Short answer
To calculate the dose of a homemade edible, work backward from the THC content of your starting material, not from the weight of the finished food. Multiply the grams of flower by its lab-tested THC percentage, add THCA times 0.877 for any material that has not been decarbed, multiply by 1000 to reach milligrams, then apply a realistic infusion efficiency of 70 to 85 percent. Divide the total milligrams of THC by the number of equal portions you cut. That final number is your dose per serving, and for most adults it should land between 1 mg and 10 mg. Anyone new to edibles should start at the low end of that range.
how many mg of thc per edible for sleep
What to buy before you cook
The math is only as good as the measurements feeding into it. These items matter more than any recipe.
cannabis edible onset time and dosage guide
- Lab-tested flower, hash, or distillate that states THC and THCA percentages on the label. Without a tested number you are estimating, not calculating.
- A digital scale readable to 0.01 g for flower and 0.001 g for concentrates.
- A candy thermometer or infrared thermometer so you can hold decarboxylation temperatures steady instead of guessing.
- Silicone molds with stated cavity volume, or a straight-sided pan you can measure in centimeters.
- Oral syringes or a graduated dropper marked in 0.1 mL for dosing infused oil and tincture.
- Coconut oil, clarified butter, or another high-fat carrier. Cannabinoids bind to fat, and water-based recipes need added lecithin or the oil separates.
Dose bands to plan around
- 1 to 2.5 mg: microdose range, a reasonable first attempt.
- 2.5 to 5 mg: light tolerance, occasional consumers.
- 5 to 10 mg: standard single serving in regulated US markets.
- 10 to 20 mg: regular consumers with established tolerance.
- Above 20 mg: heavy tolerance only, never a starting point.
Step by step
- Write down the THC and THCA percentages from the package label.
- Convert THCA: THCA percent times 0.877 equals the additional THC you gain on heating.
- Add the two percentages, then multiply by your flower weight in grams, then by 1000 for milligrams.
- Multiply by 0.8 to account for oil left in the plant matter and residue in the pan.
- Divide by the number of servings you actually cut.
- Tape the milligram figure to the container and note the date.
Where homemade dosing goes wrong
- Confusing weight with potency. An ounce of trim at 5 percent THC and an ounce of flower at 25 percent differ by five times in total THC.
- Uneven mixing. Cannabinoids settle in batter and chocolate. Stir until the mixture is uniform, and stir again before pouring each mold.
- Eyeballing portions. Weigh the whole batch, then divide by weight so every piece matches.
- Redosing too soon. Onset runs 30 to 120 minutes and effects can last six hours, so a second piece at minute 45 is how bad nights start.
- Skipping the fat. Gummies and drinks need an emulsifier or the cannabinoids pool at the top.
FAQ
How many milligrams are in a gram of flower?
A gram of 20 percent THC flower holds roughly 200 mg of THC before processing losses. After decarbing and infusing, plan on 140 to 170 mg making it into the finished oil.
Cannabis Edible Onset Time and Dosage Guide
How long until I feel it?
Expect 30 to 120 minutes for onset and a peak around two to three hours. Wait a full two hours before considering more.
edible dose vs smoking tolerance
Can I dose a tincture instead of baking?
Yes, and it is the easier route because volume is measurable. If a 30 mL bottle contains 300 mg of THC, each 1 mL delivers about 10 mg.
Do I need a lab test?
Not strictly, but without one you are working from an estimate with a wide margin. Keep a notebook with the strain, the stated percentage, the oil amount, and the serving count so you can repeat a batch that worked.
Can I use trim or shake?
Yes, but trim typically tests between 3 and 8 percent THC. You will need more material by weight, and the uncertainty around your per-serving dose grows.