How to Make Cannabis Salve & Top Uses
Cannabis salve is a viscous, ointment-like substance containing a mixture of cannabis and oils. It is used topically to reduce pain and aid skin healing. Instead of going to the drugstore for a salve or cream, you can make your own cannabis salve and keep it on hand at home.
Cannabis salve is easy to make, and a great way to use leftover rosin chips or buds that aren't suitable for making bubble hash.
Cannabis salves are highly valued for their anti-inflammatory and skin-healing properties. The combination of cannabis and oils—such as coconut oil, olive oil, emu oil, vitamin E oil, calendula oil, and sweet almond oil—is especially moisturizing and healing for the skin.
Our Cannabis Salve Recipe
There are several ways to make a homemade cannabis balm. Some of the most popular recipes use either a coconut and olive oil mixture or a coconut oil and beeswax mixture for the base. This is because both coconut oil and beeswax give the salve a firm texture and have beneficial properties of their own.
Our recipe uses an infused coconut oil base, which is then combined with shea butter and essential oils. The shea butter provides the desired firmness. We also recommend adding emu oil in the final liquid stage of the recipe for enhanced absorption.
Cannabis Salve Ingredients
The most basic ingredients of cannabis salve are cannabis and one or more carrier oils. You will generally make cannabis infused oil first and then mix the cannabis oil with the rest of your ingredients.
Our cannabis salve recipe uses the following ingredients:
- Coconut oil: Coconut oil binds with cannabinoids like CBD and THC because it has a high saturated fat content. It is also moisturizing for the skin and has antibacterial properties.
- Spent rosin bags: Rosin chips found in rosin bags contain cannabis plant matter and residual cannabinoids left after being pressed in a rosin press. The residual compounds in rosin chips are perfect for making infused oil.
- Shea butter: Shea butter contains fatty acids and vitamins that are good for your skin. It also has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
- Essential oils of choice: Add essential oils to your balm for specific fragrances and health benefits. See the customization section for more*.
- A blade: You will use this to open your rosin chips.
- A strainer: You will use this to strain your cannabis infused oil. A food-grade stainless-steel strainer is ideal.
- A crock pot: This is for infusing the coconut oil. Use a double boiler on low heat if you don't have a slow cooker.
- An immersion blender: An immersion blender is a handheld device that consists of a blender on the end of a stick (as opposed to the regular kind of blender with a jar that sits on top of a base).
- A mason jar: The most suitable storage container is an airtight mason jar.
How to Make Cannabis Salve Step by Step
Follow these steps to make your cannabis salve:
- Add the coconut oil to the crock pot.
- Set the slow cooker to 250°F.
- Stir until the coconut oil is fully melted.
- Slice open all of your rosin bags.
- Add the sliced bags to the warm coconut oil and press them down until they’re submerged.
- Keep the slow cooker at 250°F for 4 hours and stir occasionally.
- Use the strainer to scoop out and drain the bags.
- Pull off some coconut oil for personal cooking use if desired (optional). Grab a 25μm bag and funnel, and pour the coconut oil through the bag into a heat-resistant jar to filter it. Allow it to cool and store it in the fridge.
- Add shea butter to the warm coconut oil in the slow cooker (2 coconut:1 shea ratio). Adjust these ratios however you like to determine consistency.
- Reduce the heat to a minimum.
- While it’s cooling down, add the emu oil (optional), and any other oils you would like to add, and your choice of essential oils. We like eucalyptus and peppermint. Please note that the number of drops used will dictate the strength of the scent.
- Grab another 25μm bag and funnel, and filter the cannabis oil mixture into a mason jar.
- Once filtering is complete, use an immersion blender to homogenize the salve.
- Seal the jar and place it in the fridge overnight.
- Your balm/salve is ready to use the next day!
- Cannabis salve remains shelf-stable for a long time, with refrigeration being the optimal storage method for the longest lifespan.
*Customizing Your Cannabis Salve Recipes
The beauty of making your own salve is customizing it to suit your needs and tastes. Have a play with any of the below variations and see which is your favorite!
CBD & THC variations:
Use CBD, THC, or both!
- CBD is used for inflammation and skin hydration.
- THC is primarily used to combat intense, localized pain.
- Be aware that small amounts of THC will be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause a mild high if used in large concentrations.
- Use CBD-rich hemp rosin chips and CBD oil instead of CBD chips from marijuana if desired.
Oil variations:
- Experiment with swapping the shea butter for cocoa butter, olive oil, organic soy wax, or beeswax. You’ll need to use at least one firm butter/oil to obtain a fairly thick consistency.
- Other oils to add: Vitamin E oil, sweet almond oil, and calendula oil.
