Best Scales for Cannabis: Complete Buying Guide

Whether you're tracking your usage, verifying purchases, or dosing edibles, a good scale is essential. But with hundreds of options available, finding the right one can be overwhelming. This guide breaks down what matters and recommends the best scales for different needs.

Quick Answer

For most cannabis users, a pocket scale with 0.1g accuracy and 200g+ capacity is ideal—expect to spend $15-25 for reliable quality. For concentrates, get a milligram scale (0.001g accuracy). Avoid the cheapest options; accuracy matters more than saving a few dollars.

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Types of Scales for Cannabis

For precision measurement standards, NIST Weights and Measures provides official calibration guidelines.

Pocket Scales

Best for: Everyday cannabis flower weighing

Specifications:

• Accuracy: 0.1g (100mg)
• Capacity: 100-500g
• Size: Fits in pocket or drawer
• Price: $10-30

Pros:

• Perfect accuracy for flower
• Portable and discreet
• Affordable
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Not precise enough for concentrates
• Small platform can be awkward

Milligram Scales

Best for: Concentrates, precise dosing, edible making

Specifications:

• Accuracy: 0.001g (1mg)
• Capacity: 10-50g
• Size: Compact with windshield
• Price: $15-50

Pros:

• Extreme precision
• Essential for concentrates
• Accurate edible dosing
• Professional quality

Cons:

• Sensitive to air currents
• Lower capacity
• Slower readings
• Requires calibration

Kitchen Scales

Best for: Large quantities, making butter/oil

Specifications:

• Accuracy: 1g
• Capacity: 1-5kg
• Size: Larger platform
• Price: $10-40

Pros:

• Large weighing platform
• High capacity
• Good for cooking
• Dual-purpose use

Cons:

• Not accurate for small amounts
• Can't weigh single grams precisely
• Bulky storage

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Key Features to Consider

Accuracy

0.1g (Pocket scales):

• Accurate for flower purchases
• Verifies eighths, quarters, ounces
• Good for personal tracking

0.01g (Precision pocket):

• More accurate for smaller amounts
• Better for half-gram verification
• Useful for concentrates (basic)

0.001g (Milligram):

• Essential for dab portioning
• Required for accurate edible dosing
• Overkill for flower only

Capacity

Match capacity to needs:

• Personal use: 100-200g sufficient
• Frequent larger purchases: 500g+
• Making edibles: 1000g+ helpful

Note: Higher capacity often means lower precision at small weights.

Platform Size

Consider what you're weighing:

• Small platform: Fine for nugs, concentrates
• Larger platform: Better for jars, containers
• Some scales include weighing trays

Calibration

Why it matters:

• Ensures accurate readings
• Scales drift over time
• Temperature affects accuracy

Types:

• Auto-calibration (convenient)
• Manual calibration (more reliable)
• Requires calibration weights

Power Options

Battery:

• Most common
• AAA or button cells
• Auto-shutoff saves battery

USB rechargeable:

• No battery replacements
• More convenient long-term
• Higher upfront cost

AC adapter:

• Stable power (better for milligram)
• Not portable
• Usually optional accessory

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Best Scales by Category

Best Overall Pocket Scale

American Weigh Scales AWS-600

• Accuracy: 0.1g
• Capacity: 600g
• Features: Flip-up lid, stainless platform
• Price: ~$12-15

Why it's best:

• Reliable brand with good QC
• Protective lid doubles as tray
• Excellent accuracy for price
• Long battery life

Best Budget Pocket Scale

Fuzion Digital Scale

• Accuracy: 0.1g
• Capacity: 200g
• Features: Backlit, tare function
• Price: ~$8-12

Why it's best:

• Accurate enough for casual use
• Very affordable
• Compact size
• Good reviews for price point

Best Milligram Scale

Smart Weigh GEM20

• Accuracy: 0.001g
• Capacity: 20g
• Features: Tweezers, calibration weights, windshield
• Price: ~$20-30

Why it's best:

• Includes everything needed
• Accurate and reliable
• Good for concentrates
• Professional features

Best High-Capacity Scale

Ozeri Pronto Kitchen Scale

• Accuracy: 1g (0.05oz)
• Capacity: 5000g
• Features: Tare, unit conversion
• Price: ~$12-18

Why it's best:

• Large platform
• High capacity
• Kitchen-friendly appearance
• Reliable brand

Best Premium Option

AWS Gemini-20

• Accuracy: 0.001g
• Capacity: 20g
• Features: Professional grade, calibration set
• Price: ~$25-35

Why it's best:

• Industry standard for precision
• Excellent long-term reliability
• Accurate calibration weights included
• Worth the investment

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What to Avoid

Red Flags

Too cheap:

• Under $8 usually means poor QC
• Inconsistent readings
• Short lifespan

No brand name:

• Can't verify quality
• No customer support
• Often clones of good scales

Novelty designs:

• CD case, phone case scales
• Usually sacrifice accuracy
• Gimmick over function

Inflated capacity claims:

• "1000g capacity, 0.001g accuracy"
• Physically impossible specs
• Sign of dishonest seller

Common Issues with Cheap Scales

• Readings vary with placement
• Drift over time
• Won't hold calibration
• Buttons fail quickly
• Display dies
• Inaccurate at low weights

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Scale Maintenance

Keep It Accurate

Do:

• Store in protective case
• Calibrate monthly
• Clean platform gently
• Replace batteries proactively
• Keep away from moisture

Don't:

• Exceed weight capacity
• Drop or jar the scale
• Store in extreme temperatures
• Press hard on platform
• Use with wet materials

Cleaning

For regular cleaning:

1. Turn off scale

2. Wipe platform with dry cloth

3. Use isopropyl alcohol for residue

4. Let dry completely before use

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Calibration Guide

When to Calibrate

• New scale (out of box)
• Monthly for regular use
• After moving or dropping
• After temperature changes
• If readings seem off

How to Calibrate

Using calibration weights:

1. Place scale on stable surface

2. Turn on, let stabilize

3. Enter calibration mode (varies by model)

4. Place required weight when prompted

5. Wait for confirmation

6. Test with known weight

DIY calibration check:

• US nickel = 5.0g exactly
• US penny (post-1982) = 2.5g
• Stack multiple for larger weights

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Buying Tips

Where to Buy

Best options:

• Amazon (wide selection, reviews)
• Head shops (see before buying)
• Kitchen supply stores

Avoid:

• Gas station scales
• Unknown online sellers
• Used scales (calibration unknown)

What to Check

Before purchasing:

• Read recent reviews
• Verify accuracy claims
• Check return policy
• Confirm calibration method
• Note battery type needed

Price Expectations

By quality:

• Entry level: $8-15
• Mid-range (recommended): $15-25
• Premium: $25-50
• Professional: $50+

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The Verdict

For most cannabis users: Get a quality pocket scale with 0.1g accuracy. The AWS-600 or similar ~$15 option provides the best balance of accuracy, durability, and value.

For concentrate users: Invest in a milligram scale like the GEM20. The extra precision is essential for proper dab portioning.

For edible makers: Consider both a milligram scale for dosing and a kitchen scale for ingredients.

Don't cheap out—the difference between an $8 scale and a $15 scale is significant in terms of accuracy and longevity. A good scale lasts years and pays for itself in verified purchases.

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This guide is for educational purposes. Always comply with local laws regarding cannabis.