A cannabis scale is a precision balance that measures marijuana flower, concentrates, and infused goods. Retail and personal scales read to 0.01 g. Lab and kitchen scales often read to 0.001 g. For sales, use a legal-for-trade scale that a state inspector has approved.

Readability and capacity

Readability is the smallest weight change the scale can show. Capacity is the maximum load. Most home users need 0.01 g readability and 100 g to 200 g capacity. A 0.001 g scale suits small batches of concentrate or dosing. Check the minimum weight. A scale that reads to 0.01 g may drift below 0.5 g. Stay above the minimum for accurate results.

Legal requirements for selling cannabis

States that allow retail sales require NTEP-approved or legal-for-trade scales. NIST Handbook 44 sets the tolerances. Inspectors check seals, calibration, and placement. Keep the scale on a hard, level surface. Do not use a kitchen scale for commerce unless it holds the required certificate.

Prerequisites

How to calibrate and use a cannabis scale

  1. Place the scale on a level surface and power it on.
  2. Wait for the display to show zero or the stable indicator.
  3. Press the calibration button or hold the mode key until CAL appears.
  4. Place the certified calibration weight on the center of the platform.
  5. Wait for the display to show the weight value and the stable mark.
  6. Remove the weight and confirm the display returns to zero.
  7. Place an empty tare container on the platform and press Tare.
  8. Add the cannabis product to the container.
  9. Read the weight after the stable indicator appears.
  10. Remove the product and clean the platform.

Accuracy checks and care

Recalibrate after a move, a temperature change, or a drop. Use a calibration weight, not coins or bills. Clean the platform with a dry cloth. Store the scale with the lid closed and away from moisture. Replace batteries before they leak. A drift test with the same weight three times shows repeatability.

Common mistakes