Glossary

A single production run of an infused product, from start to finish. BatchCraft calculates per-batch quantities.

The proportion of an active compound that enters systemic circulation when consumed. Edibles have lower bioavailability than inhalation but effects last longer.

The process of extracting active lipophilic compounds into butter by heating plant material in melted butter at low temperature for an extended period.

An automated infusion machine (such as the Magical Butter Machine or LEVO II) that combines heating, stirring, and sometimes straining into a single appliance for hands-off infusions.

The fat or solvent base used to extract and hold active compounds. Common carriers include butter, coconut oil, MCT oil, olive oil, alcohol, and glycerin.

The acidic precursor form found in raw plant material. Requires decarboxylation (heat) to convert to its active form for effective oral consumption.

Butter with water and milk solids removed, leaving nearly pure butterfat. Also known as ghee. Higher fat percentage means better extraction efficiency and longer shelf life.

The percentage of active compound in source material by weight. Typical ranges are 10-30%. Used by BatchCraft to calculate total available active content.

A calculation using lower efficiency values (70% decarb, 60% infusion) to provide a safer, more cautious potency estimate. Recommended for beginners.

The heat-driven chemical process that converts acidic precursor compounds into their active forms by removing a carboxyl group (COOH) and releasing CO2. Essential for edible potency.

The percentage of precursor successfully converted to active form during decarboxylation. Typical range: 70-95% depending on method and precision.

The amount of active compound in a single serving, measured in milligrams (mg). A standard dose for beginners is 5-10mg.

A purpose-built appliance (such as the Ardent FX or LEVO) designed specifically for decarboxylation, offering precise temperature control and reduced odor compared to a standard oven.

Any food or drink product that has been infused with active plant compounds, typically via a carrier fat or alcohol.

A substance that helps mix fat-soluble compounds into water-based recipes. Sunflower lecithin is the most common emulsifier used in edible making.

Using food-grade alcohol (typically 190-proof) to dissolve and extract active compounds from plant material. Produces tinctures.

The process where orally consumed compounds are processed by the liver before entering general circulation. This converts some compounds into more potent metabolites, which is why edibles feel different.

An extraction that retains the complete range of compounds from the source material, including minor active compounds and terpenes. Fat-based infusions are typically full-spectrum.

Fully clarified butter with all water and milk solids removed. Nearly 100% fat content makes it an excellent carrier with a very long shelf life.

Vegetable glycerin (VG) is a sugar alcohol used as an alternative carrier for those avoiding fat and alcohol. Less efficient extraction than fat or ethanol but produces sweet, viscous tinctures.

The time required for half of an active compound to be metabolized and eliminated from the body. Edible effects have a longer effective half-life than inhaled forms.

The air gap between the surface of a stored product and the container lid. Minimizing headspace reduces oxidation and extends shelf life.

Even distribution of active compounds throughout a batch. Poor homogeneity means inconsistent dosing between portions — some servings may be much stronger than others.

A plant variety bred from both indica and sativa genetics, combining characteristics of both. Most modern strains are hybrids with varying ratios of indica to sativa traits.

The process of extracting compounds from plant material into a carrier (fat or solvent) through sustained heat exposure, typically at 160-200°F for 2-4 hours.

The percentage of active compound successfully transferred from plant material into the carrier during infusion. Typical range: 60-90% depending on method, time, and carrier type.

A classification of plant varieties typically associated with physically relaxing, sedating effects. Indica-dominant strains are often recommended for sleep aids and pain-relief edibles.

A natural emulsifier (usually from sunflower or soy) added to infusions to improve bioavailability and help fat-soluble compounds mix into recipes. Often added during the infusion step.

Fat-soluble. Active plant compounds are lipophilic, meaning they dissolve in fats and oils but not in water. This is why a carrier fat is needed for extraction.

A citrus-scented terpene found in many uplifting varieties. Associated with mood elevation and stress relief. Also found in citrus fruit rinds and may enhance bioavailability.

A decarboxylation technique where material is sealed in a mason jar before baking. Reduces odor and preserves volatile compounds by trapping them inside the jar.

Medium-Chain Triglyceride oil, derived from coconut or palm oil. Contains only medium-chain fatty acids that are absorbed faster than long-chain fats, potentially reducing edible onset time.

A very small dose (typically 1-2.5mg) intended to provide subtle effects without significant impairment. Popular for daytime use and for those with low tolerance.

The most common terpene in many plant varieties, with an earthy, musky, herbal aroma. Associated with sedating and relaxing effects, and may increase the absorption of active compounds.

The time between consuming an edible and first feeling its effects. Typically 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on metabolism, stomach contents, and carrier type.

A chemical reaction with oxygen that degrades active compounds over time. Minimized by airtight storage, cool temperatures, and dark containers.

A single serving of an edible product. BatchCraft calculates potency per portion based on your batch size and serving count.

The strength of an edible, measured in milligrams (mg) of active compound per serving. BatchCraft's primary output is estimated potency per portion.

The acidic form of a compound found in raw plant material (e.g., THCA, CBDA). Must be converted to active form through decarboxylation for oral effectiveness.

Fat molecules with no double bonds in their carbon chain. Saturated fats (butter, coconut oil) bind lipophilic compounds more effectively than unsaturated fats.

The length of time an infused product remains safe to consume and retains acceptable potency. Varies widely by carrier type and storage conditions.

A precision cooking method using a water bath at exact temperatures. Used for decarboxylation (203°F/95°C for 90 min) and infusion with minimal odor and maximum consistency.

Administration under the tongue, where compounds absorb through oral mucosa directly into the bloodstream, bypassing first-pass metabolism. Results in faster onset (15-45 min) than swallowing.

A specific cultivated variety of plant material with a distinct genetic profile, resulting in characteristic THC/CBD ratios, terpene profiles, flavors, and effects.

A classification of plant varieties typically associated with uplifting, energizing, and cerebral effects. Sativa-dominant strains are often chosen for daytime edibles.

Aromatic compounds found in plant material that contribute to flavor and aroma. Some terpenes may modulate the effects of primary active compounds (entourage effect). Preserved by low-temperature decarboxylation.

A liquid extract made by dissolving plant compounds in alcohol (ethanol) or glycerin. Typically dosed sublingually with a dropper for precise dosing and fast onset.

The process of gradually adjusting your dose over multiple sessions to find the minimum effective amount. Start with a low dose and increase incrementally.

Reduced sensitivity to active compounds after repeated use, requiring higher doses for the same effect. Tolerance to edibles builds more slowly than to inhaled forms.

Soaking decarboxylated plant material in water for several days (changing water daily) to remove chlorophyll and plant taste. Produces a cleaner-tasting infusion without affecting potency.