Why Is Dosing Important in Cannabis Cooking?
Getting the right edible dosage for cooking keeps experiences predictable, prevents overconsumption, and lets you tailor weed recipe potency for beginners vs. veterans. Clear cannabis recipe dosage also makes your favorite brownies or gummies repeatable.
How Do You Calculate Potency from Flower to Infusion?
Before you portion your batch, estimate the total potency of your cannabutter or oil. The quick formula below converts your flower’s THC% into milligrams of active THC in the whole infusion and bakes in a ~20% loss for decarb and infusion, so your number is realistic—not theoretical.
Use this simple math (like a cannabutter dosage calculator):
Total mg THC ≈ grams of flower × THC% × 1000 × 0.80.
*The 0.80 factor assumes about 20% loss during decarb and infusion.
Example: 7g at 20% THC → 7 × 0.20 × 1000 × 0.80 = 1,120 mg THC in the whole infusion.
If your label shows THCA%, first convert to potential THC by multiplying by 0.877, then continue:
Total mg THC ≈ grams × (THCA% × 0.877) × 1000 × 0.80.
How Do You Dose Cannabis Recipes by Serving?
Before you cut or plate anything, convert your batch’s total potency into a per-serving number. Use the simple version if you already know the total mg in your infusion, or the expanded version if you’re starting from raw flower; both assume ~20% loss during decarb/infusion, so your estimate matches real-world results.
Formula (simple): mg per serving = (total mg THC in the infusion you used) ÷ (number of portions used in the recipe)
Formula (expanded from flower): mg per serving = grams of flower × THC ÷ (number of portions)
Where: 0.80 assumes ~20% loss during decarb/infusion and fraction of infusion used equals the amount of infused fat used in this recipe ÷ total infused fat you made
If your recipe is too strong, use less infused fat and more plain butter/oil, or cut your final product into smaller portions.
Cannabis Cooking Dosage Chart (per serving)
Use this chart to determine which dose (in mg) you should strive for in your recipe, based on your tolerance level:
| Audience |
Target range |
| Microdose |
1–2 mg THC |
| Beginner |
2.5–5 mg THC |
| Casual |
5–10 mg THC |
| Experienced |
10–20+ mg THC |
| Expert |
20+ mg THC |
* Tolerance differs based on metabolism, frequency of use, and other factors. Always start with a low dose, and wait 2–3 hours before more.
What’s the Right Dosage for Different Cooking Goals?
For mixed crowds, aim for 5 mg THC per serving; guests can take halves or seconds. For gentle daytime snacks, 2.5 mg is a suitable amount. For nightcaps, some prefer 10 mg. Always label the cannabis recipe dosage on the container.
How to Adjust Potency in Cannabis Recipes
You can adjust any cannabis recipes based on how potent you want your edibles to be. Here are some common scenarios, and how to adjust your recipe:
How to make edibles stronger: Decarb correctly, use less total fat (less dilution), and stir thoroughly.
How to make low-dose edibles: Dilute infused fat with regular fat and cut more, smaller pieces.
For consistent weed recipe potency throughout your recipe, mix batter well and consider a pinch of lecithin for even distribution.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you calculate THC in homemade edibles?
Multiply grams × THC% × 1000 × 0.8, then divide by servings. That’s how many mg THC in homemade edibles per piece.
How many mg THC per serving is safe for beginners?
2.5–5 mg per serving. Wait at least 2–3 hours before more.
How many flowers do I need for a batch of brownies?
Work backward. For 20 brownies at 5 mg each, you need 100 mg THC total in the batter. Using 20% THC flower and a 0.80 loss factor:
Grams needed = target mg ÷ (THC% × 1000 × 0.80)
= 100 ÷ (0.20 × 1000 × 0.80)
= 100 ÷ 160
= 0.625 g → about 0.63 g of flower in the infusion you actually use.
Tip: If you’re only using part of a larger infusion, scale the math to the portion you add to the recipe.
How do you make edibles stronger without adding more flowers?
Perfect your decarb, use less total fat, and reduce sauces gently to concentrate—don’t scorch.
How do you make low-dose edibles?
Use more plain fat and less infused fat, then cut the portions smaller.
Can I calculate CBD edibles the same way as THC?
Yes—swap THC% for CBD% and apply the same steps.
What is the best THC dose for cooking brownies or cookies?
For most groups, 5 mg per serving is a reliable default. Label clearly and offer half-servings for first-timers.
