Cannabis topicals are applied to the skin — they don't cross the blood-brain barrier, so they don't produce a high. They're the most accessible way to use your harvest, even for people who don't consume cannabis internally.
How topicals work
Cannabinoids (THC, CBD) interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin. Applied topically, they stay local — they don't reach the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. This is why a 200mg THC salve won't make you feel stoned, but may provide localized comfort.
Basic cannabis salve recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup cannabis-infused coconut oil (see the Cannabutter guide)
- ¼ cup beeswax pellets (for hardness — more = firmer)
- 10–15 drops essential oil (optional — lavender, peppermint, or eucalyptus)
- 1 tbsp vitamin E oil (optional — extends shelf life)
Steps
- Melt infused coconut oil and beeswax in a double boiler over low heat.
- Stir until fully combined.
- Remove from heat. Add essential oils and vitamin E if using.
- Pour into small tins or jars immediately — it sets fast.
- Let cool completely before capping.
Adjust firmness: More beeswax = harder balm (good for sticks). Less beeswax = softer salve (easier to spread). A 2:1 oil-to-wax ratio is a good starting point.
Infused massage oil (liquid)
Skip the beeswax entirely:
- Start with cannabis-infused coconut oil or olive oil.
- Add 10 drops of essential oil per ounce for scent.
- Store in a pump bottle.
Liquid at room temperature, ready to use. Coconut oil solidifies below ~76 °F — warm the bottle in your hands or in warm water.
Lip balm
- Melt 2 tbsp infused coconut oil + 1 tbsp beeswax + 1 tsp shea butter.
- Add a few drops of peppermint oil.
- Pour into lip balm tubes or small tins.
- Cool and cap.
Bath soak
- Mix ¼ cup infused coconut oil with 1 cup Epsom salt and 10 drops lavender oil.
- Add to a hot bath. Soak for 20+ minutes.
- The oil disperses in the water and coats skin.
Tips for better topicals
- Decarb matters for topicals too. THCA converts to THC during decarbing, and THC binds skin receptors more effectively.
- Add CBD flower to your infusion for broader receptor activation — a 1:1 THC:CBD blend is popular for topicals.
- Menthol or camphor (from peppermint/eucalyptus oils) create a warming/cooling sensation that complements the cannabis.
- Don't use on broken skin — infused oils on open wounds can sting and isn't what topicals are designed for.
Shelf life and storage
- Salves and balms: 6–12 months at room temperature in sealed tins.
- Liquid oils: 3–6 months refrigerated.
- Add vitamin E to extend shelf life.
- Keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
What topicals can't do
Topicals cannot produce a systemic high. They work locally only. If you want whole-body effects, you need edibles, tinctures, or inhalation. The exception is transdermal patches (pharmaceutical-grade, not DIY), which are designed to cross the skin barrier.
For the infused oil base used in all these recipes, see cannabutter & infused oils. For solventless concentrates, see pressing rosin.