Cannabis Cream: Uses, Benefits and a DIY Recipe

Cannabis cream is a topical product made with cannabis extract or cannabidiol (CBD) that you rub directly into the skin. People mainly use it for localized muscle and joint pain and for irritated skin, and it also shows up in skincare routines for its potential soothing and moisturizing properties.

What is cannabis cream used for?

1. Pain relief: Cannabis cream may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that can help ease sore muscles and achy joints. You apply it straight to the affected area for targeted relief.
2. Skin problems: Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties, cannabis cream may help with skin conditions like dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. It can calm irritated skin and help keep it hydrated.
3. Relaxation and well-being: Some people add cannabis cream to their self-care routine to unwind and feel better overall. CBD's possible relaxing effects may help promote a sense of calm.

Contraindications and precautions: Cannabis cream is considered safe for most people when applied to the skin, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Before using any cannabis product, check with a healthcare professional, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication.
• Stick to high-quality products that comply with your local cannabis regulations.
• If you get an allergic reaction or skin irritation after using cannabis cream, stop using it and see a doctor if you need to.

As for using cannabis cream on wrinkles: CBD has been suggested to have antioxidant properties that could be good for your skin, but the scientific evidence on whether it actually reduces wrinkles is limited. If you want to treat a skin issue or tackle wrinkles, see a dermatologist for personalized advice and the right treatment options.

What are the benefits of cannabis cream?

The big question for anyone getting into medical cannabis is simple: what does cannabis cream actually do? Here are the potential benefits of cannabis cream:

• Pain-relieving
• Antibacterial
• Anti-inflammatory
• Moisturizing
• Helps with musculoskeletal pain

It's also used on joints and for a range of skin conditions. Some doctors suggest it for bone pain and bumps and bruises, as well as arthritis, osteoarthritis, dermatitis, acne, wrinkles, psoriasis and stretch marks, although the evidence for many of these uses is still thin.

People also use it on hemorrhoids, burns and minor wounds, and to moisturize fresh tattoos.

On top of that, many cannabinoids and terpenes have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which in some cases may help with skin problems like psoriasis, a stubborn chronic inflammatory skin disease.

Some CBD creams and patches are made with an agent that helps the compounds absorb into the skin better and faster, such as PLO (pluronic lecithin organogel), Pluronic F127, corn oil, cottonseed oil or safflower oil, plus various fatty acids. These boost skin penetration, which makes the compounds in the cream or patch more effective.

Does cannabis cream for pain have side effects?

CBD cream can't and shouldn't be applied to mucous membranes like the inside of your nose, your eyes or your mouth. And while a cream applied only to the skin doesn't cause dependence, it's still not a good idea to overdo it.

And of course, avoid using too much, especially if you have allergies.

How to use CBD cannabis cream

We recommend applying cannabis cream twice a day: once in the morning and once at night. That said, if you're using it as a medical treatment, the best move is to see a doctor who can adjust the dose to what works for you.

How to make cannabis cream for pain at home

Here's a way to make your own cannabis cream at home, but remember: before using any remedy, even a topical one, check with a professional. If it irritates your skin, stop using it.

Homemade cannabis cream recipe

Before you start, get all your ingredients together so you don't get stuck halfway through. You can scale the amounts up or down depending on how much bud you have. Here's what you'll need to make CBD cream:

• 50 g (about 1.75 oz) dried CBD cannabis buds
• 60 g (about 2 oz) beeswax (you can find it at a health food store)
• 500 ml (about 2 cups) vegetable oil
• 1 liter (about 1 quart) water
• 3 to 5 ml essential oils (optional, for scent and texture)

How to make cannabis cream, step by step

1. First, make the cannabis oil. We use extra virgin olive oil, but sunflower, almond, coconut or any oil you like will work. Grab a saucepan and add the 50 grams of buds, broken up with a grinder so they infuse better. Add the water and the oil, set it over low heat and slowly bring up the temperature while stirring, to a maximum of 100 °C (212 °F). Don't let it boil.
2. Keep it going for 2 to 3 hours. Once it's done, pour it through a strainer to separate the liquid from the plant material. After straining, put the mixture in the fridge until the water and oil separate.
3. When you take it out, you'll see the water has sunk to the bottom while the top layer has solidified. That top layer is what you want, so scoop the oily part off the water with a spoon.
4. Now it's time to make the cream: put the solidified cannabis oil back in the saucepan over low heat until it melts again. This is when you add the essential oils and the beeswax to get the perfect texture.
5. Once the mixture is smooth and you like how it looks, pour it into one or more jars and let it cool.