Have you been looking for a natural way to soothe sore muscles or nourish your skin? Making your own cannabis-infused balm is a simple and rewarding process that allows you to customize it to your specific needs. This guide will walk you through each step, giving you all the tools you need to create a high-quality, homemade balm that will quickly become a staple in your self-care routine.

Table of Contents

Recipe Features

  • An easy-to-follow recipe for a customizable cannabis-infused balm.
  • Infusion options focusing on cannabis coconut oil or FECO/RSO.
  • Want it fast? If you’re not ready to DIY, you can purchase my pre-made cannabis salve or a convenient CBD salve stick and have it delivered directly to your door.
A picture of Emily Kyle's CBD recovery salve.

Why You Will Love This Guide

My journey into cannabis topicals started out of necessity. After a long day in the garden, my hands were cracked and my back was aching. I was already using edibles for overall wellness, but I wanted targeted relief without anymore full-body, intoxicating effects.

I was skeptical that a simple balm could do much, but I decided to experiment in my kitchen. The first time I massaged this homemade balm into my sore hands and felt the localized, soothing relief wash over me, it was a total game-changer.

Balms have been used for centuries as healing ointments, combining nourishing oils and waxes to protect the skin. By infusing cannabis into this tested remedy, we are tapping into its modern potential. I love this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile and empowering.

You are in complete control of the ingredients, the scent, and the potency, creating a remedy that is perfectly tailored to you. Let’s get creating!

A picture of a cannabis balm.

Basic Cannabis-Infused Balm

By Emily Kyle, MS, RDN, HCP
5 from 1 vote
Craft your own soothing cannabis balm with a simple, customizable recipe. Whether you prefer adding essential oils or adjusting the consistency, this easy process makes it simple to create a balm tailored to your wellness needs. Ideal for easing aches, pains, and dry skin, this natural remedy blends the benefits of cannabis with your favorite nourishing ingredients.
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Equipment

What You Need  

Instructions 

  • If you haven't already, the first step is to choose your infusion method of choice. Recommended choices are infused coconut oil or FECO/RSO. If needed, prepare your cannabis oil ahead of time.
  • Set up a double boiler on your stove over low heat. If you don't have one, a heatproof glass bowl set over a small pot of simmering water works perfectly.
  • Add the 8 teaspoons beeswax pellets and 4 teaspoons shea butter to the top of the double boiler. Let them melt together slowly, stirring occasionally.
  • Once the wax and butter are completely liquid, it's time to add your cannabis infusion option.
  • If using infused coconut oil: Stir in the 8 teaspoons cannabis-infused oil to the beeswax and shea butter mix. Be sure to add 8 teaspoons of a carrier oil if not using infused coconut oil and instead using FECO.
  • If using FECO/RSO: Gently warm your 1 mL FECO/RSO or cannabis concentrate syringe in a cup of hot water to make it less viscous, then dispense it into the melted butter mixture. Stir vigorously to ensure it's fully incorporated.
  • Remove the mixture from the heat and stir in your desired amount of drops of your favorite essential oil of choice. Also stir in any optional vitamin E oil or potassium sorbate you may be using. Mix well.
  • Carefully pour the hot liquid into small glass jars or tins. I find that amber-colored glass helps protect the balm from light degradation. You can use a pipette to make this easy.
  • Let the balm cool and solidify completely at room temperature for a few hours. Once it's firm and cool, put the lid on.
  • Store your beautiful homemade balm in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Additional ingredients: Feel free to add optional vitamin E oil or preservatives like potassium sorbate to extend the shelf-life of your balm. 
Consistency: For a firmer balm, simply add more beeswax to the mixture; for a softer consistency, use less. If needed, you can remelt the balm and adjust the ingredients until you achieve the perfect texture for your needs.
Essential oils: Choose based on personal preference; you can use tea tree, camphor, eucalyptus, capsaicin, etc. Just be sure to use skin-safe oils! You can also add camphor or menthol for a cooling effect.
Do you have a question or need help?Join hundreds of members inside private Well With Cannabis Community for help, support, and to share your edible creations!
The ingredients needed to make a cannabis balm.

What You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, natural ingredients that are kind to your skin.

