Ultimate Guide to the Anatomy of the Marijuana Plant
November 12, 2020
Although you may be familiar with the marijuana buds that we covet, many people have never seen a marijuana plant, let alone know about its anatomy. The cannabis plant is made up of many different structures and this post is meant to provide a brief introduction to the main parts of this amazing plant.
Flower
Cannabis flowers (a.k.a. buds) are the most well-known part of the cannabis plant. The cannabis plants will either have female or male flowers, and the flowering process is how a grower discerns whether the plant is female or male. A flowering female cannabis plant will develop a cola and grow buds. It will also produce cannabis seeds if it is fertilized by a male marijuana plant. The flowering male plant does not have buds, but develops small pollen sacks at the base of its leaves. Pollinated plants are far less rich in cannabinoids (like THC) so the buds you purchase and enjoy are always unpollinated seedless females.
Fan Leaves
Fan leaves are the large, protruding leaves that appear up and down the plant. Each leaf usually contains five individual leaves, but sometimes have more. Photosynthesis is the main function of these striking leaves, and they don’t produce high levels of cannabinoids like buds do. But even though they aren’t smoked, they are famous for being an iconic symbol of the cannabis plant in marijuana culture.
Cola
The cola refers to the part of the female cannabis plant where the buds come together at the tip of the stem. The quality and size of the cola can be increased during the growing process with plant training, which means physically manipulating the plant so it grows more bud sites, which increases yields. The cola produces the largest, densest buds with the highest potency. When you buy top-shelf flower, you usually get buds from the cola that have been hand-trimmed.
Bract and Calyx
Often hidden under the small leaves on the cola, are tear-shaped nodules that form the bract. The bract encapsules the cannabis female plant reproductive parts and is covered in resin glands that contain the highest concentration of cannabinoids. The calyx is a translucent layer that covers the female plant's ovule enclosed by the bract and is not visible to the naked eye.
Sugar Leaves
Sugar leaves are the small leaves that grow out of the buds. They are often hidden, with only their tips peeking through. They are usually covered in trichomes, which give them the appearance of being dusted with sugar. Because they carry cannabinoid-rich trichomes, they can be used to make concentrates and extracts.
Trichomes
Trichomes are a tiny but essential part of the cannabis flower. These resin glands coat the flower and look like translucent crystal-like globes. Trichomes are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, which are responsible for the euphoric and therapeutic effects of the plant.
Pistil
Pistils look like tiny hairs that grow out of the sides of the flower. They start out white but turn to red, orange, and brown. Only female cannabis plants have pistils, and they function to capture pollen sacs from male marijuana plants.
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
Related posts
As you’re shopping for your favorite cannabis flower, one term you'll inevitably encounter when deciding how much to buy is "eighth." The most commonly purchased amount of cannabis, an eighth is 3.5 grams or one-eighth of an ounce. In this guide, we'll demystify what exactly constitutes an eighth of cannabis, explore what it looks like, discuss its cost, and delve into the various ways you can make the most of this quantity.
What is an Eighth?
When people say “an eighth,” they’re referring to one-eighth of an ounce, or 3.5 grams of marijuana flower.1 Let’s break that down a little more: An ounce of marijuana is 28 grams, and when you divide 28 by 8, you get 3.5. Outside of dispensaries, you may hear an eighth referred to as a “slice,” because a whole pizza can typically be divided into eight slices.2
An eighth is just one of several standardized amounts sold in dispensaries, along with a gram, a quarter, a half, and an ounce. An eighth is often the most common amount of flower purchased because many cannabis enthusiasts find it provides a perfect balance: It’s enough for multiple sessions (depending on your consumption habits), but not an overwhelming amount that might go bad before you can get through all of it.3 An eighth is also a great way to sample new types of cannabis, from beginner strains to more potent varieties.
Wait, What's Up with These Cannabis Measurements?
If all these measurements have your head spinning, you’re not alone. While the U.S. sticks to the imperial system for most things, cannabis is still measured in grams—bringing the metric system into the mix. This can make conversions tricky and add an extra layer of confusion when shopping at your local dispensary. However, understanding cannabis quantities is essential, as possession limits vary widely from state to state. Knowing exactly how much you have can help you stay within legal guidelines and make more informed purchasing decisions.
What Does an Eighth of Cannabis Look Like?
