Making cannabis ointment: a comprehensive guide

Introduction

Cannabis ointments, also known as topicals, are gaining popularity due to their therapeutic properties and non-psychoactive nature. These ointments can provide localized relief from pain, inflammation, and various skin conditions. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of making your own marihuana ointment at home, from selecting the right materials to the final steps of application.

I. Materials and Ingredients

To make cannabis ointment, you’ll need the following materials and ingredients:

1. marihuana flowers or trimmings: Choose high-quality cannabis with a balanced cannabinoid profile to ensure the effectiveness of your ointment.
2. A carrier oil: This can be coconut oil, olive oil, or any other preferred oil that can effectively absorb the cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis.
3. Beeswax: This natural ingredient will help solidify the ointment and improve its texture.
4. Essential oils (optional): Adding essential oils can enhance the therapeutic properties and fragrance of your ointment.
5. A double boiler or slow cooker: This will be used for gently heating the marihuana and oil mixture.
6. A cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer: This will be used to separate the plant material from the oil after extraction.
7. A glass jar or container: This will be used for storing your finished ointment.

2. Selecting the Right Cannabis flowers

Before making cannabis ointment, it’s essential to choose the appropriate flowers based on your intended use. Two primary cannabis flowers are Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa. Indica flowers typically have higher levels of CBD and are known for their relaxing effects, making them suitable for relieving pain, inflammation, and skin irritations. Sativa flowers, on the other hand, have higher THC levels and are known for their uplifting and energizing effects, potentially beneficial for mood enhancement and focus.

3. Decarboxylation

Before you start making your marihuana ointment, it’s crucial to decarboxylate the cannabis. Decarboxylation is the process of activating the cannabinoids by heating the cannabis, which turns THCA into THC and CBDA into CBD. This step is essential for the ointment to have its desired therapeutic effects.

To decarboxylate the cannabis:

1. Preheat your oven to 240°F (115°C).
2. Break up the marihuana into small pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Bake the cannabis in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
4. Allow the cannabis to cool before moving on to the next step.

3. Straining and Cooling

Once the cannabis has been infused into the oil, you’ll need to separate the plant material from the oil:

1. Place a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer over a clean glass jar or container.
2. Carefully pour the warm oil and marihuana mixture through the strainer, allowing the oil to collect in the container below.
3. Squeeze the remaining oil out of the plant material using a clean cloth or a pair of tongs. Be cautious, as the mixture may still be hot.
4. Allow the strained oil to cool to room temperature.

V. Adding Beeswax and Essential Oils

4. Making cannabis ointment

Now that the marihuana-infused oil is ready, it’s time to create the ointment by adding beeswax, which gives the ointment its desired consistency.

1. Measure the beeswax, typically using a ratio of 1 part beeswax to 8 parts infused oil (e.g., 1 ounce of beeswax for 8 ounces of infused oil).
2. Melt the beeswax in a double boiler or heatproof bowl over simmering water.
3. Add the infused oil to the melted beeswax, stirring continuously to ensure even mixing.
4. Once the mixture is thoroughly combined, remove it from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
5. Optionally, add essential oils like lavender or eucalyptus for added aroma and potential therapeutic benefits. Stir well to combine.
6. Pour the mixture into airtight containers, such as glass jars or metal tins,

If you decide to make your own hemp ointment, always buy quality ingredients, even fresh cannabis seeds. You can look for seeds from Nukaseeds.