  • 4 teaspoons (20g) Shea Butter: This incredible moisturizer is derived from the nut of the African shea tree. It’s rich in vitamins and fatty acids, making it a perfect base for soothing and hydrating the skin.
  • 8 teaspoons (40g) Beeswax Pellets: Beeswax is what gives our balm its structure. It forms a protective barrier on the skin, locking in moisture without clogging pores. I prefer using pellets as they melt much more easily and evenly than a solid block.
  • 8 teaspoons (40g) Coconut Oil: This is our active ingredient. For a classic infusion, use cannabis infused coconut oil.
  • 1-2mL FECO/RSO: For a more potent, concentrated balm, use FECO/RSO as the active ingredient. If you’re infusing this way, it’s essential to also add 8 teaspoons (40mL) of another carrier oil (like non-infused coconut oil) to the recipe. This ensures the balm has the proper consistency and spreads easily on the skin.
  • 10 drops Essential Oils: This is where you can get creative and customize your balm for your specific needs.

Equipment

To make this recipe as easy and smooth as possible, I recommend gathering the following tools before you begin:

  • Double Boiler or Heatproof Glass Bowl & Pot: To gently melt your ingredients without scorching.
  • Silicone Spatula or Stirring Spoon: For mixing your balm.
  • Measuring Spoons or Kitchen Scale: For precise, metric-friendly ingredient measurements.
  • Small Glass Jars or Tins: For storing your finished balm; amber or dark glass works best to protect your product.
  • Pipette or Small Funnel: Helpful for transferring the hot balm into jars or tins.
  • Oven Mitts or Heat Protection: For safely handling hot containers.
  • Paper Towels: For quick cleanup if needed.

Essential Oil Pairing Suggestions

Pick your essential oils based on your intended use or desired benefits. Here are some ideas to play with:

  • For muscle relief: Peppermint, ginger, rosemary, cedarwood
  • To soothe burns or irritation: Lavender, chamomile, rose
  • For dry, thirsty skin: Sandalwood, geranium, chamomile
  • To ease congestion: Eucalyptus, tea tree, rosemary
  • For ultimate relaxation: Lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang
The step-by-step guide to making cannabis balm, 4 image collage.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place a double boiler with water in the bottom pan over low heat.
  2. If you haven’t already, the first step is choosing your infusion method. You can find many infusion options listed above. If needed, prepare your cannabis oil ahead of time.
  3. Once the water is boiling, add the beeswax and shea butter to the top portion of the double boiler and allow them to melt completely.
  4. Once they have melted, add in the prepared cannabis oil mixture and essential oils. Stir until all of the ingredients are well combined.
The step-by-step guide to making cannabis balm, 4 image collage.
  1. If you are planning on adding a cannabis concentrate or any other ingredient, stir it in now and mix until everything is well combined. Then, turn off the heat.
  2. Transfer the hot liquid to a small glass jar or storage vessel. You can use a pipette to make this easy.
  3. Allow the balm to cool to room temperature and cover it tightly with the lid.
  4. Store your balm in a cool dark place until ready.
Homemade cannabis-infused balm in a small glass jar on a silver tray.
A creamy, homemade cannabis-infused balm in a glass jar, perfect for topical use, displayed on a decorative silver tray.

Why Use a Cannabis-Infused Balm?

One of the best things about cannabis topicals is that they allow you to experience the plant’s benefits without any intoxicating effects.

When you apply cannabinoids like THC and CBD to your skin, they interact with local receptors to provide targeted relief right where you need it most.

They don’t enter the bloodstream, so you won’t feel “high.” I personally use my homemade balms, salves, and face serums for a variety of reasons:

  • Soothe sore muscles and joint pain: The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids can work wonders on post-workout tension or achy joints.
  • Nourish irritated or dry skin: Cannabis is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids that help hydrate and promote healing for things like cracked hands or dry elbows.
  • Create a relaxation ritual: The simple act of massaging a fragrant balm into your skin can be a mindful moment of calm.

