The Preparation Process
Making cannabis salves and lotions is an accessible process that can be done at home. This procedure is similar to the preparation of foodstuffs, such as butter or honey. The key lies in the creation of a base ointment, from which various recipes for homemade topicals are derived.
The Base Ointment
The base ointment, as its name suggests, serves as a starting point for the preparation of other ointments. Its preparation is relatively simple, especially for those who have previously infused cannabis into edibles, since the process is essentially the same.
Ingredients for the Preparation of Cannabis Lotions and Creams
To prepare the base ointment, 7 to 10 grams of ground and dried cannabis, 1 ½ cups of coconut oil, 1/3 cup of olive oil and 1/3 cup of beeswax are required. To make the cream or lotion, you need 1 cup of aloe vera gel, 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil and 2 tablespoons of shea butter or cocoa butter.
Cannabis Lotions and Creams Production Process
The first step, similar to cooking, is to decarboxylate the cannabis. Preheat the oven to 115º Celsius, spread the cannabis on a baking tray and cook for half an hour.
Subsequently, pour the coconut oil and olive oil into a pot and cook over low heat while stirring. Add the decarboxylated cannabis and continue stirring for approximately 20 to 25 minutes.
Then, remove the pot from the heat and strain the mixture with a sky blanket. Using the same pot, heat the beeswax. Once melted, pour the oil mixture back into the pot, pouring it slowly.
Add the aloe vera gel, vitamin E oil and butter (either shea or cocoa) and mix the ingredients well. If you are looking for a lighter consistency, you can add more oil, either olive or vitamin E, and even other types, such as almond oil.
Finally, the cream or lotion is stored in a glass jar and kept in a dark, dry place.
