The Secret to Dosing Your Edibles

The Secret to Properly Dosing Your Homemade Edibles

More cannabis users are discovering just how easy (and fun) it is to make edibles at home. However, one of the most common questions still remains:

"How do I dose my homemade edibles?"

It’s a valid concern—especially since everyone’s body reacts to THC differently. The best place to start is by visiting your local dispensary and consulting with a knowledgeable budtender for tailored advice.

Unlike store-bought edibles, which clearly list THC content on the label, homemade treats don’t come with such guarantees. That’s why it’s essential to have a general idea of how much THC you’re infusing into your recipes—both to avoid weak effects and prevent overwhelming experiences. While getting an exact THC number would require lab testing, which most home cooks can’t access, this guide will help you get a fairly accurate estimate.

Estimating THC in Your Edibles: A Simple Formula

Dosing may seem tricky, but with this formula, you’ll be able to calculate a rough estimate of the THC content in your homemade edibles.

Step-by-step:

1. Know your cannabis' THC percentage: Dispensaries typically label the THC content on flower. Lower-quality strains may test around 3%, while premium buds can exceed 25%.
2. Convert percentage to milligrams of THCA:
   Multiply the THC percentage by 10.
   Example: 10% THC × 10 = 100 mg of THCA per gram.
3. Convert THCA to active THC:
   Multiply the result from Step 2 by 0.877.
   Example: 100 mg × 0.877 = 87.7 mg of THC per gram.
4. Include any pre-existing THC:
   If your cannabis already has, say, 0.2% THC:
   0.2% × 10 = 2 mg
   Add that to 87.7 mg → Total = 89.7 mg of THC per gram.
5. Calculate the total THC in your infusion:
   If you’re using 7 grams of cannabis to make a cup of cannabutter:
   7 g × 89.7 mg = 627.9 mg THC in total.
6. Determine THC per serving:
   If you used half a cup of cannabutter (i.e., 313.95 mg THC) to make 24 cookies:
   313.95 mg ÷ 24 = ~13 mg THC per cookie.

Pro Tips for Making Edibles at Home

Mastering homemade edibles takes practice, but these tips will help speed up the learning curve:

The Do’s

• Always test the potency of your cannabutter or oil before using it in recipes.
• Adjust as needed: Balance the strength by blending in regular butter or adding more cannabis.
• Mix thoroughly: Stir well to ensure even THC distribution throughout your recipe.

The Don’ts

• Don’t grind cannabis into a fine powder: Use a coarse grind to avoid strong flavors and ensure even infusion.
• Don’t skip decarboxylation: Heating activates THC—raw cannabis won't get you high.
• Don’t overdo it: More cannabis doesn't mean stronger effects. There's a limit to what can be infused.

Final Thoughts

Making edibles at home is a creative and satisfying way to enjoy cannabis, but understanding your personal tolerance and estimating THC content responsibly is crucial. Follow this guide, trust your instincts, and keep refining your process. With time, you'll find the perfect balance between flavor and effect.

Remember: start low, go slow, and enjoy the journey.