In the world of cannabis edibles, there is one question that reigns supreme: How strong is this? For the home chef, moving beyond guesswork and into the realm of precise, reliable dosing is the single most important step you can take. It transforms the experience from a game of chance into one of confidence and control. At Gourmet Edibles, we believe that accurate dosing is not just a best practice; it is the foundation of a safe, enjoyable, and truly gourmet edible experience.
This guide will demystify the process, giving you the tools and knowledge to calculate and create consistently dosed treats every time.
Understanding the Variables: Why Guessing Fails
The unpredictability of a homemade edible often stems from three key variables: the starting material, the infusion process, and the final product.
First, the cannabis itself. The potency of flower can vary dramatically from strain to strain and even from one harvest to another. Assuming you know its strength without testing is the first major pitfall.
Second, the infusion. How efficiently did you extract the cannabinoids from the plant material into your butter or oil? This efficiency is rarely 100%, and factors like decarboxylation time, temperature, and infusion method all play a role.
Third, the distribution. Was the infused oil evenly mixed throughout the batter, chocolate, or gummy mixture? An uneven mix means one brownie could be twice as strong as the one next to it.
To overcome these variables, we use a method based on estimation and careful calculation, which, when done correctly, yields remarkably consistent and predictable results.
The Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Your Dose
Follow this process before you even begin to bake or cook.
Step 1: Estimate the Total Milligrams in Your Starting Material
Since most of us do not have access to a lab, we start with a reasonable estimate based on the assumed potency of your flower.
· If you are using average-quality cannabis, assume a THC content of 15%.
· For high-quality cannabis, assume 20%.
· For premium, top-shelf cannabis, you might estimate 25%.
The Formula:
(Number of grams of cannabis)x 1000 = Total milligrams of cannabis
Multiply that by your assumed THC percentage(as a decimal).
Example with 7 grams of average-quality cannabis:
7 grams x 1000= 7000 mg of cannabis
7000 mg x 0.15(15%) = 1050 mg of THC
This calculation gives you the total potential THC in your starting material. We will account for infusion loss in the next step.
Step 2: Account for Infusion Efficiency
A perfect infusion does not exist. During decarboxylation and infusion, some potency is lost. A conservative and widely accepted estimate is a 15% loss.
The Formula:
Total Potential THC x 0.85= Estimated Total THC in Your Infusion
Example:
1050 mg x 0.85= 892.5 mg of THC
This 892 mg is a realistic estimate of the total THC in your entire batch of cannabutter or oil.
Step 3: Determine the Potency of Your Infused Oil
This is a critical step for versatility. You need to know how strong your infusion is per teaspoon or tablespoon.
The Formula:
Estimated Total THC in Infusion÷ Number of Teaspoons (or Tablespoons) in your batch = mg per unit
Example:
If your batch of oil yielded 1 cup(48 teaspoons), then:
892 mg÷ 48 tsp = approximately 18.6 mg of THC per teaspoon.
Now you have a powerful piece of information: each teaspoon of your oil contains about 18.6 mg of THC.
Step 4: Calculate the Total Potency of Your Recipe
When you make your edible recipe, add up the total amount of infused oil you used.
Example:
If your brownie recipe calls for 1/2 cup of oil(24 teaspoons), and you used your infusion for all of it, then:
24 tsp x 18.6 mg/tsp= 446.4 mg of THC in the entire pan of brownies.
Step 5: Determine the Dose Per Serving
Finally, divide the total THC in the recipe by the number of servings.
Example:
If you cut the pan into 12 brownies:
446.4 mg÷ 12 = 37.2 mg per brownie.
This is a potent dose for many. You could then cut the pan into 24 pieces for a dose of approximately 18.6 mg each.
The Golden Rules of Responsible Dosing
1. Always Label: Clearly label your infused oil with its estimated potency (e.g., "~18 mg THC per tsp") and your finished edibles with the dose per piece.
2. Start Low, Go Slow: This cannot be overstated. If you are trying a new batch for the first time, begin with a low dose (5-10 mg is a standard starting point) and wait at least two full hours before considering consuming more.
3. Communicate Clearly: If you are sharing your creations, you must inform your guests of the estimated potency and the ingredients used. This is a matter of safety and respect.
4. Consistency is Key: Using the same reliable infusion method (like our sous-vide or cannabutter techniques) every time will make your potency estimates increasingly accurate.
By embracing this mathematical approach, you move from being a casual cook to a master of your craft. You empower yourself and those you share with to have a safe, predictable, and enjoyable experience. That is the true power of knowing your potency.
Happy and Safe Infusing,
The Gourmet Edibles Team