The Science Behind Edible Potency
Understanding the science behind cannabis is the first step toward accurately dosing your edibles. Unlike smoking or vaping, which provides near-instantaneous effects, edibles must be metabolized by the liver, which converts THC into a more potent compound called 11-hydroxy-THC. This process explains the delayed onset and stronger, longer-lasting effects associated with edibles.
Decarboxylation: The Key to Activation
Raw cannabis flower contains very little psychoactive THC. Instead, it contains an acid form known as THCA. To convert THCA into active THC, the plant material must be heated through a process called decarboxylation. This typically involves baking the cannabis at a low temperature before infusion. During this process, some THC can be lost due to heat, so a standard 88% conversion rate is often used in calculations to account for this loss.
Infusion Efficiency: From Flower to Fat
The second critical factor is infusion efficiency, which measures how effectively the THC from the decarboxylated plant material is transferred into your chosen fat-based medium, such as butter or oil. No infusion method is 100% efficient. Factors like the process used and heat control affect the transfer rate. For calculation purposes, an estimated efficiency of around 60% is often used as a conservative baseline for homemade infusions.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Calculating Edible Strength
For a clear and repeatable process, follow these steps using dispensary-sourced cannabis with a known THC percentage. For this example, let's assume you're using 7 grams of cannabis with a 15% THC content.
Step 1: Gather Your Data
First, collect the necessary information:
- Total grams of cannabis: 7g
- THC percentage: 15%
Step 2: Calculate Total Potential THC
Convert the grams of cannabis to milligrams (1 gram = 1,000 mg) and multiply by the THC percentage (as a decimal) to find the maximum possible THC.
Formula: Total Potential THC (mg) = (Cannabis Weight in Grams 1,000) THC Percentage
Calculation: (7g 1,000) 0.15 = 1,050mg of Total Potential THC.
Step 3: Account for Decarboxylation and Infusion Loss
Adjust for the real-world inefficiencies of the process. For this step, we'll apply a 60% infusion efficiency, noting that some sources suggest using a decarboxylation conversion rate of 88% first.
Formula: Total Infused THC (mg) = Total Potential THC * Infusion Efficiency
Calculation: 1,050mg * 0.60 = 630mg of Total Infused THC.
Step 4: Calculate Per-Serving Potency
Finally, divide the total infused THC by the number of servings your recipe will yield. This step requires accurate and uniform portioning. If you're making 30 cookies, the calculation is as follows:
Formula: THC per Serving (mg) = Total Infused THC / Number of Servings
Calculation: 630mg / 30 cookies = 21mg THC per cookie.
Factors Influencing Your Edible Experience
While mathematical calculation is a great starting point, several physiological and environmental factors influence how you experience an edible. These include:
- Tolerance: Regular cannabis users will have a higher tolerance, requiring a larger dose to feel the same effects as a novice.
- Metabolism: A person with a faster metabolism will process the THC more quickly, leading to a faster onset but potentially shorter duration.
- Body Weight and Fat: THC is fat-soluble, so a higher body mass and fat content can affect how THC is stored and metabolized in the body.
- Food Intake: Consuming an edible on an empty stomach can lead to a quicker, more intense effect. Eating it with a meal, especially one rich in fats, can slow absorption and produce a more gradual experience.
- Mindset and Setting: The environment and your mental state at the time of consumption can significantly influence the psychoactive effects.
Comparison Table: Homemade vs. Dispensary Edibles
| Feature | Homemade Edibles | Dispensary Edibles |
|---|---|---|
| Potency Accuracy | Estimated and can be inconsistent. Factors like decarboxylation and infusion efficiency can create a wide variance in per-serving dosage. | Lab-tested and accurately dosed per serving. Consistent potency is regulated and guaranteed by testing. |
| Ingredient Control | Full control over ingredients, allowing for dietary restrictions or preferences. | Limited by the product offerings from the manufacturer. |
| Cost | Typically less expensive per milligram of THC, assuming you have access to raw cannabis. | Higher per-milligram cost due to manufacturing, testing, and retail overhead. |
| Convenience | Requires time and effort to prepare, including decarboxylation and infusion steps. | Ready-to-eat and easy to consume. Requires no preparation. |
| Experience | Can create unique, personalized recipes but risks uneven distribution of THC. | Provides a reliable and predictable dose, though options are pre-defined. |
Conclusion: Start Low, Go Slow
Ultimately, accurately calculating homemade edible strength is an estimation, not an exact science. Factors from the raw material's actual potency to your body's unique metabolism can influence the final effect. For this reason, the golden rule for consuming edibles—homemade or store-bought—is to "start low and go slow." Begin with a small dose (e.g., 2.5-5mg THC for beginners), wait at least two hours for the full effects to appear, and only consider a slightly higher dose on a future occasion if the initial one was underwhelming. Responsible consumption involves patience and careful self-monitoring, ensuring a positive and controlled experience. If you are unsure of your tolerance, it is always safest to assume the edible is stronger than you think. For those seeking maximum precision and consistency, licensed dispensary products remain the most reliable option. For further reading on the science behind edibles, consider reviewing articles like the one from The Chrono on why edibles hit harder.
