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No matter how fragrant the flower may be or how tasty the edibles are, some people just prefer not to ingest any cannabis products. However, just because they don’t want to smoke or eat any cannabis doesn’t mean they want to miss out on the benefits.
Let me introduce you to cannabis topicals. It’s the best of both worlds for those who only want to experience the benefits of cannabis without having to consume any. It’s also a great way to slowly incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle.
There are a variety of cannabis topicals to choose from and they provide numerous health benefits to its users. If you’re interested in making your very own cannabis topicals, keep reading!
What Are Cannabis Topicals?
Let’s start off by figuring out what cannabis topicals are. Simply speaking, they are cannabis-infused skincare products. However, unlike normal body lotion, you don’t necessarily apply it to your whole body.
You apply the cannabis topical to specific areas that may be causing you pain, soreness and even localized areas with inflammation. The product then gets absorbed into your skin, providing relief to those particular areas of your body. Usually, topicals are made with only CBD so you won’t feel any psychoactive experience from them.
Some topicals are even strain-specific. These certain cannabis topicals would contain additional cannabinoids and terpenes from the strain it’s made from. Other topicals may include essential oils as well providing you with multiple benefits in one. There are many options to choose from including:
- Balms
- Oils
- Lotions
- Sprays
- Gel
- Creams
- Patches
Benefits to Using Topicals
The main benefit cannabis topicals provide is pain relief. Due to the fact that most topicals are made with cannabidiol (CBD), there are many studies that suggest CBD can relieve pain, combat inflammation along with numerous other benefits.
Since we know CBD also helps with inflammation, another study has advocated that cannabis topicals may be effective in alleviating certain skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, and other inflammatory skin conditions. Besides the health benefits, topicals tend to have very little to almost no smell.
If you really don’t like the smell of cannabis, choose a brand that uses concentrates to make its topicals. Concentrates contain no plant matter so the smell will be less prevalent while the effects will be much more potent.
As we previously mentioned, there are also topicals infused with essential oils which makes it another great option for those who rather not smell cannabis. Plus, topicals are easy to use and great for travel! All you need to do is apply to the affected area when needed. You don’t need any extra equipment, or any prior preparation other forms of cannabis might require.
Make Your Own Cannabis Topicals
Although you can easily buy cannabis topicals online or in stores, some people prefer to make their very own. Making it yourself has its own list of perks.
You’ll know exactly what ingredients were used, and you’ll have the control to make whatever amount you desire. This way you won’t have to worry about too much product spoiling and going to waste.
DIY topicals also allow for creative control. Add your own essential oils or scents to make a customized topical for yourself. It might take a bit of work, but the end result will be worth it. Let’s get started!
Cannabis Salve (CBD & THC Infused)
A salve is a type of healing solution you can apply to the skin. The coconut oil and olive oil used in this recipe will seal and lock in moisture. Here’s what you need to make your very own cannabis salve.
List of Supplies:
- 7 – 10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis (grounded)
- 1 ½ cup of coconut oil
- 1/3 cup of olive oil
- 1/3 cup of beeswax pellets
- A double boiler
- Cheesecloth
- Strainer
- Mixing bowl
- A container to hold your salve (UV-protected glass jar or tin)
*Portion Size: Approximately 2 cups (16oz)
Step 1: Make Your Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil
- Double boil 1.5 cups of coconut oil and heat until it’s fully melted.
- Add in 7-10 grams of decarboxylated cannabis to the melted oil.
- Continue to heat the cannabis and the oil over low heat for 30-60 minutes while stirring occasionally. (Make sure the temperature stays in between 130 to 150°F or 55 to 66°C)
- When it’s done “cooking” line a strainer with your cheesecloth over your mixing bowl and carefully pour the concoction in. (Be careful not to burn yourself, the oil will be hot and greasy, we recommend you wear gloves)
- Gather your cheesecloth, squeeze any excess oil out and leave it on the side.
