Homemade Cannabis Lotion: Recipes and Tips
Creating your own cannabis lotion offers a natural way to ease various ailments. Cannabis has been used for over ten thousand years by ancient cultures, such as those in China, India, and Egypt. Currently, 37 out of 50 states in the US have legalised recreational cannabis.
This article will show you the great benefits of homemade cannabis lotion. You’ll learn how to make a lotion that promotes wellness and self-care. With over 111 cannabinoids identified, not just THC and CBD, your homemade lotion can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and nourish your skin.
The Benefits of Homemade Cannabis Lotion
Homemade cannabis lotion offers lots of benefits, especially for those who prefer natural treatments. It uses the power of THC and CBD, which have healing effects. These lotions are great for people with chronic pain or inflammation.
Relief from Pain and Inflammation
Cannabis lotion can really ease pain thanks to its anti-inflammatory bits. Research shows THC in lotions can lessen pain from arthritis and muscle issues. These lotions work on the body’s outer receptors and don’t make you high. So, users feel relief without the usual high that comes from other cannabis forms.
Moisturising Properties for Skin Care
Cannabis lotions also hydrate the skin well. They often contain coconut and olive oils, which moisturise the skin deeply. These ingredients and cannabis work together to fix dry, itchy skin. This way, your skin stays healthy and calm.
If you’re keen to add cannabis to your skincare, making lotion at home is a great idea. A step-by-step guide can help anyone start making their own cannabis-infused skincare. To get started and make your own lotion, check out this link.
What Ingredients are Needed for Cannabis Lotion?
To make your own cannabis lotion, you need a few key ingredients. These include a carrier oil, beeswax to keep it thick, and cannabis. It’s important to pick the right type of cannabis. You can choose from non-psychoactive raw cannabis or decarboxylated cannabis that’s psychoactive. Each affects the lotion differently.
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Cannabis Strains: Raw vs Decarboxylated
Knowing the difference between raw and decarboxylated cannabis helps make your lotion more effective. Raw cannabis suits those who don’t want to feel high. Meanwhile, decarboxylated cannabis offers more health benefits. This process makes the cannabinoids ready to use by your body, enhancing the lotion’s effects.
Essential Oils and Other Additives
Adding essential oils to cannabis lotion improves its smell and health benefits. Popular oils include lavender, tea tree, and peppermint. To make the lotion richer, you can add shea butter or vitamin E oil. These give extra hydration and antioxidants. For making lotion, mix ½ cup of coconut oil, ½ cup of shea butter, and ⅓ cup of aloe vera gel. This blend helps with skin conditions, sore joints, and more.
If you like experimenting, try different oils and waxes, like beeswax or soy wax. This lets you change the lotion’s texture and stability. Making cannabis lotion yourself is fun and cheaper than buying it. You can make many jars at home for less money. For tips on making your cannabis products, check out this article.
How to Make Cannabis Lotion
Making your own cannabis lotion is fun and rewarding. You begin with decarboxylation, which boosts the cannabis’s healing effects. Then, you infuse oils to increase strength, ending with a mix that can calm and hydrate your skin.
Decarboxylating Your Cannabis
To unlock the helpful elements in cannabis, start by decarboxylating. First, grind the cannabis and lay it out on a baking tray. Bake at 240°F for about 45 minutes. This changes THCA into THC, making its therapeutic effects stronger without making the lotion psychoactive.
Infusing Oils with Cannabis
After decarboxylation, you’ll infuse oils. Choose oils like coconut, sweet almond, or apricot kernel oil. Mix the treated cannabis with the oil over a double boiler, with a temperature of 160-200ºF. Let it simmer for two hours, stirring now and then. This helps mix everything well.
Combining Ingredients and Finalising the Lotion
With your cannabis-oil ready, it’s time to mix your ingredients. In a bowl, mix ½ cup of cocoa or shea butter with ½ cup of your cannabis-infused oil. Add ⅓ cup of aloe vera gel for moisture. If you like, 2 tablespoons of vegetable glycerine can make it smoother. Mix it all well with a hand mixer or blender. Then, pour your lotion into containers and let it settle.