Balm vs. Salve

You’ll often see the words “balm” and “salve” used interchangeably, and while they’re similar, there is a slight difference. Balms, like the one we’re making today, usually have a higher beeswax content, which gives them a firmer, less greasy texture perfect for targeted application. Salves tend to be a bit softer and more spreadable, which is great for covering larger areas. If you’re interested, you can also check out my recipe for a wonderful homemade cannabis salve here. Both are fantastic ways to explore the world of cannabis topicals.

A picture of a cannabis balm.

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Ways to Use Your Balm

Your new cannabis-infused balm is for external use only. To use it, just scoop a small amount with clean fingers, warm it between your hands to melt it slightly, and massage it into any area that needs a little extra love.

  • Muscle Tension: Apply directly to sore spots like your neck, shoulders, or lower back.
  • Dry Skin: It’s a lifesaver for cracked heels, dry elbows, and hardworking hands.
  • Relaxing Massage: Use it for a self-massage on your temples to ease a headache or have a partner use it for a relaxing back rub.
  • Minor Skin Irritations: Dab a small amount on bug bites or minor scrapes to help soothe them.

Ready Start Your Own DIY Cannabis-Infused Balm Journey?

Making your own balm is fun, it gives you complete control over the ingredients and allows you to create a product that’s personalized to your needs.

Speaking of, feel free to adjust the recipe to fit your unique needs! If you live in a warmer climate, consider incorporating a small amount of beeswax to ensure your balm stays solid. Don’t have access to cannabis concentrate? You can still create a wonderful balm using just shea butter and essential oils.

Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know you made it yourself! From easing muscle tension to soothing dry skin, the possibilities are endless when you’re in charge of the creation process.

What will you use your cannabis balm for? Share your creations or questions in the comments below, I’d love to hear from you! 🌿

More Topicals You Will Love


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About Emily

I’m a Registered Dietitian and Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, here to help you learn how to use the amazing benefits of the cannabis plant. My goal is to guide you in managing daily stress, finding joy again, building strong relationships, and improving your overall well-being in a natural and healthy way.

Read More About Me
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58 Comments

  13. Lovely EOs! I would love to make a balm with the lavender and peppermint … helpful for migraines.

    Reply

  14. I would make a congestion balm. With 2 little ones and a hubby that works outside of the house, someone is bound to get sick, if not all. 🙂

    Reply

  16. I totally just donated half of all of my own herbal/essential oil collection to someone who just lost everything they own so this would be great to replenish with! Thank you for the giveaway! 🙂

    Reply

  19. I would like to make a stretch mark balm and a muscle relaxer.
    That way when I’m stressed about my stretch marks, and can apply the balm and chill out with the relaxer! 🙂

    Reply

  23. Sounds easy enough to make but I just cant find the time to “make” anything at home. Busy Busy and when I am not busy, I am “doing” 10 things at once in my dreams. lol

    Reply

  30. I would make something to be able to use on my poor, dry hands, especially after washing dishes! Ugh, winter just sucks all the moisture out of them 🙂

    Reply

  31. Does peppermint oil dry your skin? I was thinking of using it and then you mentioned that it can be harsh on the skin. Btw, I just discovered your blog and I really like it. Can’t wait to read some more 🙂 Also, is the giveaway international?

    Reply

    1. Hi Nikoletta,

      Peppermint oil can definitely be drying. The only reason I would ever use it on my skin is to soothe muscle aches, and then I always make sure to dilute it as much as possible. I’m so glad you enjoy my blog! Welcome. 🙂

      The Mountain Rose Herbs giveaway is open to US and Canada.

      Reply

  33. besides making lip balm, if I could make something for dry skin that would be wonderful and for back pain

    Reply

  35. I already knew this recipe, I did a few balm and I found that the one that works better for me is the chamomile one…it helps my skin a lot!!!

    Reply

  36. I love the idea of a DIY Balm with Shea Butter + Essential Oils♥
    At the moment I’d need something for this cold with mint or eucalyptus.

    Reply

  40. What a great DIY! I love essential oils and shea butter, but never thought to make my own. It sounds really simple! I would make a respiratory blend to use with my kids during cold/flu season! Maybe a nice blend for me too!

    Reply

  43. I would like to make a balm for very dry skin – a healing balm with lavender and tea tree. Yes, this would need to help heal and protect broken skin.

    Reply