Looking for a natural, gentle way to relieve pain, calm inflammation, or give your skin some extra TLC? Below is a straightforward, effective recipe to make your own cannabis salve at home. This salve can help soothe aches, moisturize dry or itchy skin, and be customized to your preferences. If you prefer not to make your own, I also offer ready-made salves and salve sticks for purchase.
Recipe Features
- Step-by-step instructions to make a nourishing, skin-friendly infused salve.
- Multiple infusion options so you can tailor potency and effects.
- If you prefer convenience, a pre-made salve or salve stick is an easy alternative.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Topical cannabis products are growing in popularity because they can offer targeted relief without systemic effects. In my experience, a small amount of infused oil applied to dry or irritated skin produced noticeably softer, calmer skin overnight. That simple result inspired this easy salve recipe.
This homemade salve uses familiar, natural ingredients—no mysterious additives. It’s ideal for moisturizing, soothing minor irritations, or providing focused relief after exercise. Because you make it yourself, you can adjust potency, texture, and scent to suit your needs.
- Soothing skin irritation: Helpful for dryness, itchiness, and flare-ups associated with conditions like eczema or psoriasis.
- Localized pain relief: Applied topically, salves can ease sore muscles, joint stiffness, and menstrual discomfort.
- Daily skincare: Use as a protective, moisturizing barrier on hands, feet, and elbows to lock in hydration.
Cannabis Salve Recipe with THC or CBD
Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, HCP
Equipment
- Digital scale
- Measuring spoons
- Double boiler or heatproof bowl and pot
- Pipette or small pour spout
- Small amber jars or tins for storage
What You Need
- 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets
- 2 teaspoons cacao butter
- 8 teaspoons cannabis-infused oil (about 40 mL)
- 5–10 drops essential oil of choice
- 1 mL cannabis concentrate (optional) optional
Instructions
- Choose and prepare your cannabis infusion ahead of time if needed.
- Set up a double boiler: fill the bottom pot with an inch or two of water and heat gently over low heat.
- Add the beeswax pellets and cacao butter to the top bowl of the double boiler and melt completely, stirring occasionally.
- Once melted, add the cannabis-infused oil and stir until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- If using a concentrate or additional additives (vitamin E, potassium sorbate, camphor/menthol), stir them in now. Remove from heat.
- Carefully transfer the hot liquid into small glass jars or tins. A pipette can help pour without spills.
- Let the salve cool to room temperature and solidify. Seal tightly and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
Additional ingredients: Optional vitamin E oil can act as an antioxidant. Preservatives like potassium sorbate extend shelf life. For a cooling or penetrating effect, add small amounts of camphor or menthol.
Measurements: Melting waxes and butters before measuring yields a more accurate volume. I sometimes melt them in jars placed in the double boiler and then measure.
Essential oils: Choose skin-safe options such as lavender, frankincense, tea tree, eucalyptus, or peppermint depending on desired scent and effect.
Join a community for tips, support, and to share your salve-making results.
What You’ll Need
This salve blends protective wax with nourishing butters and a cannabis-infused carrier oil to produce a smooth, spreadable balm that supports skin and soothes localized discomfort.
- 2 teaspoons beeswax pellets (approx. 10 g): Provides structure and a water-resistant barrier.
- 2 teaspoons cacao butter (approx. 10 g): Adds moisturizing richness and a subtle, pleasant scent.
- 8 teaspoons cannabis-infused oil (about 40 mL): The active component; choose an infusion based on your desired cannabinoids and potency.
- 5–10 drops essential oils: Optional for fragrance and targeted benefits (e.g., lavender for calming, eucalyptus for soothing).
- Optional: Vitamin E oil or a preservative for longer shelf life.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare your infusion: Have your cannabis-infused oil ready in advance. You can infuse different carrier oils depending on desired texture and absorption.
- Set up the double boiler: Bring a small amount of water to a gentle simmer then place the top bowl or insert over it.
- Melt wax and butter: Add beeswax and cacao butter to the top and melt fully, stirring occasionally.
