Cannabis Salve Potency Calculator


Estimate the THC potency of homemade cannabis salve by total batch, milligrams per ounce, and optional jar size.

Popular Example: 14 grams of 20% THC flower in 8 ounces of salve = approximately 280 mg THC per ounce.
Choose the cannabis ingredient you are adding to your salve recipe.
Enter the total cannabis flower used. Common amounts: 3.5g = ⅛ oz, 7g = ¼ oz, 14g = ½ oz, 28g = 1 oz. Use the THC percentage from your cannabis label. This calculator assumes 80% infusion efficiency for flower-based infusions.
Enter the total finished amount of salve after combining infused oil, beeswax, shea butter, and other ingredients. Optional: enter your jar size if you want to estimate THC per jar.

How This Calculator Works

This calculator estimates cannabis salve potency based on the type of cannabis ingredient used and your final finished salve amount.

For cannabis flower, this calculator assumes approximately 80% infusion efficiency. For concentrates, it calculates THC directly from the product’s labeled potency. Actual results may vary.

Example Calculation

If you use 14 grams of cannabis flower at 20% THC in an 8 oz finished salve, the calculation is:

14 × 1,000 × 20% × 80% = 2,240 mg THC total

2,240 mg ÷ 8 oz = 280 mg THC per ounce

Prefer ready-made salve?

Shop our handcrafted cannabis salves and pain relief products made for targeted topical use.

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Salve Potency Guide by Ounce

THC per Ounce Strength
Under 150 mg/oz 🟢 Mild Relief
150–300 mg/oz 🟡 Moderate Relief
300–500 mg/oz 🟠 Strong Relief
500+ mg/oz 🔴 Extra Strength

Example Salve Strengths

Flower THC % Salve Size THC/oz
7g 15% 8 oz 105 mg
14g 15% 8 oz 210 mg
14g 20% 8 oz 280 mg
28g 20% 8 oz 560 mg
28g 25% 8 oz 700 mg

How to Make Cannabis Salve

Cannabis salve is a simple topical made from cannabis-infused oil, beeswax, and optional skin-nourishing ingredients. Unlike edibles, salves are applied directly to the skin and are commonly used as part of a topical wellness routine.

Simple Cannabis Salve Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cannabis-infused oil
  • 1 ounce beeswax pellets
  • 2 tablespoons shea butter, optional
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa butter, optional
  • Essential oils, optional

Equipment

  • Double boiler
  • Heat-safe measuring cup
  • Stirring utensil
  • Salve tins or glass jars
  • Digital scale

Step 1: Melt Ingredients

  1. Add cannabis-infused oil and beeswax to a double boiler.
  2. Heat gently until the beeswax is completely melted.
  3. Stir until fully combined.

Step 2: Add Optional Ingredients

  1. Remove from heat.
  2. Stir in shea butter or cocoa butter if using.
  3. Add essential oils if desired.

Step 3: Pour and Cool

  1. Carefully pour the melted salve into tins or jars.
  2. Allow the salve to cool completely.
  3. Cap and store at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
Example: If your infused oil contains 2,240 mg THC total and your finished salve recipe yields 8 ounces, your salve contains approximately 280 mg THC per ounce. Use the calculator above for a more accurate estimate based on your specific recipe.

Salve Firmness Guide

Beeswax Amount Texture
0.5 oz per cup oil Soft balm
1 oz per cup oil Standard salve
1.5 oz per cup oil Firm salve
2 oz per cup oil Lotion bar consistency

Recommended Supplies

Base Oils

  • Cannabis Infused Oil
  • MCT Oil
  • Refined Coconut Oil
  • Olive Oil
  • Avocado Oil

Waxes & Butters

  • Beeswax Pellets
  • Shea Butter
  • Cocoa Butter
  • Mango Butter

Optional Ingredients

  • Vitamin E Oil
  • Lavender Essential Oil
  • Peppermint Essential Oil
  • Eucalyptus Essential Oil
  • Tea Tree Essential Oil

Containers

  • 1 oz Salve Tins
  • 2 oz Salve Tins
  • Amber Glass Jars
  • Glass Cosmetic Containers
  • Labels & Stickers

Tools & Equipment

  • Digital Scale
  • Double Boiler
  • Heat Safe Measuring Cup
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Silicone Funnels
  • Digital Thermometer

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good cannabis salve strength?

Most homemade cannabis salves range between 100–400 mg THC per ounce. Many people consider 250–400 mg THC per ounce a good balance between potency and value.

Can I use concentrate, RSO, FECO, or distillate in salve?

Yes. Concentrates can be easier to calculate because they usually list the THC percentage on the label. Enter the concentrate amount in grams and the THC percentage shown on the product.

Why is jar size optional?

The main potency measurement is THC per ounce. Jar size is optional because some people make one large batch and divide it into different container sizes.

Does cannabis salve get you high?

Cannabis salves are generally intended for topical use and typically do not produce intoxicating effects when applied to intact skin.

Why isn't my potency exact?

Actual potency depends on flower testing accuracy, decarboxylation, infusion method, filtering losses, concentrate accuracy, ingredient measurements, and final salve volume.

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Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and estimation purposes only. It does not provide medical, legal, or dosing advice. Always label homemade cannabis products clearly and keep them away from children and pets.