Blog

How to Calculate Your Dose When Cooking with THC Oil

Posted by

Farith Arcos

December 1, 2025

On May 29, 2025

Cooking With THC Oil: How to Dose Your Homemade Edibles the Right Way

Cooking with THC oil opens the door to a fully personalized edible experience, but it also raises an important question: how do you know how much THC you are actually consuming in each bite? Whether you are infusing brownies, pasta, or even salad dressings, understanding dosage is the key difference between a smooth, relaxing evening and an overwhelming experience.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know about cooking with THC oil, including how to calculate potency, how to measure your portions, and the simple steps that keep your homemade infusions safe, consistent, and enjoyable.

Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional before using THC products.

This content is intended for audiences 21 years and older, as required by U.S. law.

🌿 What Is THC Oil and Why Use It for Cooking?

THC oil is a concentrated extract infused into a carrier like MCT or olive oil. It’s prized for its versatility—you can use it in:

- Sauces, soups, and dressings
- Baked goods (brownies, cookies, etc.)
- Gummies and candies

Unlike smoking or vaping, THC edibles deliver effects that are:

- Delayed (30–90 minutes onset)
- Longer-lasting (up to 6–8 hours)
- More body-focused

But that also makes dosing more complex—you won’t feel the effects right away, so it’s easy to overdo it.

🧠 How Potency Works in THC Oil

To calculate how much THC you’re getting, you need to know two things:

1. The potency of your THC oil (in mg of THC per mL)
2. How much oil you’re using in your recipe

Most products will list potency on the label:

- Example: “1000mg THC in 30mL” → That’s 33.3mg THC per mL

If it’s not labeled clearly, check the product’s Certificate of Analysis (COA).

For a full guide on safe dosing, read our breakdown on How to Use THC Oil Safely.
To understand the differences between cannabinoids before cooking, check THCA vs THC: What You Need to Know.
If you prefer edibles for controlled dosing, explore our full Gummies Collection.
For official research on THC’s effects during digestion and metabolism, visit the NIDA Marijuana DrugFacts.
To learn how THC is regulated in edible and infused formats, review the FDA Cannabis & CBD Regulation Guide.

🧪 The Basic THC Dosage Formula

Use this formula to calculate how much THC is in your entire dish:

✅ Step 1: Total THC in Recipe

[THC per mL] x [mL used in recipe] = Total THC mg in dish

✅ Step 2: THC Per Serving

[Total THC] ÷ [Number of servings] = THC mg per serving

🔍 Example:

- You’re using 2 mL of oil at 33.3mg/mL
- Your recipe makes 8 brownies
- (33.3 x 2) = 66.6mg total → 66.6 ÷ 8 = 8.3mg THC per brownie

Start low: Many recommend beginning with 2.5–5mg THC per serving for new users.

📏 Ideal Doses Based on Experience Level

Experience	Recommended Dose	Notes
Beginner	2.5–5mg	Microdose to test sensitivity
Intermediate	5–10mg	Moderate effect
Advanced	10–25mg+	For higher tolerance only

Reminder: More THC ≠ better high. Effects plateau, and too much can lead to anxiety or paranoia.

🔥 Don’t Forget Decarboxylation

If you’re starting with raw flower or concentrate, you must decarboxylate it before cooking. This converts non-psychoactive THCA into active THC.

Basic Decarb Steps (for flower):

- Preheat oven to 240°F (115°C)
- Break flower into small pieces
- Bake on parchment-lined tray for 30–40 mins

Skip this step only if using pre-activated THC oil or tinctures labeled as “ready to consume.”

🧁 Tips for Even Dosing in Recipes

Uneven dosing = unexpected highs. Here’s how to avoid that:

✅ Stir thoroughly

Mix THC oil thoroughly into batter, dough, or sauces to ensure even distribution.

✅ Use small batch recipes

Easier to track dosing and avoid waste.

✅ Stick to high-fat dishes

THC binds to fat—so butter, cream, or coconut oil enhance absorption.

✅ Measure servings before baking

Cut brownies or cookies after baking, not before.

For extra precision, use a THC oil dosage calculator or edible calculator app.

🧊 How to Store THC Oil and Infused Foods

Proper storage helps maintain potency:

- Store THC oil in a cool, dark place in an airtight bottle
- Refrigerate infused foods in labeled containers
- Freeze for long-term use, especially baked goods

Pro Tip: Always label clearly with THC content and date made.

🛑 Avoiding Overconsumption: Safety First

⚠️ Common Pitfalls:

- Dosing without knowing the oil’s potency
- Eating multiple servings too quickly
- Not waiting long enough for effects

What to Do If You Take Too Much:

- Stay calm—effects will wear off in several hours
- Hydrate and rest in a comfortable space
- Use CBD to potentially balance out the high

Tip: Avoid mixing edibles with alcohol or other substances.

🍴 Cooking with THC Oil: Creative Uses

Looking to get inspired? THC oil works well in:

- Smoothies, shakes, or protein drinks
- Sauces like pesto or salad dressing
- Stir-frys with olive or sesame oil
- Breakfast scrambles or pancakes
- Chocolate truffles and gummies

Just remember to add oil toward the end of cooking (avoid high heat) to preserve potency.

❓ FAQ: THC Dosage in Cooking

How much THC is too much in edibles?

Anything over 10mg per serving can feel intense for beginners. Stick to 2.5–5mg to start.

Can I cook with THC oil without tasting it?

Yes. Use flavored oils or recipes with strong herbs/spices to mask the flavor.

What if I don’t know the oil’s potency?

Don’t guess. Look up the COA or contact the manufacturer.

Are THC oil and THC tinctures the same?

Not always—tinctures may use alcohol and aren’t always designed for cooking. Use oil-based products for recipes.

Can I reheat edibles?

Yes, but do so gently. Use low heat (below 300°F) to avoid degrading THC.

🌟 Final Bite: THC Cooking Done Right

Cooking with THC oil can be empowering—but only if you dose smart. Whether you’re microdosing a salad or crafting a potent brownie batch, taking the time to calculate your THC dosage ensures a safe, enjoyable experience.

- Know your oil’s strength
- Do the math before you cook
- Label and portion everything
- Always start low—effects can take time to show

For more tips on infusing meals safely and effectively, check out the rest of the Trap University edible series.

Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Always verify state laws and consult a healthcare professional before consuming THC products.

Age Notice: This content is intended for audiences 21 years and older, as required by U.S. law.