The appearance of an eighth can vary depending on the density of the buds—which differs from strain to strain—but it will always weigh the same.1 If you prefer dense, top-shelf buds, just a couple of chunky nugs might make up your entire eighth. On the other hand, strains with smaller, more compact, “popcorn” buds may take a handful to reach the same weight. You may also be able to buy eighths of shake or kief, both of which will also appear different. Generally, an eighth tends to amount to 2-4 buds of cannabis. For a visual comparison, an eighth of cannabis is roughly the size of a kiwi.4
How Much Does an Eighth of Flower Cost?
An eighth’s cost fluctuates based on a few things, including the type of strain you’re buying and what state you’re buying it in. If you’re looking to purchase an eighth, you could spend anywhere from $25 to $60. It really depends on your state’s specific cannabis market.5
What Can You Do With an Eighth of Flower?
You might think 3.5 grams worth of flower isn’t enough, but if you’re not a heavy consumer, or you want to sample a few different strains, an eighth can be the perfect amount. Here’s what you can do with an eighth of flower:
Roll Three 1-Gram Joints
An eighth of cannabis provides enough flower to roll approximately three standard-sized joints. That’s enough to get some cannabis enthusiasts through an average workweek. Just remember to store flower properly to ensure you don’t waste your freshly-rolled bud.5
Roll Seven 0.5-Gram Joints
You can stretch your eighth even further by rolling smaller joints. By using just 0.5 grams per joint, you can roll up to seven, making this a great option if you prefer lighter sessions or like to share with friends without going through your supply too quickly.5
Roll 2 Blunts
Blunts typically contain around 1-1.5 grams of cannabis each, meaning an eighth will yield two standard blunts with about 0.5 grams left over. If you prefer thinner blunts, you could stretch your eighth to roll three.6 Either way, make sure to use a quality wrap and store them properly to maintain flavor and moisture.
Pack 15 One-Hitters
For those who prefer quick, controlled doses, an eighth provides enough cannabis to pack approximately 15 one-hitters, assuming each holds about 0.25 grams. This method is perfect for microdosing or discreet consumption throughout the day.
Pack 7 Bowls
The number of bowls you can pack from an eighth depends on the size of your piece and your packing style. If you typically pack half-gram bowls, you’ll get around seven full sessions. For smaller bowls, you might be able to extend your stash even further.7
How Long Will an Eighth Last?
Think of an eighth as the perfect amount to buy to try a strain for the first time. Depending on your consumption habits, it could give you enough sessions to make it through the weekend, or it could last you through the whole week. In general, how long an eighth lasts is going to be entirely dependent on you as a consumer.3 Heavy smokers are going to get a couple of days while light smokers could get more than a week.
How Does an Eighth Compare to Other Marijuana Measurements?
An eighth isn’t the only marijuana measurement worth knowing. It’s also good to know what a quarter and an ounce are. Here’s how an eighth measures up against other common quantities:
How Many Grams Are in an Eighth?
An eighth of marijuana weighs exactly 3.5 grams. While that number may seem small, it’s enough to roll multiple joints, pack several bowls, or even make a few blunts. For a real-world comparison, 3.5 grams is about the weight of a quarter teaspoon of sugar.
How Many Eighths Are in a Quarter?
A quarter of marijuana, sometimes called a “quad,” refers to a quarter (¼) of an ounce, or 7 grams. This means a quarter comprises two eighths, with each eighth weighing around 3.5 grams.8 If you’re looking to stock up without committing to a full ounce, a quarter is often a great middle ground.
How Many Eighths Are in an Ounce?
An eighth gets its name because it’s one-eighth of an ounce. An ounce of cannabis weighs 28 grams, and there are exactly eight eighths (3.5 grams) in an ounce. Buying in larger quantities, like an ounce, is often more cost-effective per gram, making it a popular choice for regular consumers who want to save money and reduce trips to the dispensary.8
FAQs About an Eighth of Cannabis
Navigating through cannabis measurements can be confusing, but asking questions is a great way to become more knowledgeable. Here are answers to a few common questions:
Is an eighth the same as a slice?
Yes, an eighth is colloquially referred to as a "slice," emphasizing its one-eighth portion of an ounce.2
Is an eighth the same as 3.5 grams?
Yes, an eighth is precisely 3.5 grams, or one-eighth of an ounce (which is 28 grams).
What is a five-gram eighth?
A five-gram eighth is a great deal for cannabis consumers, offering an extra 1.5 grams on top of the standard 3.5 grams—all for the same price. If you spot a five-gram eighth sale at your local dispensary, it’s worth taking advantage of, as you're essentially getting 1.5 grams of cannabis as a bonus.7
How much does an eighth cost?