- Combine oils: Pour in the cannabis-infused oil and mix until smooth and even.
- Add extras off the heat: Remove from heat and stir in essential oils, vitamin E, or any concentrate you prefer.
- Pour and cool: Transfer to jars or tins, allow to cool and solidify at room temperature.
- Store: Keep sealed in a cool, dark place or refrigerate for a firmer texture and longer shelf life.
Storage Instructions
Shelf life varies with ingredient freshness. Follow these tips to maintain quality:
- Store in an airtight container away from heat and light.
- Refrigerate for a firmer salve and extended freshness.
- Use clean hands or a spatula when scooping to avoid contamination.
- Discard if you detect any off smell, discoloration, or mold.
Alternate Cannabis Infusion Options
There are several ways to infuse cannabis for use in this salve. Choose the method and carrier oil that best match the effects you want.
Homemade Cannabis Oil
A homemade infused oil allows you to control botanical additions and cannabinoid content. Use THC or CBD flower, CBG, or other extracts depending on availability and legal context. You can also make CBD, CBG, or CBN oils if you want specific cannabinoid profiles.
Common carrier oils to infuse include coconut oil, olive oil, MCT oil, avocado oil, jojoba, sweet almond, safflower, hemp seed, and grapeseed oil. Each carrier changes the texture, absorption, and shelf life of your final salve.
Store-Bought Cannabis Oil
A high-quality store-bought cannabis oil simplifies the process. These products vary in strength and cannabinoid makeup, so choose one that suits your needs.
Cannabis Concentrate
Concentrates can provide high potency in small volumes. A small syringe of concentrate can boost salve strength without adding excess carrier oil. If using concentrate, consider blending it into a floral or botanical-infused carrier oil for a balanced final product.
Benefits of Cannabis Salve
Topical cannabis preparations can offer localized, targeted relief and are an alternative to systemic medications or harsh chemicals. Applied externally, they typically do not produce psychoactive effects but can interact with skin cannabinoid receptors to provide relief.
- Help soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis
- Relieve localized pain and inflammation from conditions such as arthritis
- Soothe sore muscles and joint aches
- Provide comfort for menstrual cramps and minor injuries
What Conditions Can It Help?
Homemade cannabis salve may ease symptoms such as pain, dry skin, itchiness, and mild inflammation. While research is ongoing, many people find topical cannabis valuable as part of a broader self-care strategy.
Arthritis
Arthritis causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. Topical cannabis preparations are being explored for symptom relief and can be used to target painful areas without systemic dosing.
Skin Conditions
Conditions like psoriasis and eczema may respond to soothing topical applications. Cannabis-infused salves can complement other dermatological treatments and provide moisturizing, calming effects.
Minor Injuries
For scrapes, insect bites, and minor burns, salves may reduce itching and discomfort while helping to protect the skin as it heals.
Notes and Expert Tips
- If you’re new to salve-making, practice with a non-cannabis oil first to get comfortable with the technique.
- Place jars on a baking sheet before pouring to make moving them easier and avoid spills.
- Sanitize equipment and jars thoroughly to reduce the chance of contamination and spoilage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. If making your own salve isn’t appealing, pre-made salves are available that combine botanicals, essential oils, and infused extracts for convenience.
No. Topical salves applied externally generally do not produce psychoactive effects because they are not absorbed into the bloodstream in amounts that cause intoxication.
Replace the infusion with a CBD-dominant oil or CBD concentrate and follow the same melting and mixing steps. Adjust potency according to the strength of your CBD source.
Yes. Applying the salve under medical tape or a patch can increase contact time with the skin and prolong effects, which some users find helpful for longer-lasting relief.
Conclusion
Making your own cannabis salve is both practical and empowering. It allows you to control ingredients, potency, and scent to create a personalized topical remedy. Whether you use it for sore muscles, persistent dryness, or minor aches, a homemade salve can become a reliable part of your self-care toolkit.
If you try the recipe, experiment with carrier oils, essential oils, and infusion strength to find the combination that works best for you. Share your results to help others discover natural, effective topical options.