How do you tell how strong your edibles are?

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

The human body processes edibles by converting THC in the liver to the more potent 11-hydroxy-THC, which creates a more intense and prolonged experience than other cannabis methods. Understanding how do you tell how strong your edibles are? is essential for a safe and controlled experience, whether buying from a dispensary or making them at home.

Quick Summary

Cannabis edible strength is measured in milligrams (mg) of THC. Commercial products must label this dosage, but homemade batches require careful calculation based on raw cannabis potency and infusion techniques. Body weight, metabolism, and tolerance also influence the ultimate effects.

Key Points

Read the Label: Commercial edibles often clearly state the milligrams of THC per serving and for the entire package.
Calculate Homemade Potency: Estimate the strength of homemade edibles by calculating the total THC from the raw material and dividing it by the number of servings.
Factor in Your Body: Your body weight, metabolism, and individual tolerance all affect how strongly you'll feel an edible's effects.
Start Low, Go Slow: When trying a new edible or amount, begin with a small portion and wait at least two hours before considering more.
Be Patient: Edibles have a delayed onset, sometimes taking up to two hours to kick in, so never re-dose out of impatience.
Know the Difference: Homemade edibles can have variable potency, while commercially produced ones often offer reliable and consistent amounts.
Use Home Testing Kits: For more accurate homemade estimation, at-home kits can test the potency of infused oils before they are added to recipes.

The Pharmacology Behind Edible Potency

Unlike smoking or vaping, which delivers cannabinoids directly to the bloodstream, edibles must first pass through the digestive system. The liver's metabolic process then converts Delta-9 THC into 11-hydroxy-THC, a more potent and longer-lasting psychoactive compound. This hepatic processing is responsible for the delayed onset and intensified, prolonged effects that characterize edibles. The speed and intensity of this process are highly individual, influenced by factors like body weight, metabolism, and whether the edible was consumed on an empty or full stomach. For this reason, individual responses to edibles can vary.

Decoding Commercial Edible Packaging

Legally compliant commercial edibles are often a more reliable option for understanding potency. State regulations often require laboratory testing and clear labeling of cannabinoid content.

Where to Find Potency Information

Total Milligrams (mg) per Package: This number represents the total amount of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids in the entire product. For example, a chocolate bar might be labeled with a total of 100mg THC.
Milligrams per Serving: Many manufacturers will also specify the amount per individual serving. The 100mg chocolate bar mentioned above might be segmented into portions, with each portion containing a specified amount of THC.

Considerations for Edible Potency

Individual responses to edibles can vary based on factors like experience level, body weight, metabolism, and tolerance. It is generally recommended to start with a small amount and wait to understand the effects before consuming more.

The Calculation of Homemade Edible Strength

Creating edibles at home offers customization but introduces significant variability. Unlike regulated products, homemade batches lack lab-tested precision, making potency estimation crucial.

Key Variables in Homemade Potency

Raw Cannabis Potency: The percentage of THC in your starting material (e.g., flower, kief, concentrate) is a significant factor. While lab-tested products are often preferred, online resources may offer general estimates.
Decarboxylation Efficiency: The process of heating cannabis to convert THCA into active THC is called decarboxylation. Inefficient decarbing or incorrect temperatures can impact the amount of active THC.
Extraction Method and Carrier: The fat or solvent used for infusion (e.g., butter, coconut oil, alcohol) and the infusion time affects how well cannabinoids are extracted. Saturated fats like coconut oil are known to be efficient carriers.
Cooking Process: The cooking or baking temperature can affect THC levels if too high. Also, an uneven distribution of the infused oil or butter throughout the final product can lead to varying amounts in each piece.

Estimating Your Batch Potency: A Practical Example

To calculate the approximate THC content, you can use a simple formula. Let's assume you're using 7 grams of flower with a labeled 18% THC content. You'll use this to make a batch of 20 cookies.

Calculate Total Milligrams of THC:
- First, convert the weight of cannabis to milligrams: 7g * 1,000 = 7,000 mg.
- Next, determine the theoretical maximum THC: 7,000 mg * 0.18 (18%) = 1,260 mg THC.
Adjust for Decarboxylation Efficiency: Infusion is often not 100% efficient. Assuming a 75% efficiency rate is a reasonable estimate.
- 1,260 mg * 0.75 = 945 mg THC in your infused oil.
Calculate Milligrams per Serving:
- Divide the total infused THC by the number of servings: 945 mg / 20 cookies = 47.25 mg THC per cookie.

Keep in mind this is an estimate. Using at-home potency test kits, such as those from tCheck, on your infused oil before baking can provide a more accurate measurement.

Commercial vs. Homemade Edibles: A Comparison


Feature	Commercial Edibles	Homemade Edibles
Potency	Often precise and lab-tested	Estimated and variable
Labeling	May be legally required, shows amount per serving	Requires personal calculation
Consistency	Often consistent across all products in a batch	Can have inconsistent amounts depending on preparation and mixing
Reliability	Can be reliable and predictable	Can be variable and unpredictable
Control	No control over ingredients or potency	Full control over ingredients, potency, and format

Conclusion: The Importance of Informed Consumption

Whether you rely on the precision of a commercially produced edible or the adventure of a homemade batch, understanding how do you tell how strong your edibles are? is a key part of responsible use. For commercial products, carefully read the milligrams per serving on the label and consider starting with a small amount to understand your tolerance level. With homemade edibles, accept that potency is an estimate. Use calculation methods and practice patience: start with a very small portion and wait at least two hours before considering more. By combining label knowledge with an understanding of your body, you can aim for a safe and predictable experience.

A Note on Edible Safety

Always store all cannabis products, especially edibles, in child-proof containers and out of reach of children and pets. The appearance of edibles can be particularly dangerous if not stored securely.

Helpful Resource: For those interested in home testing for more accurate measurements, platforms like tCheck provide tools to analyze the potency of your infused oils before you bake. [https://tcheck.me/blogs/cannabis-tips/how-can-i-test-thc-potency-homemade-edibles]

Frequently Asked Questions

A typical starting amount is often considered a small portion, though beginners may prefer an even smaller amount to understand their individual tolerance and body response.

Edibles must be digested and metabolized by the liver, where THC is converted into a more potent compound. This process causes a delayed onset of 45 minutes to 2 hours compared to the immediate effects of smoking or vaping.

No, it is nearly impossible to test a baked edible. For accurate testing of homemade products, you may be able to test the infused oil or butter before it is mixed with other ingredients using a specialized home potency kit.

On an edible package, 'mg' stands for milligrams and refers to the amount of THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids present in a product. Labels typically specify both the total mg in the package and the mg per serving.

To estimate the potential potency of your cannabutter, multiply the total grams of cannabis used by its THC percentage (e.g., 20%), convert to milligrams (multiply by 1000), and then account for a potential efficiency rate (e.g., 75%). Divide the final number by the total number of servings you plan to make.

If you feel you have consumed too much, the best course of action is to stay calm, remain in a safe and comfortable environment, and remember that the effects are temporary. Hydrate, eat some food, and avoid mixing with other substances. For severe discomfort, seek medical advice.

Yes. Taking an edible on an empty stomach can lead to a quicker and potentially more intense onset, while consuming it with a full meal can slow down absorption and result in a longer-lasting, more gradual experience.