Making homemade edibles can be fun and rewarding — but getting the dosage right is crucial. Whether you’re creating brownies, gummies, or butter-infused recipes, understanding the potency of your edibles ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.
How to Use the Edible Strength Calculator
Using the Edible Strength Calculator is straightforward. Here’s how you can do it step by step:
- Enter cannabis weight (in grams):
Specify how much cannabis you used in your recipe. - Enter THC or CBD percentage:
Indicate the potency of your cannabis strain, usually found on the product label (e.g., 18% THC). - Enter the amount of butter or oil used (in cups or grams):
This helps determine how diluted or concentrated the infusion will be. - Enter the number of servings:
Input how many servings your recipe yields (e.g., 12 brownies). - Click “Calculate”:
The calculator instantly shows the THC or CBD per serving in milligrams.
Edible Potency Formula (Plain Text)
Here’s the simple formula used by the Edible Strength Calculator:
Step 1: Calculate total milligrams of THC or CBD in cannabis
Total cannabinoids = (Cannabis weight in grams) × (THC or CBD % ÷ 100) × 1000
Step 2: Adjust for extraction efficiency
Because not all cannabinoids transfer during infusion, an efficiency rate (typically 80–90%) is applied.
Extracted cannabinoids = Total cannabinoids × Efficiency rate
Step 3: Find potency per serving
Per serving potency = Extracted cannabinoids ÷ Number of servings
Example Calculation
Let’s say you used:
- 5 grams of cannabis
- 18% THC strain
- 80% extraction efficiency
- 12 servings
Step 1:
Total cannabinoids = 5 × (18 ÷ 100) × 1000 = 900 mg THC
Step 2:
Extracted cannabinoids = 900 × 0.8 = 720 mg THC
Step 3:
Per serving = 720 ÷ 12 = 60 mg THC per serving
✅ Result: Each serving contains approximately 60 mg of THC.
If you prefer lighter edibles, you can increase the number of servings or reduce cannabis amount for a lower dosage.
Understanding the Importance of Edible Potency
Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles are processed by the liver, converting THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, which is more potent and long-lasting. That’s why accurate dosing is vital.
An overly strong edible can cause discomfort, while a weak one may have no effect at all. The Edible Strength Calculator ensures balanced, consistent results every time you cook — helping you maintain proper dosage for medical or recreational purposes.
Recommended Potency Guidelines
| User Type | THC per Serving | CBD per Serving |
|---|---|---|
| Microdose | 1–2.5 mg | 1–5 mg |
| Low Dose | 2.5–5 mg | 5–10 mg |
| Moderate | 5–10 mg | 10–20 mg |
| Strong | 10–20 mg | 20–40 mg |
| Very Strong | 25+ mg | 50+ mg |
These ranges help determine what’s suitable for your tolerance and desired experience.
Helpful Insights
- Extraction efficiency: The type of fat (butter, coconut oil, olive oil) affects how much THC or CBD gets absorbed. Coconut oil typically has the highest efficiency.
- Decarboxylation: Always decarboxylate cannabis before infusing it. Heating activates THC and CBD from their acid forms (THCA, CBDA).
- Storage: Store edibles in a cool, dark place to preserve potency.
- Serving size: Always cut edibles into consistent portions to ensure even dosing.
- Testing: When possible, test the potency of your oil or butter with a lab or home testing kit.
Why Use the Edible Strength Calculator
- Accuracy: Eliminates guessing and provides reliable potency results.
- Safety: Prevents overconsumption and unwanted side effects.
- Customization: Works with any strain, recipe, or ingredient ratio.
- Convenience: Quickly calculates THC/CBD per serving in seconds.
- Educational: Helps you understand how ingredients affect dosage.
Practical Uses
- Home bakers: Make safe, balanced brownies, cookies, or gummies.
- Medical patients: Track consistent THC or CBD intake for symptom management.
- Distributors or educators: Teach proper dosage and potency awareness.
- Chefs and infusion experts: Adjust recipes professionally for predictable outcomes.
20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is an Edible Strength Calculator?
It’s a tool that helps you find the amount of THC or CBD per serving in homemade edibles.
2. Why is calculating edible potency important?
It ensures safety and consistent dosing, preventing overconsumption or underdosing.
3. What units should I use for cannabis weight?
Grams are the standard unit for accurate results.
4. How do I find my cannabis strain’s potency?
Check the product label or supplier’s test report for THC or CBD percentages.
5. What is extraction efficiency?
It’s the percentage of cannabinoids transferred from cannabis to the butter or oil during infusion (usually 80–90%).
6. Can I use this calculator for CBD edibles?
Yes, just enter the CBD percentage instead of THC.
7. Do I need to decarboxylate cannabis first?
Yes, decarboxylation is essential to activate THC and CBD.
8. How does serving size affect potency?
More servings mean less potency per piece; fewer servings mean stronger edibles.
9. How can I make weaker edibles?
Use less cannabis or increase the number of servings in your recipe.
10. How can I make stronger edibles?
Use more cannabis or reduce the total number of servings.
11. What’s a safe starting dose for beginners?
Start with 2.5–5 mg THC and wait at least 2 hours before consuming more.
12. Can I use trim or shake instead of buds?
Yes, but potency will be lower. Adjust the input THC percentage accordingly.
13. What’s the difference between THC and CBD edibles?
THC is psychoactive (produces a high), while CBD offers relaxation without intoxication.
14. Can the calculator handle mixed THC and CBD ratios?
Yes, you can calculate both separately using their respective percentages.
15. How long does it take for edibles to kick in?
Typically 30–90 minutes, depending on metabolism and food intake.
16. Can I use this for tinctures or oils instead of edibles?
Yes, as long as you input the correct volume and cannabinoid data.
17. What if my oil quantity is in milliliters instead of cups?
Convert to grams or cups using online conversion tools for consistency.
18. Can I save my results for future recipes?
Yes, you can note or print the results to maintain consistent dosing next time.
19. Does cooking reduce THC potency?
Yes, overheating (above 150°C or 302°F) can degrade THC, reducing potency.
20. Is this calculator free to use?
Absolutely — it’s free, easy to use, and available anytime online.
Conclusion
The Edible Strength Calculator is an essential tool for anyone making cannabis-infused recipes. It simplifies the math behind potency so you can safely enjoy consistent, predictable effects every time.