Cannabis Lotion Recipe Guide

Cannabis is now regarded as one of the most therapeutic plants. It’s cannabinoids THC and CBD are among the most studied compounds as well. We all know that cannabis is effective for pain and aside from smoking, vaping, and orally consuming cannabis, it can also be applied to the skin.  

Here is a cannabis lotion recipe to make your cannabis lotion at home. Cannabis lotion is similar to creams and salves as it has therapeutic content that can soothe irritation and inflammation and deal with pain.

Why use cannabis lotion?

The skin is the largest organ of the body and it has a very important job to do. It shields the body from imminent threats. The skin can protect us from dangerous pathogens which can cause diseases. It can sense temperature changes, signal the body to control temperatures, and many more. 

And with all these amazing uses, it’s fitting to treat your skin to something as luxurious as a cannabis lotion. Yes, you can make your cannabis lotion at home, and all you need simple, everyday ingredients and of course, good-quality weed.

Cannabis has very strong antioxidant, moisturizing, and soothing qualities making it one of the best components to make skincare products.

Cannabis lotion as an anti-aging product

The skin naturally ages and there are two types of aging: intrinsic aging and extrinsic aging. With intrinsic aging, skin ages very naturally as we become older. The skin loses its tightness and develops a soft and loose texture as collagen fibers are lost due to aging. 

Meanwhile, extrinsic aging is aging that’s influenced by the environment where the person lives and works. Factors like pollution, radiation, improper skincare and beauty treatments, and weather/climate all influence skin aging. When these factors are overlooked, a person can develop skin damage and other skin conditions like redness, sunspots, acne, and signs of aging.

Cannabis lotions and creams help relieve the effects of extrinsic aging. CBD in cannabis, the therapeutic component of weed, has antioxidant properties which can help boost skin health and functions. Antioxidants fight harmful free-radicals which can cause aging and thus, using cannabis on the skin is a good way to deal with extrinsic aging.

Cannabis lotion to help deal with inflammation

Cannabis lotions are effective in the relief of inflammation. CBD in weed can ease inflammation especially in people who suffer from allergic dermatitis. Cannabis compounds can reduce inflammation and any swelling caused by allergies. CBD can be used in different inflammatory conditions as this can provide comfort and it also calms your immune system.              

CBD lotion for treatment of pain

Marijuana has natural analgesic components and thus it may be consumed orally and topically. When you apply this on the skin, CBD lotions can reduce pain in the area. Topical CBD will only stay in the region of the skin and will never penetrate to reach the bloodstream.

CBD oil works on the skin’s surface allowing it to heal unique conditions like arthritis pain on joints. CBD can work with joints like the elbows, wrists, and knees.

Making CBD lotion at home

The CBD lotion that we will make has a thick, whipped cream consistency, and thus it’s perfect for damaged and dry skin. CBD lotions like this must have ultra-moisturizing properties as it uses unique ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and olive oil.

Take note that almost all skincare products made from cannabis come with the same pattern when it comes to its recipe. As long as you have all the materials and ingredients ready, and follow the steps thoroughly you can make cannabis lotion in no time.  

Ingredients you need

• 2 teaspoons of concentrated CBD oil or a tincture
• Half cup of shea butter or cocoa butter
• Half cup of coconut oil
• A third of aloe vera  gel
• Vegetable glycerine
• A few drops of essential oils
• Vitamin E (optional)
• Beeswax beads (optional)

Materials you need

• Double broiler or small pots with cover
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• A wire whisk or a blender
• Glass containers for the finished product

Instructions

1. Prepare all the ingredients needed 

Measure all the ingredients and place each one in a small bowl. Work in a safe working area with good airflow.

2. Ready your double broiler

Double broilers are handy in making lotions and creams. To prepare your broiler, fill the bottom part of the broiler with two inches of water. Let this water warm min low to moderate heat. 

If you don’t have a double boiler, you may use a pot of warm water and a glass bowl on top.

3. Place the coconut oil and shea butter on the top section of the broiler

Once the water is warm enough, place the shea butter and the coconut oil in the upper part of the broiler. You can replace shea butter with beeswax.

