cannabis salve recipe

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Cannabis Salve Recipe — 5 Steps to a THC Topical

October 3, 2021

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Herbistry420 – Empowering Minds with Knowledge About Cannabis > Edibles > Cannabis Salve Recipe — 5 Steps to a THC Topical

cannabis salve recipe

This cannabis salve recipe from Herbistry420 produces a rich, soothing cannabis topical salve using infused coconut oil, infused MCT oil, beeswax, eucalyptus essential oil, and vitamin E. It sets in 10 to 15 minutes at room temperature and keeps for up to a year. Use it for sore muscles, inflamed joints, eczema, or dry skin — anywhere you want targeted topical relief.

What Is a Cannabis Topical Salve?

A cannabis topical salve is a solid or semi-solid preparation that you apply directly to the skin. Unlike edibles, a cannabis topical salve does not typically produce psychoactive effects — THC and CBD do not reach the bloodstream in meaningful quantities through regular skin. The cannabinoids instead interact with receptors in the skin and underlying tissue, offering localized relief. This cannabis salve recipe uses both THC-infused coconut oil and infused MCT oil, so it qualifies as a THC topical, but you can substitute CBD-infused oil if you prefer a non-psychoactive version.

DIY Cannabis Salve Ingredients

Here are the full DIY cannabis salve ingredients for Fordee’s batch. Quantities can be scaled up or down while maintaining the 4–5:1 oil-to-beeswax ratio.

136g cannabis infused coconut oil
40g cannabis infused MCT oil (or uninfused MCT oil — MCT is odorless and texture-neutral)
~43g beeswax pellets (roughly 4–5:1 ratio of total oil to beeswax)
7 drops eucalyptus essential oil (optional but recommended for scent and mild pain relief)
1 tsp vitamin E oil (for skin hydration)

Equipment

Double boiler (pot within a pot of simmering water)
Silicone spatula or spoon
Ladle or canning funnel for pouring
Small jars or tins for storage (dark or opaque containers preferred)
Thermometer (optional but helpful)

Cannabis Salve Recipe — 5 Steps

Step 1: Set Up Your Double Boiler

Fill the lower pot with a few inches of water and bring to a gentle simmer. Place the upper bowl or insert on top. Keep the heat at low-medium — you never want a hard boil. The gentle, indirect heat is essential for this cannabis salve recipe: it melts the beeswax without scorching your infusion.

Step 2: Melt the Beeswax First

Add the beeswax pellets to the double boiler first and let them melt completely before adding the oils. This is the most important tip for a beeswax cannabis salve — Fordee added everything at once in the video and noted it was a mistake. Beeswax has a higher melting point than the oils; starting with just the wax lets you control the temperature better and prevents the infused oils from overheating while waiting for the wax to catch up.

Step 3: Add the Oils, Essential Oil, and Vitamin E

Once the beeswax is fully melted, reduce heat slightly and add the infused coconut oil salve base and the MCT oil. Stir gently until everything is completely combined into one uniform liquid. Add 7 drops of eucalyptus essential oil and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil. Stir again. The eucalyptus contributes a mild camphor-like scent and some additional topical benefit; the vitamin E hydrates the skin and acts as a natural preservative.

Step 4: Pour into Jars While Still Liquid

Remove from heat and immediately pour or ladle the liquid cannabis topical salve into your jars. Work quickly — the mixture starts hardening within minutes of cooling. Use a canning funnel or ladle to control the pour and minimize spills. Fill to just below the rim to leave room for expansion as it sets. Let the jars sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to harden. Do not refrigerate immediately; let it set naturally first for the smoothest surface.

Step 5: Store Correctly

Once set, cap and store your cannabis salve recipe results in a cool, dark place — a drawer or cupboard is ideal. UV light from windows and even regular household lighting can degrade THC over time. Fordee used clear jars and acknowledged it was not ideal; blue or amber glass jars or metal tins are much better for this DIY cannabis salve. Stored correctly, a beeswax cannabis salve will keep its potency and texture for up to one year.

What Is This Cannabis Salve Good For?

This infused coconut oil salve blend is well-suited for topical application on:

Sore or tense muscles after exercise
Inflamed or achy joints (arthritis, general inflammation)
Dry, cracked, or rough skin (elbows, heels, knuckles)
Eczema and psoriasis flare-ups
Rashes and localized skin irritation
Carpal tunnel discomfort

Apply a small amount to the affected area, massage in gently, and allow 15–30 minutes for the cannabinoids to interact with skin receptors. Wash hands after applying. The cannabis scent is mild and fades quickly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this cannabis salve recipe get me high?

Topical cannabinoids applied to intact skin generally do not reach the bloodstream in psychoactive quantities. A cannabis topical salve will not produce a high in the traditional sense. If you want zero psychoactive risk, use CBD-infused oil instead of THC-infused oil in this recipe — the texture and application process are identical.

Can I use coconut oil without infusing it?

Yes. You can make an uninfused salve with plain coconut oil and plain MCT oil — you will still get a moisturizing, beeswax cannabis salve-style balm with eucalyptus and vitamin E. To make it a true cannabis salve recipe, at least one of the oils must be infused with cannabis.

What ratio of oil to beeswax should I use?

Fordee uses approximately a 4–5:1 ratio of total oils to beeswax by weight. More beeswax = firmer salve (more like a lip balm). Less beeswax = softer, more lotion-like consistency. For a standard DIY cannabis salve with a firm set and easy application, 4:1 is the reliable starting point.

How long does this cannabis salve recipe keep?

Stored in a dark, cool location in an opaque container, this infused coconut oil salve keeps for approximately one year with minimal potency degradation. Avoid clear glass jars — UV light breaks down cannabinoids over time. Blue glass, amber glass, or metal tins are ideal for storage.

References

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