How to Make Cannabis-Infused Sugar: Potency and Dosing Guide

Choosing Your Components

Avoid oil-based infusions. MCT or olive oil will not evaporate, resulting in a soggy, unusable slurry. Stick to these specific requirements:

• Granulated White Sugar (1 cup): The crystalline structure is essential for surface area and even distribution.
• High-Proof Ethanol (2–10ml): Use a 151 to 190-proof food-grade alcohol tincture.
• Glass or Ceramic Dish: Avoid metal or plastic containers to prevent chemical leaching during the drying phase.
• Stainless Steel Whisk: This is the effective tool for achieving mechanical homogenization.

The Infusion Workflow

1. Preparation: Measure 200g (approx. 1 cup) of granulated sugar into your dish.
2. Saturation: Drizzle the tincture evenly over the crystals.
3. Homogenization: Whisk the mixture thoroughly. It should look and feel like wet sand.
4. Passive Evaporation: Spread the sugar in a thin, even layer. Let it sit uncovered for 24 to 48 hours in a dark, ventilated space.
5. De-clumping: Use a fork to break apart any clusters that formed during the drying process.
6. Verification: The sugar is ready when it flows freely and has no sharp smell of alcohol.

Accelerated Drying: You can use an oven at its lowest setting (150°F / 65°C) for 30–60 minutes. Keep a close watch; if the temperature climbs too high, you risk terpene loss and caramelizing the sugar.

Calculating Potency

Consistency is the mark of a quality infusion. Use this formula to determine your dosing:

(Total ml of Tincture × mg of THC per ml) / Total grams of Sugar = mg per gram

Data Scenario: If you use 5ml of a 20mg/ml tincture (100mg total) mixed into 200g of sugar, your resulting concentration is 0.5mg per gram. This translates to roughly 2mg per teaspoon or 6mg per tablespoon.

Terpene Retention

Terpenes are volatile. If you want to preserve the aromatic profile of your strain, avoid heat-based drying.

• Daytime: Strains dominant in Limonene or Pinene may offer a lighter, clearer experience.
• Evening: Strains high in Myrcene may provide a sedative, earthy profile.

Myrcene is thought to support the permeability of the blood-brain barrier, which may alter the onset and perceived effect of your infusion.

Culinary Application and Stability

Because THC remains stable up to 350°F (176°C), your infused sugar may survive most baking processes. The crystalline sucrose matrix acts as a protective shield for the cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids are hydrophobic. If you dissolve this sugar into water or tea, the cannabinoids may float to the surface or cling to the rim of your mug. To support an even dose in beverages, pair the sugar with a lipid-rich liquid like milk, cream, or a high-fat plant milk to act as an emulsifier.

Storage Protocols

THC is photosensitive and heat-sensitive; it may degrade into CBN (a sedative, non-psychoactive compound) if exposed to the elements.

• Vessel: Store in an airtight, dark glass jar.
• Environment: A cool, dry pantry is ideal.
• Humidity: If you live in a humid climate, drop a food-grade silica packet into the jar to prevent clumping.
• Accountability: Always label the jar with the mg/gram concentration and the date of infusion.

Legal Disclaimer: This content is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always seek the advice of a physician regarding a medical condition. Efficacy has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. Check your local laws regarding cannabis and terpene use.