An eighth can cost anywhere from $25 to $60, but the price you pay will depend on several factors, including strain type, marijuana quality, and your state’s cannabis market and taxes.5
How many joints can you roll with an eighth of cannabis?
The number of joints you can roll from an eighth of cannabis depends on the size of each joint. If you prefer larger, full-sized joints, you can roll three 1-gram joints from an eighth. Rolling smaller, half-gram joints means you’ll get about seven joints out of your eighth.5
Buying an Eighth of Flower
Whether you're exploring beginner strains or searching for more potent options, an eighth of flower is a perfect amount to experiment with. It gives you the flexibility to roll joints or blunts, pack bowls, and indulge however you like. And, if you’re a smart dispensary shopper, keep an eye out for those five-gram deals to get a little extra bang for your buck.
Sources:
1. “Eighth,” Leafly.com, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/eighth
2. “Slice,” Ganjapreneur, https://www.ganjapreneur.com/vocab/slice/
3. “A visual guide to the most common measurements of weed,” Business Insider, May 13, 2022, https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/home/weed-measurements
4. “Marijuana Measurements & Sizes,” Montana Department of Revenue, https://mtrevenue.gov/cannabis/education/marijuana-measurements-sizes/
5. “How Much Is an Eighth of Weed?” Veriheal, September 9, 2024, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/how-much-is-an-eighth-of-weed/
6. “What is an 8th of Weed?” NuggMD, February 5, 2025, https://www.nuggmd.com/blog/what-is-an-8th-of-weed
7. “How much is an eighth of weed?” Weedmaps, August 25, 2022, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/how-much-is-an-eighth
8. “The complete guide to weed measurements and prices,” Weedmaps.com, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/weed-measurements
Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
THC wax is a type of cannabis concentrate that’s very similar to crumble, budder, and shatter—you can think of them as close relatives in the large concentrate family. The wide variety of consistencies, textures, and appearances among concentrates is created during the extraction and purification process. So what is it that makes THC wax so … waxy? We’ll cover that and more below.
What is Cannabis Wax?
Cannabis wax is a type of cannabis concentrate named for its thick, gooey consistency and opaque amber color, similar to warm candle wax. It typically contains anywhere from 60-80% THC,1 but some varieties can reach upwards of 90%.7
How is THC Wax Made?
THC wax is made through a solvent-based extraction process that uses butane to strip terpenes and cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) from cured or flash-frozen cannabis plant material. The result is a substance called butane hash oil, which is then refined through several purification steps and stirred up into a wax-like consistency.2 And there you have it: THC wax.
Wax vs Other Types of Concentrate
The different production methods and steps taken in creating cannabis concentrates are what give them their distinct differences.
Wax vs Shatter
Shatter is a brittle concentrate that breaks easily into glass-like shards. It is one of the purest forms of cannabis concentrate, known for its hard consistency, golden-yellow color, and transparent appearance. While wax is stirred during processing, shatter is left undisturbed, allowing it to settle and harden into that flat, glassy look.3
Wax vs Budder
Budder, and its close cousin badder, has a creamy, frosting-like consistency due to its vigorous agitation following extraction, like how you might stir cake batter or whip butter. It’s softer and more scoopable than shatter, but a bit stickier and sometimes wetter than wax.4
Wax vs Crumble
Crumble is a dry, honeycomb-like concentrate with a tendency to “crumble” apart, hence the name. This unique consistency and texture is achieved through a “low and slow” step in the purification process, wherein crumble stays in a vacuum oven at low temperatures for a long time. It’s less sticky than budder, harder and drier than wax, and softer than shatter, making it a convenient concentrate to handle and use in different consumption methods.5
How Do You Consume Marijuana Wax?
One thing that makes marijuana wax so popular is its versatility. Here’s all the ways you can consume it:
Dab
Dabbing is one of the most common ways to consume concentrates. It requires an e-rig or a dab rig with a heating device. Simply place a dose of cannabis wax on the heated nail and inhale.
Infused Flower
You can consume wax with your favorite flower by purchasing infused pre-rolls or DIY-ing it at home. Melt the wax concentrate and add it to the inside or spread it around the outside of your joint or blunt. This is a practice known as twaxing.1 You can also combine wax with ground flower in a bowl or bong.
Vaporize
You can vaporize your THC wax with a dab pen. Similar to vape pens, dab pens are specialized devices designed to vaporize cannabis concentrates, so cannabis enthusiasts can enjoy their wax on the go. Just make sure your device is designed for use with concentrates. It should have a chamber or atomizer where you place the concentrate and a heating coil to heat the concentrate.6
FAQs About Wax
Still have more questions about the cannabis concentrate wax? Good thing we have more answers!