4. Use a spatula to mix the two oils

It would be difficult to mix two oils so use a spatula to gently combine the two. Mix the two oils completely until you don’t find any lumps. Stir the oils constantly and maintain a low temperature on the broiler. Stirring also prevents burning so do this more frequently.

5. Transfer to a glass bowl

Once the two oils are melted, power off the broiler and remove the oils in a heat-safe bowl. 

6. Allow cooling for an hour

Place the mixing bowl on the counter and let this cool for about an hour. You will notice that the oil is getting hard especially along the edges. Stop this from happening by scraping down the sides using a spatula. 

7. Add the aloe vera gel, essential oils, and CBD oil 

After a full hour, the coconut oil and shea butter mix is already cool. This is the best time to add the aloe gel, essential oils, and vegetable glycerine. It’s also time to add the concentrated CBD oil to the mix. 

Take note that the reason why the mixture should be cool enough is we don’t want to damage the cannabinoids like THC and CBD that are present in the oil.

8. Mix with a hand mixer

With the hand mixer or a blender, mix everything until you get a finished product with emulsion properties like whipped cream.

9. Transfer the mixture to small containers

When the mixture is cool, transfer to individual containers. Label and seal or cover them. The container must be clean with a dark side and top 

Your homemade cannabis can last up to two weeks even if you don’t refrigerate it. But if you want to extend the life of your homemade lotion, add a few drops of vitamin E. Lotion may be refrigerated so it can extend for a month or more. When you want to use the lotion, let it warm up to room temperature.

Adjusting your homemade cannabis lotion

Your end product may not look as good as you want your lotion to be. Sometimes, the lotion would crack and fold while some find their lotions too thick or sometimes too thin. 

If you find that the lotion is too gritty or too powdery, mix or whip the lotion longer. Add more glycerine about a tsp at a time until you get the right consistency. If you think that the oil is too thick, add more gel a tsp at a time. Whip the mixture until you get the right consistency. 

If the mixture is too watery or too thin take a small amount of shea butter and coconut oil, melt in your broiler or pot and add this to the mixture a tsp at a time. 

And if you think that the lotion is not as potent, add more CBD oil and continue whipping or blending  

Dosage of cannabis lotion

If you’re going to use the cannabis lotion to treat pain and inflammation, you will surely be looking for a potent product. And to get a potent product, you must estimate how much CBD is in the lotion. This is why it’s best to start using a concentrated CBD oil product or a tincture. A very concentrated solution can help you add more CBD without changing the consistency of the lotion. The dosage of the CBD lotion will be according to the concentration of the CBD oil that you used. 

Important tips

Remember the following when making cannabis lotion:

• Understand the  therapeutic qualities of the weed you’re using

Different cannabis strains contain different amounts of CBD and THC, these may affect the way a strain can provide medical relief.

So as much as possible, use only good quality weed with high CBD or THC that will work for your particular medical needs. Use one type of strain only and never mix strains to avoid affecting their medicinal or recreational effects. 

• Keep the heat consistent and low to avoid degrading the THC content

Heat while mixing oils must be kept to a very low setting. Remember, THC can be damaged due to high heat.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• Keep your homemade cannabis lotion in a dry and dark environment

The refrigerator is the best place to hide your cannabis lotion. Keep the lids tight and place these in the darkest and coldest part of your fridge. 

• Use dry and clean hands when opening the jar of lotion

Avoid mold growth inside cannabis lotion jars by using clean hands to take some lotion. You may also use a spoon to completely avoid mold and dirt. 

• Use organic ingredients

Choose only organic ingredients. Your cannabis lotion will only be as potent if you use safe and good quality ingredients. 

• Strong weed smell? 

Sometimes a very strong weed smell is noticeable when you use the cannabis lotion. Although many agree that this is not as bad as it seems, many still want to remove the smell. It can be done by using essential oils. Oils like tea tree oil, peppermint, or rosemary are perfect in masking the smell of weed. 

• Consult your doctor

As much as cannabis lotions are effective for aches and pains, you must still consult a doctor for your condition. A treatment that has worked for some may not be completely good for others. Your doctor can help you relieve your condition with the right cannabis strain or cannabis product. 

Now that you know our cannabis lotion recipe, it’s time to put these to practice. Make your lotion today and get the best effects on your skin. This may be the best kind of pampering your skin needs.