Homemade Cannabis or Pot Salve: A Step-by-Step Guide
This cannabis-infused salve is an all-natural remedy designed to soothe aching muscles and joints. Made with cannabis, it offers effective relief without any intoxicating effects, making it safe for daily use on all skin types. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis make it particularly beneficial to help reduce swelling, ease aches, help with localized discomfort, and calming skin irritations.
Before infusing cannabis (pot, weed) you will need to decarb it.
What is Decarboxylation?
Decarboxylation is a fancy term for heating cannabis to "activate" its compounds so they work effectively in things like edibles or salves. Raw cannabis has THC and CBD in a form that doesn’t do much until it's heated. Decarboxylation converts these inactive compounds into their active forms, which are the ones that give cannabis its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and other benefits.
Here’s a simple way to think of it:
- Raw cannabis = inactive
- Heated cannabis = active
When you decarboxylate, you’re essentially “unlocking” the useful compounds by applying heat. You do this by baking the cannabis in the oven at a low temperature (around 220°F) for about 30 minutes. After that, it’s ready to be used in salves, oils, or other cannabis product.
Decarboxylation: How to Decarb Cannabis
To prepare your cannabis for infusion, you'll need good quality bud. Here’s how to decarb it:
Prepare the Cannabis
Trim or shake your quality cannabis. Break into small pieces then place the desired amount on a cookie sheet lined with aluminum foil (aim for enough to yield at least 1 cup of infused oil).
Note: You can use parchment paper but I prefer the aluminum foil.
Decarb in the Oven
Preheat the oven to 220°F (104°C).
- Once heated, place the cookie sheet (with bud) in the oven for about 30 minutes.
- About half way through the cooking time, take the cookie sheet out of the oven and move the cannabis around so all is heated evenly - close the door to prevent heat from escaping.
- Check on the buds occasionally to ensure they don’t turn dark brown; they should reach a medium brown color.
- When finished remove and let cool.
Note: Be prepared for the smell; it’s noticeable but dissipates quickly (you can open windows to help with the smell). If you prefer not to have the odor in your home, consider using a decarboxylator.
Infusing the Decarboxylated Cannabis
When infusing your cannabis - make sure the jar has no more than 1 inch of space between the oil and the top.
Steps to Infuse Cannabis
Combine Ingredients
- Place the decarbed cannabis in a glass jar.
- Add a high-quality oil (avocado oil or coconut oil) to cover the plant material by about 1 inch.
- Seal the jar with an airtight lid.
Infusion Process
- Store the jar in a warm place (like a closet or pantry).
- Every couple of days, gently swish the jar to mix the contents.
- Once a week, open the jar and lightly mash the plant material. Wipe any excess oil from the jar's edges before resealing.
- Allow the mixture to infuse for 4 to 6 weeks.
Optional: You can add other herbs (like calendula or arnica) to enhance your infusion.
Straining Your Infused Cannabis Oil
After your infusion period, it’s time to strain the oil:
- Use a doubled-up cheesecloth and strain into a bowl.
- When no more liquid strains through the cheesecloth, wrap the plant material and squeeze the liquid into a bowl.
- If necessary, strain the oil a second time for clarity.
Making Cannabis Salve: Recipe
Here are some butters and oils you can use in your salve. You can do further research to find the best options for your needs:
- Avocado Butter: Moisturizing, softens skin, antioxidant, healing.
- Shea Butter: Light nutty scent, hydrating, conditions damaged skin.
- Kokum Butter: Antioxidant and antibacterial, restores skin flexibility.
- Coconut Oil: Moisturizing, softens skin, slightly oily until absorbed.
- Apricot Kernel Oil: Nourishing for dry skin, good for sensitive skin.
- Emu Oil: Anti-inflammatory, helps relieve pain.
- Vitamin E Oil: Antioxidant, helps dry skin.
- Arnica Herbal Oil: Anti-inflammatory, reduces pain.
- St. John's Wort Herbal Oil: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ingredients for Cannabis Salve
- 1 cup infused cannabis oil (you can mix cannabis oil with other oils if desired)
- 2 - 3 tablespoons beeswax pastilles (see Note 1 below)
- 1/4 cup butter of your choice (from the list above)
- 12-18 drops clove essential oil
- Glass containers (1 or 2 ounces)
Instructions for Making Cannabis Salve
Melt the Ingredients
- In a heat safe bowl, combine the infused oil, beeswax, and butter. (see note 1 below)
- Set the bowl in a large skilled filled about half with water (like a double boiler) and heat slowly over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until melted.
Prepare Containers
- Lay an old towel down to protect your working surface and place the glass containers on it.
Finish the Salve
- Once melted, turn off the heat and carefully remove the bowl. Avoid spills, as the mixture is hot!
- Allow it to cool a bit (but not enough it starts to harden), then add the essential oils and stir well.
- Pour the mixture into the containers and let it cool until semi-hardened - about 2 to 3 hours.
Notes on Making the Salve
- Always start with the least amount of beeswax; you can add more later to adjust consistency. I start with a small amount of beeswax, then test when melted, by cooling a bit on wax paper to see how it firms up.
- If using glass containers, let the oil cool enough to prevent cracking.
How to Use Cannabis Salve
Apply a small amount of cannabis salve directly onto and around the affected area, massaging it gently into the skin. Reapply as often as necessary, depending on the severity of the discomfort. You may begin to feel relief within 5 to 20 minutes, though individual results may vary based on the specific condition.