What is stronger: shatter, wax, or crumble?
It all depends on the batch. Shatter and crumble are quite potent on average, usually containing 80-90% THC. Wax concentrates can be anywhere between 60-90% THC.7 Be sure to check your product labels to know the exact potency!
How is shatter different from wax?
Shatter is a close relative of wax concentrate, but it possesses a glass-like consistency. Translucent, amber-colored, and incredibly brittle, shatter is processed in a very specific manner to achieve these unique properties.
What’s the best concentrate for beginners?
Concentrates are generally not recommended for cannabis newbies because of their immense THC levels. If you’re ready to try concentrates, you could opt for budder or crumble because they’re easier to work with.
Which concentrate is easiest to handle?
Many concentrate users say crumble is the easiest concentrate to handle because of its dry, crumbly texture. Budder, badder, and wax are all malleable and scoopable, but they tend to be sticky, which can require some technique when it comes to loading up a dab rig. Shatter’s brittle texture means you have to break off pieces, which can make it difficult to get the desired amount.7
Can you vape shatter, wax, and crumble?
Yes, you can vape shatter, wax, and crumble with a dab pen or vape pen, allowing concentrates to be enjoyed on the go and with less mess.
Choosing the Right Concentrate
Shopping for concentrates can sometimes make you feel like Goldilocks. Some can be too hard (like shatter) others can be too soft (like budder), but never fear—there is one out there that is just right for you. If you're unsure where to start, don’t hesitate to ask a budtender for guidance! They can help you navigate the options, understand potency levels, and choose the best method of consumption based on your preferences and experience level.
Sources:
1. “Wax,” Weedmaps, July 14, 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/wax
2. “Shatter, Batter, Wax: How Cannabis Extracts Come to Be,” Wired, March 22, 2018, https://www.wired.com/story/shatter-batter-wax-how-cannabis-extracts-come-to-be/
3. “Shatter,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/shatter
4. “Badder, Batter, Budder,” Weedmaps, June 9, 2021, https://weedmaps.com/learn/dictionary/badder-budder-batter
5. “Crumble,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/crumble
6. “Wax Pens: What Are They, and How Do You Use One?” Leafwell, October 7, 2024, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-a-wax-pen
7. “Concentrates 101: A Guide to Terms, Usage, Potency, and Testing,” ACS Laboratory, January 13, 2023, https://www.acslab.com/retail/cannabis-concentrates-guide
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.
Have you ever noticed that fine, golden powder collecting at the bottom of your grinder? That’s kief, one of the most potent and versatile parts of the cannabis plant. Packed with terpenes and cannabinoids, kief is a concentrate that can take your cannabis consumption to the next level. The possibilities are endless, from sprinkling it on flower to making moon rocks. In this guide, you’ll learn what kief is, what to do with kief, and why it’s so popular.
What is Kief?
Kief is a fine, powdery concentrate that comes from the trichome heads of cannabis flowers. These resin glands are where cannabis plants store most of their terpenes, cannabinoids, and other flavorful compounds. When trichomes are separated from the plant, they form kief, which is often referred to as THC sand for its potent effects and golden, yellowish-green, or green-brown color.1
Kief is highly fragrant since it’s packed with cannabinoids. It is also incredibly potent with up to 50% THC–far more than regular flower. Its loose texture makes it versatile for smoking, cooking, or pressing into hash.
How Is Kief Different From Hash?
If you’ve heard of kief and hash, you might wonder what sets them apart. These two cannabis concentrates are closely related, but their form and how they’re used make all the difference.2
Here’s how kief and hash differ:
- Kief is loose, powdery, and easy to collect in grinders with a kief catcher. It’s lighter in texture and typically used as an additive to enhance flower or edibles. While kief is potent on its own, it’s best combined with other cannabis products for a boosted experience.
- Hash (the casual term for hashish) is made by compressing kief using heat and pressure, resulting in dense bricks, chunks, or balls. Its compact form makes it more versatile for standalone use, whether smoked, dabbed, or vaporized. Hash also tends to have a stronger aroma and flavor than loose kief.
How Do You Extract Kief?