- Emu oil (optional): Emu oil has been used by Indigenous Australians for a very long time. It offers several skin benefits, including anti-aging effects and wound healing. It is also recommended for use in the treatment of seborrheic dermatitis.
- Aloe vera gel: Though not an oil, aloe vera is healing for a variety of skin conditions and a great addition to your homemade cannabis salve.
Essential oils to try:
- Lavender essential oil is good for relaxation, sleep, and wound healing.
- Tea tree oil has antibacterial and antifungal properties.
- Eucalyptus oil is used to promote healing and fight inflammation.
- Peppermint oil is used topically for muscle pain, headaches, and itching.
How Does Cannabis Salve Work?
Cannabis salve works by delivering the bioavailable cannabinoids to CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin. These cannabinoid receptors are part of the peripheral endocannabinoid system.
This healing solution does not generally enter the bloodstream, except when used in high doses.
Decarboxylation and Infusion Are Essential
Part of the process of making your cannabis salve is taking the raw cannabis compounds and turning them into active THC/CBD for their therapeutic effects. This occurs in the slow-cooker step of our cannabis salve recipe. These active cannabinoids then bind to the carrier oils in the salve to permeate your skin.
The decarboxylation process (activation):
Raw cannabinoids present in plants are in their non-active forms of THCA and CBDA. To activate them or convert them into THC and CBD, they need to be heated. Heating (decarbing) inactive cannabinoids removes a carbon-oxygen-hydrogen cluster (carboxyl group), turning them into their active forms. You now have decarbed cannabis.
The infusion process (binding to oil):
Once decarboxylated, the cannabinoids are infused into your chosen oils (carrier oils), making them bioavailable for absorption when applied topically.
Benefits of Cannabis Salve
The topical application of cannabis infused oil has several potential benefits:
- Cannabinoids have antibacterial properties. This makes cannabis salve suitable for use on wounds.
- Cannabinoids prevent a buildup of dead skin cells, which is a direct cause of psoriasis.
- Topical CBD is known to reduce pain from acute lower extremity injuries. Topical CBD is also associated with reduced peripheral neuropathy or nerve pain.
- Topical THC reduces pain by interacting with CB1 receptors in the skin. The message to reduce pain reaches the brain via the peripheral nervous system.
Uses of Cannabis Salve and How to Apply It
People use cannabis salve for:
- Muscle aches
- Arthritis
- Muscle and ligament healing
- Wound healing
- Relaxation during massage
Personalize your cannabis salve with your choice of carrier oils and essential oils to target a certain condition more effectively. Think about the intended use of the salve (either for yourself or to sell commercially) and add ingredients that are known to be helpful for that condition. Personalization is a great benefit of a DIY cannabis salve.
Application:
Rub a small amount of cannabis salve on and around the affected area. Repeat as often as needed. You should begin to feel the effects within five to 20 minutes of application.
Patch Test:
Always do a patch test first. This is done by applying a small amount to one area, waiting a while, and seeing what happens. If you experience any irritation, do not continue to use the salve.
FAQ
Q: Can cannabis salve get me high?
A: Not unless used in large quantities. The cannabinoids in cannabis salve don't reach the bloodstream (or only in minute amounts), so there aren't any psychoactive effects.
Q: Can cannabis salve cause allergic reactions?
It is unlikely that cannabis salve will cause an allergic reaction, but it’s advised to patch test first, as is recommended with any new product. If you have an allergy to coconut or any particular essential oils, swap these out for alternative options.
Q: How long does cannabis salve take to work?
Effects will be felt in as little as five to 20 minutes.
Q: Could cannabis salve cause me to fail a drug test?
It is unlikely that cannabis salves will be detectable on a drug test, as they are generally not absorbed into the bloodstream. If the salve contains THC and is used frequently or in large quantities, it is possible for small amounts to be detected. Use a CBD salve recipe without THC if this is a concern.
Q: How often should I use cannabis salve?
Cannabis salves can be used as often as needed. If symptoms persist, seek advice from a medical practitioner.
Q: Can I fly with cannabis salve?
Carrying cannabis salve is considered to be the same as being in possession of cannabis. Federal law prohibits the possession of cannabis with more than 0.3% THC, regardless of what form it comes in. Please refer to the local cannabis laws for your point of origin and your destination before flying.
Enjoy the Therapeutic Effects of DIY Cannabis Salve
Cannabis salves represent a value-added product you can make for yourself and your family, or sell commercially as an additional revenue stream. If you distribute cannabis salve to dispensaries, remember that you must have it lab-tested and label the contents (and cannabinoid percentages) accurately.
The most effective salve recipe will ultimately include several ingredients that work together to provide specific benefits. Experiment with different ingredients and try the products out for yourself. You should soon find several winning formulas!