Cannabis topicals — salves, balms, lotions, and oils applied directly to the skin — are one of the most underrated ways to use cannabis. They provide localized relief without any psychoactive effects, making them perfect for people who want the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids without getting high. Best of all, they are surprisingly easy to make at home.
Key takeaway
Cannabis topicals deliver targeted pain and inflammation relief through the skin without any psychoactive high. With just a few simple ingredients — cannabis flower, coconut oil, and beeswax — you can make your own salves, balms, and lotions at home in about 5 hours.
What you will need
What you will need
- 7–10 grams of cannabis flower (or trim/shake)
- 1 cup of coconut oil (or olive oil)
- 1/3 cup of beeswax pellets
- Optional: a few drops of essential oils (lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus)
- Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
- Double boiler or slow cooker
- Small jars or tins for storage
Step 1: Decarboxylate your cannabis
Decarboxylate your cannabis
Before infusing, you need to activate the cannabinoids in your flower. Spread your ground cannabis evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 240°F (115°C) for 30–40 minutes. The flower should turn from green to a light golden brown. This converts THCA and CBDA into their active forms, THC and CBD.
Step 2: Infuse the oil
Infuse the oil
Combine the decarboxylated cannabis and coconut oil in a double boiler or slow cooker. Heat on low (around 160–180°F / 70–80°C) for 2 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. Do not let the mixture boil — low and slow is the key to preserving cannabinoids and terpenes. The longer you infuse, the more compounds are extracted.
Step 3: Strain the plant material
Strain the plant material
Once the infusion is done, strain the oil through cheesecloth or a fine mesh strainer into a clean container. Squeeze out as much oil as you can from the plant material. Discard the leftover flower — all the good stuff is now in your oil.
Step 4: Add beeswax and set the salve
Add beeswax and set the salve
Return the strained cannabis oil to the double boiler over low heat. Add the beeswax pellets and stir until fully melted and combined. The beeswax gives the topical a firm, balm-like consistency. For a softer lotion, use less beeswax; for a harder salve, use more.
If desired, add a few drops of essential oils at this stage for scent and additional therapeutic benefits — lavender for relaxation, peppermint for a cooling sensation, or eucalyptus for muscle relief.
Step 5: Pour and cool
Pour and cool
Pour the mixture into small jars or tins while still warm and liquid. Let them cool at room temperature until solidified. Your cannabis topical is now ready to use. Store in a cool, dark place — it will keep for several months.
Tips for the best results
Pro tips
- Use high-CBD strains if your primary goal is pain or inflammation relief. CBD is particularly effective in topical applications.
- Coconut oil is ideal because it is easily absorbed by the skin and has natural antibacterial properties.
- Test a small patch of skin first to make sure you do not have a reaction to any ingredient.
- Topicals will not get you high. Cannabinoids applied to the skin do not reach the bloodstream in significant amounts — they interact with local cannabinoid receptors in the skin and muscle tissue.