Best Scale for Cannabis Dispensaries: NTEP Class II Picks

A dispensary scale is a commercial weighing device: the number on the display is the number you charge for. That is why weights and measures officials pay close attention to which scale a dispensary uses. MNM Scales is an authorized A&D dealer and one of the largest scale distributors in the country, with over 30 years in business. This guide explains the cannabis scale requirements most dispensaries face, then gives our picks.

Cannabis scale requirements: what to look for

• NTEP Certificate of Conformance: a scale used to sell by weight must be a model listed on an NTEP CC (see what NTEP means).
• Accuracy Class II: NIST’s guidance on cannabis scales notes that most jurisdictions that allow cannabis sales require a Class II scale, the class NIST Handbook 44 lists for precious metals, gems and laboratory weighing. California’s Division of Measurement Standards, for example, recommends Class II (or Class I) scales for medical and adult-use cannabis.
• The right certified division (e): NIST Handbook 44 recommends a minimum load of 20 e for Class II scales with e from 0.001 g to 0.05 g, and 50 e when e is 0.1 g or more. That is 0.2 g at e = 0.01 g and 5 g at e = 0.1 g. For gram and eighth sales, choose e = 0.01 g.
• Enough capacity: include the tray, jar or bag you weigh in.
• Placed in service and calibrated: follow your state’s cannabis program and weights and measures rules. In Texas, MNM Scales’ TDA-licensed registered technicians can inspect and place scales in service (see our RWM-780 guide).

Our picks: best scale for cannabis by job

Scale	Capacity x readability	Certified division (e)	Best for
A&D FX-120iN	122 g x 0.001 g	0.01 g, Class II	Budtender counters: grams, eighths and pre-rolls
A&D FX-123N Fortis	122 g x 0.001 g	NTEP approved	The newer Fortis 122 g model, with Impact Shock Detection
A&D FX-200iN	220 g x 0.001 g	0.01 g, Class II	Ounces and larger containers
A&D FX-323N	320 g x 0.001 g	0.01 g, Class II	Packaging stations; RS-232C and USB built in
A&D FX-1200iN	1220 g x 0.01 g	Class II (CC 08-045)	Bulk flower, inventory and receiving
A&D FX-3000iN	3200 g x 0.01 g	Class II (CC 08-045)	Large bulk containers
A&D EK-1200i	1200 g x 0.1 g	0.1 g, Class II	Packages of 5 g and up, at a budget price

All FX-iN models use A&D’s Compact Super Hybrid Sensor, which settles in about one second, and include a breeze break to block drafts from HVAC vents. In NTEP mode you can choose e = 10d (the display shows one more digit, marked as non-certified) or e = d (the display reads directly in 0.01 g). Many dispensaries choose e = d so the display shows exactly what they can charge. See our FX-120i vs FX-120iN vs FX-300i comparison for details, and our FX-300iN replacement guide for the FX-323N.

Tips for accurate cannabis weighing

• Level and warm up: center the bubble level and give the balance time to warm up before opening.
• Keep the breeze break on: airflow from vents and fans moves the last digit.
• Tare the container: zero with the empty jar or bag on the pan, then fill.
• Weigh promptly: NIST notes that moisture changes in cannabis affect the weight, so weigh and seal without long delays.
• Check daily: keep a calibration weight next to the scale, such as the A&D 100 g weight (sold separately, not included with the balance), and log the reading. Browse all calibration weights.

For cultivation, labs and testing

Grow rooms, extraction labs and testing work that never sells by weight can use any accurate scale or balance, including general-purpose models. Many operators still choose NTEP models so the same scale can move to the sales floor. Browse our NTEP legal-for-trade scales, or see our legal for trade jewelry scale guide for more Class II options.

Calibration and service for dispensary scales

Plan to calibrate at least once a year, and more often in busy stores or if your state sets a schedule (see how often to calibrate). MNM Scales is TDA licensed with registered technicians and calibrates with in-house or NIST-traceable certificates (which certificate do you need?). On-site service in Houston and suburbs is a $295 service call plus $2 per mile round trip, and nationwide mail-in calibration usually takes 1 to 3 business days:

Frequently asked questions

What is the best scale for a cannabis dispensary?

An NTEP-certified Class II balance with a certified division of 0.01 g, such as the A&D FX-120iN (122 g) or FX-323N (320 g). For bulk and inventory, the FX-1200iN (1220 g x 0.01 g, Class II) is a popular choice.

What class scale is required for cannabis?

NIST guidance notes that most jurisdictions that allow cannabis sales require a Class II scale, and California recommends Class II or Class I. Check your state cannabis program and weights and measures rules for the exact requirement.

What readability do I need to sell grams?

Choose a certified division of e = 0.01 g. NIST Handbook 44 recommends a minimum load of 20 e on such a Class II scale, which is 0.2 g. At e = 0.1 g the recommended minimum load is 5 g.

Does a grow room or lab need an NTEP scale?

Weighing that does not set a price can use any accurate scale. Many operators still choose NTEP models so the scale can also be used for sales.

How often should a dispensary scale be calibrated?

At least once a year, more often in busy stores or when your state sets a schedule, and after any drop, move or failed daily check.

Can MNM Scales place my scale in service?

In Texas, our TDA-licensed registered technicians can inspect and place scales in service. We also calibrate by mail-in nationwide, usually in 1 to 3 business days.