Contents
A cannabis topical is a cream , lotion, or salve that’s been infused with cannabinoids. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make your own topical using three different methods.
Checkout this video:
What is a topical?
A topical is a product that you can apply directly to your skin to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. Topicals can come in the form of creams, balms, salves, patches, sprays, and more. They are usually infused with either THC or CBD, or both.
When you apply a topical to your skin, the cannabinoid-rich ingredients can interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system. This system regulates many different functions in your body, including pain perception, inflammation, and mood. By applying cannabinoids directly to the skin, you can enjoy localized relief from pain and inflammation.
Topicals are a great option for people who want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without experiencing any psychoactive effects. They are also discreet and easy to use. You can apply a topical anytime, anywhere without drawing attention to yourself.
The benefits of using topicals
Topicals are one of the most popular ways to use cannabis, especially for those who are new to using the plant. Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, lotions, balms, and oils that are applied directly to the skin. They offer many of the same benefits as other forms of cannabis but without the psychoactive effects. This makes them an ideal choice for those who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the high.
Topicals can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions including pain, inflammation, arthritis, chronic pain, muscle spasms, and more. They can also be used for general relaxation or stress relief.
One of the main benefits of using topicals is that they offer localized relief. This means that you can apply them directly to the area where you are experiencing pain or discomfort. This makes them an ideal choice for treating conditions like arthritis or muscle pain.
Another benefit of using topicals is that they are non-psychoactive. This means that you will not experience any of the psychoactive effects associated with smoking or consuming cannabis. This makes them a safe and effective option for those who want to avoid these effects.
If you are interested in trying out a topical, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure to purchase a product that is designed for topical use. You should also check the label to ensure that it does not contain any psychoactive ingredients such as THC. Finally, always test a small area of your skin before applying it more liberally to make sure that you do not have any adverse reactions.
The difference between THC and CBD
The main difference between THC and CBD is that THC gets you high and CBD does not. However, both THC and CBD have medicinal properties. They are both cannabinoids, compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in the body.
THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. It is responsible for the “high” that people feel when they smoke or ingest marijuana. THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, which causes the psychoactive effects.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis. It does not produce the “high” that people feel when they smoke or ingest marijuana. CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, but it has a different effect on these receptors than THC.
CBD can be used to treat a wide variety of medical conditions, including: anxiety, pain,inflammation, seizure disorders, and many more.
How to make a cannabis topical
cannabis topicals are a great way to get relief from pain and inflammation. They are also great for skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. making your own cannabis topical is easy and can be done with just a few ingredients.
Choose your carrier oil
Cannabis topicals are a great way to soothe local pain and inflammation. They can also be used for other skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. You can make your own cannabis topical at home using just a few ingredients.
The first step is to choose your carrier oil. A carrier oil is a non-volatile oil that is used to dilute and carry the active ingredients in a topical formulation. The most common carrier oils used in cannabis topicals are coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil. You can also use other oils like avocado or almond oil.
Once you have chosen your carrier oil, you will need to infuse it with cannabinoids. This can be done by using either whole plant cannabis or CBD isolate. If you are using whole plant cannabis, you will need to decarboxylate it first by heating it in an oven at 240 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes. This process will activate the THC in the plant material and make it more bioavailable when applied topically.
Once your carrier oil is infused with cannabinoids, you can add other ingredients like essential oils or beeswax to create a variety of different topical formulations.
Decide on the ratio of THC to CBD
When making your own cannabis topical, it’s important to consider the ratio of THC to CBD. Depending on your needs, you may want a higher concentration of one over the other. For example, if you’re using it for pain relief, you may want a higher THC concentration. However, if you’re using it for inflammation, a higher CBD concentration may be more beneficial.
Assuming you have a cannabis strain that contains 18% THC and 2% CBD, here are some examples of different ratios you could use:
-1:1 (9% THC, 9% CBD)
-2:1 (14% THC, 7% CBD)
-3:1 (16% THC, 5% CBD)
-4:1 (18% THC, 4% CBD)
Of course, these are just examples – you can adjust the ratios to suit your own needs and preferences.
Infuse your chosen oil with cannabis
Ingredients:
-1/4 cup of dried cannabis
-1/2 cup of chosen oil (coconut, olive, etc.)
-Double boiler or slow cooker
-Fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth
-Mason jar or storage container
Instructions:
1. Decarboxylate your cannabis. Preheat your oven to 245 degrees Fahrenheit and spread your cannabis on a baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes, stirring a few times throughout. This process with slightly brown your herb and activate the THC.
2. Add your oil and cannabis to the double boiler or slow cooker, setting it to low heat. We suggest using a 1:1 ratio of cannabis to oil, but feel free to use more or less depending on your desired potency.
3. Let the mixture infuse for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Use a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to strain the mixture into a Mason jar or other storage container, making sure to press down on the plant matter to extract all of the oil. trash anything that’s left in the strainer.
5. Your topical is now ready to use! Store it in a cool, dark place and apply it as needed for relief from pain, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
Add essential oils for scent and additional benefits
After the desired cannabinoid content is achieved, add essential oils for scent and additional benefits.
For a 2 oz final product, we’ll add .5 oz of essential oil.
Add your essential oil to the mixture and stir well. Once the desired scent is achieved, remove from heat and let cool completely. Pour into a clean, dry container and store in a cool, dark place until ready for use.
How to use a cannabis topical
A cannabis topical is a lotion, cream, or oil that’s been infused with cannabis. Cannabis topicals are said to offer relief from pain, inflammation, and even acne. If you want to try one, you can purchase them online or make your own. Keep reading to learn how to use a cannabis topical.
Clean the area you wish to treat
Clean the area you wish to treat with a mild soap and water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. If you are treating skin, you may want to shave the area before applying the topical, especially if the hair is long. This will help ensure even coverage of the topical.
Apply the topical to the affected area
To use a cannabis topical, start by applying the product to a small area of your skin to make sure you don’t have an allergic reaction. Then, massage the topical into your skin until it’s absorbed. You can apply the topical as often as you need to for relief. Just be sure to wash your hands after each application so you don’t accidentally get the product in your eyes or mouth.
Repeat as necessary
When it comes to using a cannabis topical, the most important thing to remember is that less is more. Start with a small amount of product and increase as needed until you find the desired effect. As with any medication, it’s always best to start slow and increase as needed.
Cannabis topicals can be applied directly to the skin or added to lotions, oils, and other products. They can be used for a wide variety of purposes, including pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and skin conditions like acne and psoriasis.
To use a cannabis topical, start by applying a small amount of product to the affected area. Gently massage the product into the skin until it’s completely absorbed. Repeat as necessary until you find the desired effect.
