New York 1/8th
A
New York 1/8th refers to a common measurement for marijuana in NYC, particularly in the pre-legalization era of the
mid-2000s. While an eighth (1/8th of an ounce) is traditionally
3.5 grams, in New York City, it was widely accepted that an "eighth" usually meant 3.0 grams—a well-known but rarely contested shorting of weight.
This was an open secret among buyers and sellers, a subtle nod to the city's hustle culture. Rather than being seen as a ripoff, it became an inside joke—a shared understanding between both parties that the NYC market had its own rules. Over
time, the term evolved beyond just weed and is now used to describe any situation where someone knowingly accepts a slight shortcoming with a sense of pride and humor.
Whether you're reminiscing about pre-legalization pickups or recognizing a familiar NYC-style short, the
New York 1/8th is a term of endearment, not a complaint.