Kief is one of the easiest concentrates to extract, and if you’ve been using a grinder, you probably already have some! But you can also buy kief at your local LivWell dispensary. Whether you’re looking for small or large quantities, here are the best methods for extracting kief:
Kief Catcher
The easiest way to collect kief is using a grinder with a built-in kief catcher, which separates the fine powder from cannabis flower. There are two popular grinder options to catch kief:
- Two-chamber grinders: These grinders collect some kief, but their limited design often results in storing smaller amounts.
- Four-chamber grinders: Equipped with a fine screen, these grinders are designed to sift kief into a separate compartment, allowing you to collect more over time.
Although this method requires patience to build up a stash, it’s low-effort and ideal for casual cannabis enthusiasts who don’t need large quantities at once.
Kief Box
If you want to extract large quantities of kief, a kief box is the way to go. These boxes feature two chambers: one for sifting and one for collecting. Simply add flower, close the box, and shake to separate the kief from the buds. All of the kief will fall into the collection chamber.3
Grinder Coin
Placing a clean, small coin in your grinder’s chamber can help dislodge more trichomes, pushing them toward the kief catcher. Just ensure the coin fits with room to spare so the coin can move around to dislodge the kief and keep it clean for the best results. If you have a micro-grinder, use a dime or nickel; if it’s bigger, use a quarter.4 We also recommend keeping a dedicated coin to help you harvest kief from flower.
How to Use Kief
Kief is one of the most versatile and easy-to-use cannabis concentrates, perfect for enhancing your sessions or trying something new.
Add to Flower
Here’s how you can add kief to flower:
- Crown your bowl: Fill your pipe or bong’s bowl about a quarter of the way with flower, sprinkle some kief, and layer it with more flower and kief. This layering is key, since it helps the kief burn evenly without wasting it.
- Twaxing: Coat your joint or blunt with kief by licking the paper and adding kief to the end, inside, or outside for a more potent smoking experience.
- Make moon rocks: Create these potent nuggets by dipping buds in concentrate (like hash oil) and rolling them in kief. Break up the moon rocks to smoke in a joint, add to a bowl or pipe, or even vape them.
Make Edibles
Kief’s lack of plant matter makes it perfect for edibles, as it results in less of a marijuana taste. However, you must decarboxylate it first to activate the THC. Add it to infused recipes for a potent treat, but be careful how much you use since it’s much stronger than flower.5
Press into Hash
Want to make your own hash? All you need is kief, parchment paper, and a little heat:
- Place kief between folded parchment paper.
- Use a hair straightener to apply heat and pressure for a few seconds.
- Let it cool, and enjoy your homemade hash.
FAQs About Kief
Want to know more about kief, like “how to smoke kief”? These frequently asked questions will clear up everything you need to know.
Do I have to buy kief?
While you can buy kief at your local dispensary, you can collect kief by using your grinder.
Can you dab kief?
Dabbing kief isn’t recommended because it won’t burn evenly.
Is kief illegal?
Kief is typically legal in areas where cannabis is legal, but always check your local laws to be sure.
How strong is kief?
Kief is highly potent, with THC levels around 50%.
Can you eat kief?
You can eat kief, but it needs to be decarboxylated first to activate the THC. Without decarbing, it won’t have any psychoactive effects, but it may still have therapeutic benefits.
Purchasing Kief
Kief is a versatile and potent cannabis product that can elevate your experience in countless ways. Whether sprinkling it on flower, making edibles, or pressing it into hash, kief unlocks a world of possibilities. Visit your local LivWell dispensary to learn more, or stock up on high-quality kief today.
Sources:
1. “Kief,” Leafly, https://www.leafly.com/learn/cannabis-glossary/kief
2. “Kief vs. Hash - What’s the Difference and How Can They Be Used?” Veriheal, April 19, 2022, https://www.veriheal.com/blog/concentrates/kief-vs-hash/
3. “What is kief and how to use it?” Weedmaps, https://weedmaps.com/learn/products-and-how-to-consume/how-to-smoke-kief
4. “What’s a ‘Grinder Coin,’ and How Does It Affect Your Kief Collection?” Leafly, September 27, 2021, https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-a-grinder-coin-for-kief-collection
5. “What Is Kief, and Should You Use It?” Leafwell, October 7, 2024, https://leafwell.com/blog/what-is-kief-and-should-you-use-it
Use of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to: Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder (delusions, hallucinations, or difficulty distinguishing reality); Mental Health Symptoms/Problems; Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) (uncontrolled and repetitive vomiting); Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence. Please consume responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. State laws impact what dispensaries can and can’t sell to recreational customers and medical marijuana patients. Not every type of product, consumption method, dosage form, or potency mentioned on this blog will be permitted in all locations.