How to Make Your Own Cannabis-Infused Salve at Home

Cannabis-infused topicals offer localized relief without psychoactive effects, making them popular for those seeking natural alternatives for pain management. Learning how to make cannabis salve at home allows you to customize potency, ingredients, and scent profiles while saving money compared to commercial products.

Benefits of Homemade Cannabis Salves

Cannabis salves work by binding to CB2 receptors in the skin, potentially offering relief for various conditions without entering the bloodstream. DIY cannabis salves provide several advantages:

• Complete control over ingredients and potency
• Cost-effectiveness compared to retail options
• Ability to customize scents and therapeutic properties
• Knowledge of exactly what's in your product
• Opportunity to use homegrown cannabis or CBD flower

Whether you're learning how to make CBD salve for pain relief or how to make THC salve for more targeted effects, the basic process remains similar with adjustments to the cannabis strain used.

Essential Ingredients and Equipment

Before beginning your cannabis salve project, gather these materials:

Basic Ingredients:

• 7-10 grams of ground cannabis flower (CBD-dominant or THC-dominant)
• 1 cup of carrier oil (coconut, olive, or sweet almond oil)
• 1-2 ounces of beeswax or plant-based wax alternative
• Optional: 1-2 tablespoons of shea butter or cocoa butter
• Optional: 10-20 drops of essential oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus)
• Optional: 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (as a preservative)

Equipment Needed:

• Baking sheet and parchment paper (for decarboxylation)
• Double-boiler or slow cooker
• Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
• Glass measuring cup
• Mixing bowls and utensils
• Storage containers (small glass jars work well)
• Digital scale (for precise measurements)
• Thermometer (optional but helpful)

For storing your finished product, consider using high-quality mylar storage bags which can help preserve freshness and potency while providing proper light protection for your homemade salve.

Decarboxylation Process

Learning how to make salve with cannabis begins with proper decarboxylation. This critical step activates the cannabinoids:

1. Preheat your oven to 240 °F (115 °C)
2. Break up cannabis flower into small pieces (not too fine)
3. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet
4. Bake for 30-40 minutes for THC-rich strains or 45-60 minutes for CBD-rich strains
5. The cannabis should turn light to medium brown and feel dry to touch

For more detailed guidance on processing cannabis, you can reference our ultimate guide to drying and curing cannabis, which covers best practices for preparing plant material.

Creating Cannabis-Infused Oil

The next step in how to make pot salve is infusing your carrier oil:

Stovetop Method:

1. Add decarboxylated cannabis and carrier oil to the top of a double boiler
2. Heat on low (160-180 °F) for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally
3. Watch carefully to maintain temperature and prevent scorching
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly

Slow Cooker Method:

1. Combine decarboxylated cannabis and carrier oil in a slow cooker
2. Set to low and infuse for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally
3. Keep lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape

After infusion, strain the mixture through cheesecloth into a glass container, squeezing gently to extract all oil. For a more detailed process, check our guide on how to make cannabis-infused oil at home.

Mixing and Preparing Your Salve

With your cannabis-infused oil prepared, you're ready to create your salve:

1. Measure 1 cup of cannabis-infused oil into a clean double boiler
2. Add 1-2 ounces of beeswax (more wax creates a firmer salve)
3. Heat gently until wax completely melts
4. Remove from heat and add optional ingredients (shea butter, essential oils, vitamin E)
5. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients
6. Quickly pour into storage containers before the mixture solidifies
7. Allow to cool completely before sealing containers

For those interested in making other cannabis products, our comprehensive guide to cannabis-infused products offers additional recipes and techniques.

Storage and Application Recommendations

Proper storage extends the shelf life of your homemade cannabis salve:

• Store in airtight glass containers in a cool, dark place
• Label with date of production and approximate potency
• Most salves remain potent for 6-12 months when properly stored
• Watch for signs of rancidity in the carrier oil, which indicates spoilage

For application, apply a small amount to clean, dry skin and massage gently until absorbed. Start with a small amount to test sensitivity before applying more liberally.

Potency Testing and Dosage Considerations

When learning how to make THC salve or CBD salve, understanding potency is important:

• Home potency testing kits are available but vary in accuracy
• Start with lower concentrations and adjust in future batches
• Keep notes on ratios used and perceived effectiveness
• Remember that topicals rarely produce psychoactive effects
• For medicinal purposes, consider consulting with a cannabis-knowledgeable healthcare provider

The beauty of making your own cannabis salve is the ability to experiment with different strains, carrier oils, and complementary ingredients to find what works best for your specific needs. For more DIY cannabis projects, explore our guide to making cannabis-infused topicals.