Variations and Customisations for Your Lotion
To create the perfect cannabis lotion, try different cannabis lotion variations. Choose the right oils and add personal touches. This way, you can make a custom cannabis lotion suited to your own skin needs and likes.
Using Different Carrier Oils
Carrier oils are key for your lotion’s texture and benefits. Beyond coconut and olive oil, there are many carrier oil options. Let’s consider alternatives:
- Sweet Almond Oil: Great for hydration and gentle on sensitive skin.
- Jojoba Oil: Acts like the skin’s own oils, good for all skin types.
- Grapeseed Oil: Its light feel is perfect for avoiding greasiness.
These choices change the lotion’s feel and boost its benefits for different skin issues.
Adding Natural Scents or Healing Ingredients
Adding natural scents or healing components makes your lotion smell and work better. Use essential oils to make your custom cannabis lotion special. Here are popular picks:
- Vitamin E Oil: A skin-boosting antioxidant.
- Arnica Oil: Helps with inflammation and sore muscles.
- Tea Tree Oil: Good for fighting acne.
Try different mixes of these elements to find the best combination for you. This makes your lotion unique.
| Carrier Oil | Benefits | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Sweet Almond Oil | Moisturising, suitable for sensitive skin | Rich |
| Jojoba Oil | Mimics natural oils, balances skin | Lightweight |
| Grapeseed Oil | Non-greasy, easily absorbed | Fluid |
With these variations and customisations, you can endlessly create a lotion that’s truly yours.
How to Store Your Cannabis Lotion Properly
Proper storage keeps your homemade cannabis lotion fresh and effective. It’s essential to know the best ways to store it. By doing so, you ensure it stays good for longer, keeping its healing powers strong.
Best Practices for Longevity
Here are some tips for storing your lotion:
- Store it in a cool, dark spot to keep the active stuff in it from breaking down.
- Use airtight jars to keep air out. This keeps the quality from going down.
- Keeping it in the fridge makes it last longer. But, it might feel cold when you use it.
- Write down when you made it on the jar. This helps you know it’s fresh.
- Check it now and then for any changes in how it looks or smells. This could mean it’s going bad.
Labeling and Safety Considerations
Labelling your cannabis lotion is key for safety. Here are some tips to keep it safe and effective:
- Always write the buy and make dates on your containers. This helps you keep track of what’s old and what’s new.
- Keep in mind the expiry date is usually a year. This ensures it works well.
- Glass jars are great for keeping longer because they stop chemical reactions and block light.
- Vacuum sealing cuts down air contact, stopping the lotion from getting worse.
- Make sure to use the oldest ones first to avoid throwing them away.
With these storage methods, your cannabis lotion will last longer. You’ll get the most out of your homemade lotion.
| Storage Method | Benefit | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Cool, Dark Place | Prevents degradation of active ingredients | Avoid heat sources and direct sunlight |
| Refrigeration | Extends shelf life | Potential discomfort upon application |
| Airtight Containers | Minimises air exposure | Ensure seals are tight to avoid leaks |
| Vacuum Sealing | Reduces oxidation | Requires proper sealing equipment |
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Making your own cannabis lotion is an adventure. But, you might hit some bumps on the road. Solving these problems quickly is key to a great lotion. One common issue is the texture—your lotion might be too thick or too thin. If it’s too thick, adding more carrier oil can make it smoother. On the other hand, if it’s too thin, more beeswax will thicken it up.
Texture Problems: Too Thick or Too Runny
If your lotion feels too greasy or waxy, changing the mix can help. Try reducing liquid ingredients to around 74%. Or, add a bit more apricot kernel oil and shea butter, about 1% more of each. Using tapioca starch is another trick. It helps get the right consistency while keeping the lotion beneficial.
Insufficient Cannabinoid Potency
Low cannabinoid strength is another issue. This often comes from not heating it right or missing the decarboxylation step. Getting the temperatures exact is crucial to avoid the mix separating. Keeping detailed notes on what works (and what doesn’t) will make your next batch better. Want to get better at making cannabis lotion? Check out more tips and advice here.
