Interactive Cannabutter Calculator

Estimate cannabis infusion potency with scientific precision. This calculator accounts for decarboxylation efficiency (87.7%), infusion losses (10-15%), and provides per-serving dosage analysis. For decarboxylation science, see this peer-reviewed study on cannabinoid activation.

Typical THC percentages shown for reference
Average flower: 18-22%, Trim: 8-10%, Concentrate: 70-80%
CBD flower typically contains 8-15% CBD
Common batch size: 7g (¼ oz) to 28g (1 oz)
1 cup = 16 tablespoons = 240ml

Decarboxylation converts THCA to active THC with 87.7% efficiency

Loss occurs during straining and absorption by plant material

Used to calculate dosage per serving

Cannabis Infusion Formulas & Potency Guidelines

Understanding decarboxylation, infusion efficiency, and dosage categorization. Research on cannabinoid activation provides scientific validation.

THC/CBD Mass Calculation

Calculates total cannabinoids in starting material based on percentage and weight:

Total THC (mg) = Weight(g) × 1000 × (THC% ÷ 100) × Decarb Factor
Total CBD (mg) = Weight(g) × 1000 × (CBD% ÷ 100) × Decarb Factor

Key Fact: Decarboxylation factor is 0.877, representing the 87.7% conversion efficiency from THCA to active THC. Without decarbing, only ~10-15% of cannabinoids are active.

Infusion Efficiency & Loss

Accounts for practical losses during the infusion process:

Final THC (mg) = Total THC × (0.85 to 0.95)

Loss Breakdown: Straining removes 5-8% cannabinoids trapped in plant material. Container absorption loses 1-2%. Heat degradation loses 2-5%. Total realistic loss: 10-15% of total cannabinoids.

Per-Serving Dosage Calculation

Critical for safe and consistent edibles consumption:

THC per Serving (mg) = Final THC (mg) ÷ Number of Servings

Dosage Categories: Microdose (2.5-5mg, therapeutic), Standard (5-10mg, recreational), Strong (10-20mg, experienced), Potent (20mg+, high tolerance). Always start low and wait 2 hours.

Potency Classification Table

Dosage Range Effect Level User Experience Recommended For
2.5 – 5 mg Very Mild Subtle relief, minimal psychoactivity First-time users, microdosing
5 – 10 mg Standard Euphoria, relaxation, pain relief Occasional recreational users
10 – 20 mg Strong Intense effects, strong body high Regular users with tolerance
20+ mg Potent Pronounced psychoactive effects Medical patients, high tolerance

Critical Safety Data: Colorado and California label 10mg THC as one standard dose. Edibles cause 23% of cannabis ER visits despite being only 0.3% of sales. Onset time: 30-90 minutes. Duration: 4-8 hours. Peak: 2-4 hours.

How to Use the Cannabutter Calculator

Four simple steps for accurate cannabis dosing

1

Enter Cannabis Details

Input THC/CBD percentages and material weight. Use lab-tested values for precision (±2-3% accuracy)

2

Specify Infusion Medium

Choose butter, coconut oil, or other fat. 1 cup (240ml) is standard batch size for 24 servings

3

Select Decarb Status

Check if material is decarboxylated. Raw cannabis loses 87.7% potency without this critical step

4

Calculate & Analyze

View total THC/CBD, per-serving dosage, and potency chart. Adjust serving size for desired dose

Frequently Asked Questions

Decarboxylation is the heating process that converts inactive THCA into psychoactive THC. Raw cannabis contains <1% active THC. Heating at 240°F (115°C) for 30-40 minutes converts 87.7% of THCA to THC. Skipping this step reduces potency by 85-90%. Always decarb before infusing for maximum effectiveness.

Start with 2.5-5mg THC for beginners. Standard recreational dose: 5-10mg. Experienced users: 10-20mg. Medical patients may require 20-50mg. Colorado legally defines 10mg as one dose. Consuming 50mg+ significantly increases ER visit risk. Always wait 2 hours before redosing—edibles peak at 2-4 hours.

Real-world infusion isn’t 100% efficient. Studies show 10-15% cannabinoid loss: 5-8% remains trapped in plant material after straining, 1-2% adheres to containers, and 2-5% degrades from heat. Our calculator uses 85-90% efficiency to provide realistic potency estimates, preventing accidental overconsumption from inflated numbers.

Onset: 30-90 minutes (varies by metabolism and stomach contents). Peak effects: 2-4 hours after consumption. Total duration: 4-8 hours, with residual effects up to 12 hours. Consuming on empty stomach accelerates onset but may increase intensity. Fat-containing edibles absorb slower but produce longer-lasting effects than tinctures.

Refrigerated cannabutter lasts 3-4 weeks. Frozen: up to 6 months without significant potency loss. Store in airtight, opaque containers away from light and heat. THC degrades into CBN at rates of 3-5% per month at room temperature. Label clearly with THC content per tablespoon and date made. Always keep away from children and pets.

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Age Restriction & Legal Warning

This calculator is intended for adults 21+ only.

Cannabis laws vary significantly by location. Your responsibilities include:

  • Verify local cannabis possession and use laws
  • Obtain proper licenses if commercial production
  • Consume responsibly and never drive after consumption
  • Store all cannabis products securely away from children/pets

Important Limitations

Calculations are estimates only (±15% variance). Actual potency depends on:

  • Decarboxylation completeness (oven temperature accuracy)
  • Infusion time and temperature consistency
  • Material age and storage conditions
  • Lab testing accuracy of starting material (if available)

Always test with ¼ serving first. Wait a full 2 hours before consuming more. CDC Cannabis Health Effects