For homemade edibles, the core buying decision is to start with a lab-tested cannabis product that states total THC in milligrams or percent, not a bag of unknown trim. Buy a 0.001 g digital scale for concentrates and a 0.01 g scale for flower, a 1 mL oral syringe for infused oil, and labeled molds or portion bags. Calculate the batch total from the label, discount for extraction loss, and divide by the number of equal servings before you cook. If you cannot state the THC per serving, do not serve it.
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What to look for when buying inputs
Buy inputs that let you trace potency from package to portion. A batch-specific certificate of analysis is more useful than a strain name. The package should state total THC, THCA, batch or lot, and net weight. For infused oil, look for mg per mL or mg per package and a sealed, food-grade container. For flower and concentrate, buy from a licensed retailer and keep the label with the batch record. Also buy a scale that reads in grams to 0.01 g for flower and 0.001 g for concentrate, a 1 mL oral syringe, an oven thermometer, baking mats, and child-resistant storage containers with labels.
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Core dose formula
Use weight and labeled potency, not volume. For flower, total THC mg equals grams of flower x total THC percent x 1000 x extraction efficiency. If the label lists THCA and THC separately, convert THCA with 0.877 before you multiply. A conservative extraction efficiency is 70 percent. A long, warm infusion may reach 80 to 90 percent, but do not plan on that without test results. Example: 1 g at 20 percent total THC gives 200 mg theoretical. At 70 percent extraction, plan on 140 mg in the batch. Divide by 20 servings for 7 mg per piece.
For infused oil or butter, total THC mg equals labeled mg/mL x milliliters used. Example: 5 mg/mL x 20 mL equals 100 mg. Divide by 20 servings for 5 mg each. For concentrate, use grams x labeled THC percent x 1000 x extraction efficiency. Decarboxylate only if the product label says it is not ready to use. Keep a batch record with input weight, potency, extraction efficiency, total THC, servings, and mg per serving.
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Parameter bands to plan around
- Per serving: 1 to 2.5 mg THC for a new user, 5 mg as a standard adult serving, 10 mg for experienced users. State daily limits vary.
- Onset: 30 to 120 minutes. Peak: about 2 to 3 hours. Duration: 4 to 6 hours. Wait at least 2 hours before adding more.
- Extraction efficiency: use 70 percent for planning. Use 80 to 90 percent only if you have a repeatable process and test results.
- Scale resolution: 0.01 g for flower and 0.001 g for concentrates. Syringe: 1 mL with 0.1 mL marks.
- Batch portions: make at least 10 equal servings and weigh each portion if the food can be portioned by weight.
Pitfalls that skew homemade dose
- Using unknown flower or trim. Potency can vary a lot, so label math is impossible.
- Forgetting decarboxylation for raw flower. THCA is not THC until heat converts it.
- Measuring flower by cups or spoonfuls. Weight in grams is the only repeatable input.
- Adding infused oil to only part of the batter. Mix the full batch, then portion by weight.
- Re-dosing before the first edible peaks. Delayed onset is a common cause of overconsumption.
- Skipping labels. Record batch date, input potency, total THC, servings, and mg per serving.
- Storing edibles where children or pets can reach them. Use child-resistant containers and clear labels.
FAQ
Can I calculate dose from a recipe that lists cups of cannabis?
No. Convert the cannabis to grams and use a lab-reported total THC percent. A cup of ground flower can weigh different amounts depending on grind and moisture.
How do I dose homemade infused butter or oil?
If you bought infused oil, use the labeled mg/mL and measure with a syringe. If you made it, calculate total THC from the flower or concentrate used, apply a conservative extraction efficiency, and divide by the number of servings. Keep the batch record with the container.
Why did one piece feel stronger than another?
Uneven mixing or uneven portion size is the likely cause. Infuse the full batch and weigh portions when possible. A single strong piece can happen when oil pools or when tops and edges bake differently.
What if I do not know the THC percentage?
Buy a lab-tested product with a stated total THC value, or do not serve the batch to others. Guessing is not a dose calculation. State law also limits possession and home production, so check local rules before you buy or make edibles.