Cannabis Scales: NTEP Class II Dispensary Scales, Pre-Roll Scales and Testing Balances
Our top cannabis scale for dispensary counters is the NTEP Class II A&D FX-120iN: 122 g x 0.001 g with a 0.01 g certified division, on sale for $679.00 (regular $1,495.00), in stock.
Short answer: the best scale for cannabis sales is an NTEP-certified Class II balance with a certified division (e) of 0.01 g, sized for your largest package. Our picks: the A&D FX-120iN (122 g, e = 0.01 g, $679) for the counter, the A&D FX-323N (320 g, e = 0.01 g, USB built in, $759) for larger packages, and the A&D FX-1200iN (1220 g x 0.01 g, Class II, $628) for bulk and inventory. Pre-roll stations use the same 0.01 g Class II balances, testing labs use analytical balances that read 0.1 mg, and packaging lines add checkweighing. Every dispensary pick below is listed on an active NTEP certificate we checked on November 1, 2026.
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 one of the largest scale distributors in the country, with over 30 years in business. This guide covers cannabis scales for each job: the requirements most dispensaries face, our picks for the sales counter, pre-roll scales, balances for cannabis testing labs, and checkweighing at the packaging station.
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-registered technicians can inspect and place scales in service (see our RWM-780 guide).
Our picks: best scale for cannabis by job
| Scale | Price | Capacity x readability | Certified division (e) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A&D FX-120iN | $679 | 122 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g, Class II | Budtender counters: grams, eighths and pre-rolls |
| A&D FX-123N Fortis | $798 | 122 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g, Class II (CC 08-045) | The newer Fortis 122 g model, with Impact Shock Detection |
| A&D FX-200iN | $649 | 220 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g, Class II | Ounces and larger containers |
| A&D FX-323N | $759 | 320 g x 0.001 g | 0.01 g, Class II | Packaging stations; RS-232C and USB built in |
| A&D FX-1200iN | $628 | 1220 g x 0.01 g | Class II (CC 08-045) | Bulk flower, inventory and receiving |
| A&D FX-3000iN | $799 | 3200 g x 0.01 g | Class II (CC 08-045) | Large bulk containers |
| A&D EK-1200i | $205.99 | 1200 g x 0.1 g | 0.1 g, Class II (CC 04-019) | 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.
NTEP status checked on the NCWM database on November 1, 2026: the FX-120iN, FX-123N, FX-200iN, FX-323N, FX-1200iN and FX-3000iN are listed on CC 08-045 (A&D FX Series, Class II, active), and the EK-1200i on CC 04-019 (A&D EKi Series, Class II, active). See all precision balances and cannabis scales.
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 FX-120iN), and log the reading. Browse all calibration weights.
Pre-roll scales
A pre-roll scale weighs each cone or joint before it is closed, so every pre-roll matches the weight on the label. Pre-rolls usually hold well under a few grams, so use a Class II balance with e = 0.01 g: its recommended minimum load of 20 e is 0.2 g. The A&D FX-120iN ($679) and the A&D FX-123N Fortis ($798) suit a single pre-roll station, and the FX-200iN ($649) leaves room for a tray of cones.
- Weigh each pre-roll: tare the empty cone, fill, and read the net weight before you twist or seal it.
- Counting mode: the FX-120iN counts pieces from a 5, 10, 25, 50 or 100-piece sample, which helps when you pack multi-packs.
- Comparator mode: the FX-323N ($759) adds a comparator with a buzzer, so an operator hears when a pre-roll or package is inside the target weight.
Balances for cannabis testing labs
Cannabis testing labs weigh small samples for potency and contaminant testing, so they use analytical balances that read 0.1 mg (0.0001 g), with a draft shield. The A&D FX-104 Fortis analytical balance (102 g x 0.1 mg, $1,315) suits sample prep, and the A&D GX-124AN Apollo (122 g x 0.1 mg, internal calibration, $2,185) is NTEP Class I, listed on CC 21-045 (active on November 1, 2026). Compare more models in our analytical lab balances. Lab weighing that does not set a price follows the lab’s own quality procedure, so ask your quality manager or accreditation body which balance class and calibration certificate the method calls for.
Cannabis packaging: checkweighing scales
A cannabis packaging machine or a hand-packing line still needs a scale to confirm each package. A checkweighing scale shows over, under or accept against a target weight, so an operator or the line can pull packages that are off. For bench packing, the FX-323N comparator mode does this on a 0.01 g Class II balance; for larger cases and shipping cartons, see our checkweighing scales. Weigh promptly and seal, because moisture changes affect the weight.
Cannabis scales for cultivation and grow rooms
Harvest, drying and trim rooms weigh bulk flower, often in bins and bags. A Class II balance with enough capacity, such as the FX-1200iN ($628) or FX-3000iN ($799), keeps the same accuracy from the grow room to the sales floor. We recommend NTEP models so a scale can move between jobs. Browse our NTEP legal-for-trade scales, or see our legal for trade jewelry scale guide for more Class II options.
Texas note: TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. See TDA’s scales used in trade guidance (PDF) and our TDA scale certification guide, or call us or TDA to confirm your use.
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:
Balances up to 2.2 kg (FX-120iN, FX-123N, FX-200iN, FX-323N, FX-1200iN, EK-1200i):
In-house calibration + certificate ($95) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($395)
Over 2.2 kg up to 6.2 kg (FX-3000iN):
In-house calibration + certificate ($195) NIST calibration + NIST-traceable certificate ($495)
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, $679) or FX-323N (320 g, $759). For bulk and inventory, the FX-1200iN (1220 g x 0.01 g, Class II, $628) covers larger containers.
What are cannabis scales?
Cannabis scales are the scales and balances used to weigh cannabis for sale, packaging, testing and cultivation. For sales, they are NTEP Class II balances with e = 0.01 g; testing labs use 0.1 mg analytical balances; packing lines add checkweighing.
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?
TDA does not require an NTEP certificate for every device, but the scale must meet NIST Handbook 44 and suit its use; some scales do need one, so we recommend NTEP models and can check yours. We recommend NTEP models for grow rooms so the scale can also be used for sales. Testing labs follow their method and quality procedure, usually with 0.1 mg analytical balances and calibration certificates.
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-registered technicians can inspect and place scales in service. We also calibrate by mail-in nationwide, usually in 1 to 3 business days.
What scale do I need for pre-rolls?
A Class II balance with e = 0.01 g, such as the A&D FX-120iN ($679) or FX-123N ($798). Tare the empty cone, fill it, and read the net weight before sealing.
What balance do cannabis testing labs use?
Analytical balances that read 0.1 mg, such as the A&D FX-104 ($1,315) or the NTEP Class I GX-124AN ($2,185), calibrated with a certificate your quality procedure accepts.
What scale works with a cannabis packaging machine?
A checkweighing scale that shows over, under or accept against the target weight. On a bench, a 0.01 g balance with a comparator mode, such as the A&D FX-323N, does the job.