*If you don’t want to make your own cannabis-infused oil, feel free to buy some online here.
Step 2: Combine the Salve Ingredients Together
- In a pot or double boiler, add ½ cup of beeswax pellets and heat until it’s completed melted. (Vegan option: use soy wax instead of beeswax)
- On low heat, stir in 1.5 cups of your cannabis-infused oil and 1/3 cup of olive oil.
Step 3: Customize Your Salve (Optional)
- Next, stir in a few drops of essential oils or vitamin drops.
- Once everything is completely mixed together, remove your salve from the heat and transfer it to your desired container.
- After everything has cooled down, it’s ready to be used.
Cannabis Cream
This cream will not only be super moisturizing, but it’ll also be great for those who have some extra CBD oil lying around. The peppermint oil will provide that wonderful cooling sensation whereas the camphor oil will provide aromatherapeutic benefits. Here’s the recipe to make cannabis cream.
List of Supplies:
- 4oz coconut oil
- 4oz shea butter
- 4 tbsp. magnesium oil
- 10 drops of peppermint oil
- 10 drops of camphor oil
- 15-25 mg of CBD
- Container ( tin or UV-protected glass jar)
- A double boiler
*Portion Size: Approximately 1 cup ( 8oz)
Step 1: Melt Your Butter & Oil
- First, using a double boiler with medium to low heat, melt the 4oz coconut oil.
- Occasionally stir the coconut oil to prevent burning.
- When the coconut is completely melted, mix in 4oz of shea butter.
- Once everything is fully combined, turn off the heat.
Step 2: Combine Your Oils
- Next, add 4 tablespoons of magnesium oil and let your mixture cool.
- Once the mixture has cooled down, add your essential oils and CBD. (Feel free to increase or decrease the essential oils and CBD to your own liking)
- Stir everything together — if you want a smoother cream texture, use a hand mixer to whip everything together.
- Finally, transfer your cream into a container and start applying.
*If you prefer to purchase cannabis topicals instead, you can find a wide selection of high-quality topicals here.
How to Store Your Cannabis Topicals
Just like every other cannabis product, you have to be wary of temperature, light and air. Each of these factors can degrade the quality and the potency of any cannabis product including your topicals.
So, the best container to use for your topicals is something air-tight and opaque. This will protect your topicals from air and light exposure. As for temperature, your best bet is to store your topicals in the fridge.
Keep in mind, handmade topicals don’t have any preservatives in them so, the shelf life will be shorter than something that was store-bought. Keeping your topicals in the fridge will not only control the temperature but will also lengthen the freshness of your products.
Storing these topicals in ideal conditions will prolong the shelf life for up to a year. Your DIY topicals might solidify in the fridge but that’s nothing to be worried about. Your body heat is enough to melt the product back to its original consistency. Simply scoop out the desired amount and apply like you usually would.
Buy Cannabis Online Canada | Budmail
If you do try out the topicals recipes, let us know the results in the comment section. On the other hand, if you don’t have the ingredients or want the hassle of making your own topicals, you should visit Budmail. Budmail is a Canadian online cannabis dispensary that offers a large variety of assorted cannabis products.
Whether you’re looking for top-shelf cannabis topicals, organically crafted flowers or premium concentrates, Budmail has it all. For huge dollar savings and rewards, join their loyalty program. Creating an account with Budmail will automatically get you $25 off your first purchase!
You’ll receive weekly newsletters with exclusive coupon codes, secret promotions, and be able to take advantage of their rewarding points system. Every point you receive will earn you more savings towards future orders. Not to mention, Budmail also provides shipping and same-day delivery all throughout Canada!
All you need to do is visit Budmail, place your order, and wait comfortably at home for your products. If you’re new to cannabis, chat with our live agents! They’ll be able to provide product recommendations, answer any questions you may have and maybe even provide you secret coupons to use. Shop at Budmail today!
