains averaging 15-25% THC – a single gram can deliver multiple enjoyable sessions, particularly when used efficiently. The potency of 1 gram of weed, determined by its THC percentage, is crucial for understanding its strength and ensuring safe consumption.
Further Reading: Ever Wondered What A Gram of Cannabis Really Is? A Guide To Quantities
Roll a Few Joints
Let’s start with the classic: the joint. This is one of the most popular and social ways to enjoy cannabis, and it’s easy to see why. Rolling a joint doesn’t require fancy equipment – just papers, a filter (optional but recommended), and your cannabis.
From 1 gram of weed, you can typically roll:
Three smaller joints using 0.3g each
Two medium joints using 0.5g each (note: two medium joints are equal in total weed to one fat joint)
A single fat ‘personal’ joint using the entire gram.
The choice depends on your tolerance, intent, and whether you’re smoking solo or with others. Thinner joints can offer a pleasant high without being overpowering, especially for beginners.
Pro tip: Break up your weed evenly before rolling to ensure a smooth, consistent burn. To stretch your stash further, use slim rolling papers and avoid overpacking. You’ll still get a nice buzz without burning through your entire supply at once.
Further Reading: A Fun And Super-Easy Guide To Rolling A Joint
Roll Some Mix Spliffs (Weed and Tobacco)
In many parts of South Africa (and Europe), spliffs – a mix of cannabis and tobacco – are more common than pure joints. While not ideal for those avoiding nicotine, spliffs are known for their slow burn and lighter high. The effects of spliffs are similar to pure joints, but the addition of tobacco introduces a different experience, including a more mellow sensation and a slightly energising effect due to nicotine.
By combining 0.2-0.3g of cannabis with tobacco in each roll, 1 gram of weed can yield:
- 3 to 5 spliffs, depending on your ratio
- A smoother, more mellow experience
- A slightly energising effect thanks to the nicotine
This method also makes cannabis more economical and stretches your gram further. Just keep in mind the potential health risks associated with tobacco use.
Further Reading: Spliffs VS Joints: What’s The Difference?
Use a Bong – High Impact, Less Waste
A bong is one of the most efficient methods of consumption. It uses water to filter and cool the smoke, allowing for smoother inhalation and stronger effects – often with less cannabis per session. The effects from a bong are quickly felt throughout the body due to the efficient delivery method, and the intensity can be similar to using a concentrate, making the experience more potent.
Most standard bong bowls hold around 0.25 to 0.3 grams of ground cannabis. That means:
- 1 gram of weed yields 3 to 4 solid bong hits
- The effects are fast-acting and usually more intense
- You use less weed per session compared to joints or blunts
For maximum efficiency, ensure your bong is clean and the cannabis is well-ground to promote an even burn.
Further Reading:Does Smoking Weed From A Bong Get You More Stoned?
Make a Small Batch of Cannabis Edibles
Think 1 gram of weed isn’t enough for edibles? Think again. While it won’t yield a full tray of delicious dagga muffins, it’s plenty to create 1 to 3 potent servings, depending on your THC tolerance. Here’s a simplified approach to making cannabis-infused goodies:
Step 1: Decarboxylation
Bake your marijuana at 110°C for 30-40 minutes to activate the THC.
Step 2: Infuse
Simmer the decarbed marijuana in butter or coconut oil for 1-2 hours over low heat. Then, strain it. Just by following these first two steps, you now know how to make THC butter!
Step 3: Cook
Use your infused butter in any small recipe, such as classic brownies, cookies, or even just to spread on a slice of toast. Brownies are a popular edible option because they can mask the taste of marijuana with chocolate and cocoa powder. If you’re feeling wild, stick it in a Vetkoek. Be sure to follow specific recipes to ensure both potency and taste.
With 200mg of THC in 1 gram of weed, even one edible like a cookie or brownie can contain 50-100mg THC – a very strong dose. You can easily divide your infusion into smaller amounts for microdosing or a milder effect. The taste of marijuana in your edible can be complemented or masked by other ingredients, depending on your recipe.
Caution: When eating an edible, THC is processed differently in the body compared to smoking or vaping, leading to a delayed onset and potentially stronger effects. Always consume a small amount first and wait at least an hour before eating more, as overconsumption can lead to unpleasant side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
Remember, if you're sharing your edibles, always inform others about the potency and ingredients.
Further Reading: The Ultimate Space Cookies Recipe
1 Gram of Weed can Infuse Coffee or Rooibos Tea
For a morning ritual with a twist, try infusing your coffee or tea with cannabis. Drinking cannabis-infused beverages is a different route of consumption compared to smoking or eating, and this route can significantly affect how your body processes THC. After decarbing and infusing your weed into a small amount of butter or coconut oil, you can simply add it to a hot drink. This works beautifully with rich coffee, rooibos, or chai.
Use about a ¼ teaspoon of infused oil per cup to start, especially if you’re unsure of the strength. The result from drinking your infused beverage is a mellow high that can spark creativity, but also works perfectly for daytime use and promotes calm productivity.
Bonus: The caffeine and THC combination can provide both mental clarity and physical relaxation – a favorite combo for weekend mornings or artistic sessions.
Roll a Blunt
For a slow, strong, and flavorful session, you can bypass joints, spliffs, and bongs and instead roll a blunt using the entire 1 gram of weed. A blunt uses a cigar or tobacco wrap, and typically fits 0.8-1g of weed.
- Ideal for special occasions or relaxed evenings
- Burns slowly and lasts longer than a joint
- Best enjoyed with friends – a blunt can be shared by more than one person, or enjoyed by yourself if you’re feeling indulgent!
Further Reading:Amaze Your Friends: Learn How To Roll A Blunt
Try Microdosing
If you’re looking for subtle effects – creativity, calm, or pain relief without being fully stoned – microdosing may be for you.
Microdosing allows you to use small amounts throughout a single day, spreading your consumption to maintain gentle effects. This approach enables you to continue with your daily activities without strong intoxication.
Using just 0.1 grams per session, 1 gram of weed offers up to 10 small doses. Ideal for:
- Daytime use
- Focused tasks
- Lower-tolerance users
Use a vape, one-hitter, or pipe for precision. Microdosing can also help with anxiety, sleep, and general wellness – all while making your supply last significantly longer.
DIY a Gravity Bong (a.k.a. Bucket Bong)
For those who enjoy a bit of science with their smoke, the gravity bong offers maximum THC impact with minimal weed. Its ability to deliver a powerful effect using a small amount of cannabis makes it especially appealing to experienced users. You can build one using:
- A 2-litre bottle
- A bucket of water
- A small socket or foil bowl
You’ll only need 0.2-0.3g per hit, meaning 1 gram of weed gets you 3 to 5 full pulls. The smoke is dense and potent, and the effects are immediate.
Not ideal for beginners – but for seasoned users or budget-conscious smokers, it’s an efficient way to get a powerful hit with very little flower.
Further Reading: How to Make Your First Gravity Bong
Final Thoughts: 1 Gram of Weed is Plenty
At a glance, 1 gram of weed might not seem like much. But with a little creativity and a dose of cannabis know-how, it can offer multiple rich, varied experiences. Whether you’re rolling it, vaping it, baking with it, or infusing it into your coffee, that tiny bundle of green holds more potential than its size suggests.
So next time someone turns up their nose and complains “That’s just a gram of weed,” smile knowingly – because you know how to get the most mileage from it.
