Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Potency and Dosing

Jane & Mary is here to make your cannabis experience positive. We know having a sense of how to calculate cannabis potency and dosing is important so you can enjoy your marijuana-infused recipes to the fullest. We've broken down the important need-to-know information about potency and dosing so you don't have to do all the heavy lifting alone. Stick to the JAM guidelines below, and you can be confident that you are calculating potency and dosing accurately every time.

Marijuana leaves and flower on top of lots of types of fresh fruit.

Step 1: Choose What You Are Using

We know it may sound elementary to say that the first step is to choose your marijuana product of choice, but it actually is the first thing you should think about. Depending on the desired outcome of your cannabis experience you will need to decide whether you are opting for CBD or THC.

Ah, CBD and THC, the yin and yang of the cannabis world. Let's break them down, shall we?

What is CBD?

CBD—cannabidiol if you're feeling scientific—doesn't get you stoned, but, it's become the rock star of wellness circles.

People swear CBD melts their anxiety, soothes their aches, and maybe even makes that miserable Monday morning meeting slightly less soul-crushing.

Click here to read more about CBD vs THC.

What is THC?

Then there's THC—Tetrahydrocannabinol, the Jimi Hendrix guitar solo of the plant. This stuff climbs inside your brain, sets up a tent, builds a bonfire, and throws a full Woodstock festival. It hijacks your endocannabinoid system and taps into everything from your sense of pain to your snack-time cravings.

Some people find nirvana; others, let's say take a colorful detour through their consciousness.

Click here to read more about CBD vs THC.

CBD vs. THC, a display of various products.

Whether you're looking for a cerebral journey or want to mellow out without the psychedelic pyrotechnics, these compounds offer a choose-your-own-adventure for body and mind. Looking to learn more about CBD vs THC? Check out the article below.

A variety of products form THC to CBD as well as in plant and flower form.

CBD vs. THC: How to Know Which One Is Right For You?

Are you curious about the differences between CBD vs THC?

Many people are, and here at JAM we are passionate about answering your pressing questions so you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you.

Click here to read this article.

Step-by-Step How to Better Understand Cannabis Potency and Dosing

Here's where the math comes in friends. When it comes to understanding cannabis potency and dosing you will inevitably need to perform a few simple mathematic equations. Don't worry though; we've taken the guesswork out of the process and are sharing our method for calculating potency and dosing with you.

Baseline Measurements

Starting Point: We like to assume a baseline THC content of 10% for our buds. Given today's potent strains, this might be on the low end, but it's a good starting point. Always check the packaging or ask your local budtender for precise THC percentages if you're buying from a dispensary.

Calculating THC Content

Measure the Flower: One ounce of cannabis flower weighs approximately 28,350 milligrams or 28.35 grams.
Calculate THC: To estimate the THC content, multiply the weight of the cannabis flower by its THC percentage.

Formula:

Total THC=(THC Percentage × Weight in mg)

Examples:

10% THC content: 10%×28,350 mg=2,835 mg of THC per ounce
17% THC content: 17%×28,350 mg=4,820 mg of THC per ounce
25% THC content: 25%×28,350 mg=7,088 mg of THC per ounce

Squeezing infused oil from a cheesecloth sachet into a jar.

Adjusting for Recipe Size

Scale Down: For example, let's adjust a recipe for ¼ ounce of cannabis flower. Simply divide the THC content we calculated earlier by 4 to find the THC content for that recipe.

Example:
If using a 10% THC strain, 2,835 mg divided by 4 =709 mg of THC for ¼ ounce.

A small jar of Magic Shell next to a bowl of vanilla ice cream with Magic Shell on top and a few buds of cannabis.

Average Edible Dose

General Range: The typical dose for cannabis edibles is between 5-10 milligrams of THC.
Longevity: Given the THC content we've calculated, you can see how a batch of infused THC oil or Canna butter can last for multiple servings.

Close up with of brownie with marijuana bud.

Start Low, Go Slow

Cautious Beginnings: We always recommend starting with a smaller amount of infused oil or butter in your recipes.
Feel It Out: Wait for the effects to kick in, which could take between 30 minutes to 2 hours, before considering any increase in dosage.

The JAM team wants you to have a safe and enjoyable marijuana experience. Always start small and tune your dosing according to your preferences and tolerances. And remember, it's always wise to consult a healthcare provider for more personalized advice.

Use our Edibles Dosage Calculator for your favorite infused recipes here.

It's time to get cooking with cannabis.

So you read this entire article, educated yourself on cannabis potency and dosing and now you are ready to give your new skills some real-world practice? Click on any of the delicious THC-infused images below to learn how to make that recipe.