Cannabis Candles: What They Actually Do and How to Make Your Own

Cannabis-scented candles don't get you high: they're aromatherapy candles made with cannabis essential oil, CBD oil or hemp seed oil and plant terpenes, and what they deliver is scent and atmosphere. Depending on the terpenes, people use them to unwind, lift their mood or take the edge off a stressful day. And they're easy to make at home.

From picking your ingredients to infusing and pouring, we'll walk you through every step, with practical tips and tricks so your candles come out not just good-looking but safe and burning the way they should.

Think of it as a new side hustle for your inner craftsperson: there's a lot you can do with cannabis beyond the bowl, and home goods are a fun place to start. Ready to get creative?

What are cannabis candles?

Weed candles are a mashup of aromatherapy and the terpenes of the cannabis plant. Despite the name, these handmade candles won't get you high; instead, they offer an aromatic experience that some people find good for their overall well-being.

What's in a weed candle?

Cannabis candles are infused with cannabis essential oil and distilled oil carrying the plant's natural terpenes. Together they create a scent that mimics the sensory side and laid-back vibe of smoking weed.

To be clear: lighting a cannabis-scented candle has no meaningful psychoactive effect.

Aromatherapy with cannabis candles

Cannabis candles won't get you stoned, but their aromatherapy side is what people come for, and users describe benefits like these:

• Balance and relaxation: Cannabis essential oil rich in terpenes like myrcene is associated with a sense of calm and relaxation. Myrcene, found in strains like Granddaddy Purple and Blue Dream, is known for its sedative, anxiety-easing reputation.
• A mood boost: Terpenes like limonene, found in strains like Wedding Cake and Berry White, give off a fruity, citrusy scent that may help lift your mood and dial down stress.
• Stress and anxiety relief: Linalool, a floral terpene found in strains like Amnesia Haze and Lavender Kush, has relaxing properties that may help ease anxiety and promote a sense of well-being.

With cannabis candles, you get to play with a wide range of scents and effects. Whether you're into floral or earthy fragrances, or want to chill out or perk up, there's probably a cannabis candle that fits your taste.

Bottom line: cannabis candles are a unique, aromatic way to enjoy this ancient plant, turning any room into a little oasis of calm. Give them a try and see what they add to your aromatherapy routine.

What are CBD candles?

If you like the idea of cannabis candles but would rather skip the unmistakable smell of weed, CBD candles might be the move.

Unlike traditional cannabis candles, which are infused with essential oil from the plant, CBD candles use cannabidiol (CBD) oil. CBD is often used for pain, muscle spasms, depression and anxiety, and research on those uses is ongoing.

CBD candles usually combine essential oils and terpenes, so the scent comes out softer and subtler than a regular cannabis candle. That makes them a good fit if you're curious about CBD but don't want your place smelling like a dispensary.

They're also a nice way to level up your aromatherapy. Light one up and enjoy a relaxing moment that can help take the edge off stress and anxiety.

Does burning a CBD candle mean you're “taking” CBD?

Burning a CBD candle isn't the same as actually taking CBD, though some research suggests inhaling CBD-infused essential oils might have some benefits.

A 2017 study is often cited for finding that CBD lowered blood pressure in participants, and some users report a general feeling of calm and renewed energy. Keep in mind that study looked at CBD taken by mouth, not candle vapors.

More research is needed on what CBD candles specifically do, and so far the evidence that they deliver CBD's benefits through the air is preliminary at best. Still, they can be a pleasant way to add a little wellness ritual to your day.

What are hemp candles?

If you want something a little different in the world of weed candles, hemp candles could be your pick. They're made with hemp seed oil instead of cannabis essential oil or CBD, and they're often infused with terpenes for an aromatic kick.

Some hemp candles have a faint cannabis scent from the terpenes, but plenty don't smell like the plant at all. That makes them a great option if you want the candle experience on the down-low.

One of the big selling points of hemp candles is how long they last. Hemp seed oil tends to burn slowly, so these candles usually have a longer burn time than other options. That saves you money and stretches out your aromatherapy sessions.

Hemp candles are also usually easier to find, since in many places hemp faces fewer regulations than cannabis and CBD. So you'll likely find a wider selection both in stores and online.

If you want to buy cannabis, CBD or hemp candles, you've got options. Where it's legal, a local dispensary is a good place to start, since many carry wellness products.

Give hemp candles a try and see how they add a subtle, long-lasting touch of warmth and relaxation to your place.

How to make a cannabis candle at home: step by step

If you want something custom, or you just love the idea of making your own cannabis, CBD or hemp candles, you're in luck. Making candles at home is easy and satisfying, and you get full control over the ingredients and the scent. Here's our step-by-step guide to making your own cannabis candle:

What you'll need

• A 400–450 g (14–16 oz) glass jar for the candle
• A hemp wick (or another type of wick)
• 450 g (about 1 lb) of soy candle wax
• A hot glue gun
• Cardstock
• Two pots
• A food thermometer
• 30 g (about 1 oz) of hemp seed oil (or cannabis essential oil, or CBD oil)

How to make DIY cannabis candles

Use two pots as a double boiler (or a glass bowl over a saucepan of simmering water) to melt the soy wax over medium-low heat.

While the wax melts, hot-glue the wick to the center of the jar's bottom. Leave the wick a little longer than you need; you can trim it later.

While the wax keeps melting, cut the cardstock a little bigger than the mouth of the jar and poke a hole in the center to hold the wick upright. That'll make pouring the wax a lot easier.

Once the wax is fully melted, let it cool to around 50–60 °C (122–140 °F). Then stir the hemp seed, cannabis or CBD oil into the melted wax.

Pour the wax and oil mix into the jar, leaving about 1 cm (roughly half an inch) of space at the top. Let the candle cool completely.

Once the candle has fully set, trim the wick to about 6 mm (1/4 in).

That's it! Now you've got your own homemade cannabis candle, made exactly the way you like it. Play around with different essential oils and scents until you land on the combo that hits just right.