The Perfect Potency Ratio: How Much Flower to Use Per Cup of Oil

Getting the right potency starts long before you heat oil. The flower-to-oil ratio you choose determines how strong, balanced, and predictable your infused batches will be. This guide explains the simplest math for consistent results—no calculators or spreadsheets required.

Why Flower-to-Oil Ratios Matter

Infusion strength comes from how much activated flower you add to your carrier oil. Too much flower and the oil becomes overpowering or wasteful. Too little flower and the final infusion comes out weak, even if decarbing and heating are done correctly.

Dialing in the ratio is the cleanest way to control potency without changing your process.

The Standard Ratio Most Home Infusers Use

A widely trusted starting point is:

1 gram of flower per 1 ounce of oil
(or roughly 7 grams per cup)

This ratio gives a medium-strength infusion that works well for cooking, topicals, and general multipurpose batches. It also keeps flavor balanced without pushing chlorophyll or bitterness into the oil.

Understanding Potency Before You Choose a Ratio

Flower potency determines how strong the oil can become. For example:

• 10% cannabinoids = milder infusion
• 15–20% cannabinoids = standard strength
• 20–28% cannabinoids = strong infusion

Higher-potency flower does not require a higher ratio. In fact, you may want to lower the amount of flower per cup to keep batches usable and not overpowering. The CannaFuse Pouch works well with both small and large ratios, allowing even extraction without plant particles floating freely in the pot.

Three Reliable Ratios You Can Use

1. Mild Strength
(4–5 grams per cup of oil)
Ideal for beginners, low-intensity edibles, massage oils, or when working with higher-potency flower.

2. Medium Strength
(6–8 grams per cup of oil)
The most versatile and balanced option. Clean flavor, steady potency, and easy to dose for cooking or DIY projects.

3. Strong Strength
(10–14 grams per cup of oil)
Best for concentrated batches, small-volume infusions, or when working with lower-potency flower.

Anything above 28 grams per cup typically leads to diminishing returns. Oil can only absorb so much before additional flower stops increasing strength.

How to Estimate Final Potency Without Overthinking It

You do not need complex math to understand final strength. Here’s a clear approach:

• Look at the potency percentage on your flower label.
• Use a medium ratio (7 grams per cup).
• Keep infusion at steady low heat for even extraction.

This approach gives a predictable batch every time and works especially well when using tools like the CannaFuse Pouch and ReLeaf Bag, which help prevent waste and maximize recovery.

Why Adding More Oil Doesn’t Make the Batch Weaker

Adding more oil only spreads out the cannabinoids into a larger volume. The potency per teaspoon or tablespoon changes, but the total cannabinoids extracted do not.

In other words:

More oil = same total strength, lower dose per serving.

This is helpful when you want a smoother-tasting oil or need to scale a batch for bigger projects.

Why You Should Avoid Overpacking the Pouch

Overpacking flower reduces movement and limits surface area contact with the oil. The CannaFuse Pouch performs best when loosely filled, allowing oil to circulate through the material and extract evenly.

• Loose fill = stronger, cleaner infusion
• Tight pack = wasted cannabinoids and uneven extraction

If you need a stronger batch, increase the ratio—not the density inside the pouch.

Should You Grind Flower Before Infusion?

Grinding increases surface area but also increases plant material in the oil. This can lead to:

• Greener flavor
• More chlorophyll extraction
• Harder straining

The best approach is to break flower into small pieces by hand. The CannaFuse Strainer and ReLeaf Bag then capture everything cleanly during the filtering stage.

How Ratio Affects Flavor, Color, and Texture

Mild Ratio (4–5 grams):
Light flavor, golden color, smooth texture.

Medium Ratio (6–8 grams):
Balanced flavor and color. Strong but not overpowering.

Strong Ratio (10–14 grams):
Dark color, heavier herbal notes, higher chance of bitterness if overheated.

Scaling Batches Up or Down

The ratios scale perfectly whether you’re making small test batches or large infusions.

Small batch example:
3 grams flower + ½ cup oil

Large batch example:
28 grams flower + 2 cups oil

As long as heat, decarb, and timing stay consistent, ratios scale without issues.

When to Change Ratios (and When Not To)

You should change ratios when:

• Flower potency varies significantly
• You need a lighter-tasting oil
• You want precise control for recipes
• You’re infusing for topical or aromatherapy use

You should not change ratios when:

• You want consistency across multiple batches
• You’re following a recipe that depends on a specific strength
• You’re troubleshooting flavor or clarity (fix heat, not ratios)

Final Recommended Ratios for Most Users

If you want a simple formula that works for nearly every flower type:

• Mild: 5 grams per cup
• Medium: 7 grams per cup
• Strong: 10–12 grams per cup

These ranges keep batches predictable and flavorful, especially when using tools designed for clean extraction like the CannaFuse Pouch, Strainer, and ReLeaf Bag.

FAQ

Is more flower always better?
No. Oil reaches a saturation point. Beyond that, extra flower increases bitterness without boosting potency.

Does higher potency flower require more oil?
No. You can keep the same ratio. The final oil simply becomes stronger per teaspoon.

Can I reuse the oil to make it stronger?
Re-infusing is possible but usually unnecessary. It also increases the chance of off-flavors and over-extraction.

What ratio is best for beginners?
A medium ratio (6–8 grams per cup) gives clean flavor and predictable potency.