I made another batch of cannabis balm, and it occurred to me I never shared the complete recipe. Be sure to try commercial cannabis balm before investing in tools. Buy some at your local dispensary and make sure:
A) It works for you
B) You can’t live without it
C) You’d like to save money
D) You are willing to go to the trouble of making it at home
It’s easy to make more than just cannabis balm at home – tincture, edible butter, magical oils and bath salts to name a few – and for me they all start with a Magical Butter Machine. Cost is $175, but I’m close to the break-even point by now.
The other tool I use is the NOVA Decarboxylator by Ardent. It’s $210. I like the ease and effectiveness of the machine, which heats and fully activates the THC in your flower. However, I have also used a covered glass casserole.
To decarb without a machine: Break up flowers and small pieces with your hands – add to the casserole and cover – cook at 250°F for 30 minutes. This technique is less precise than the NOVA, but it worked fine for me.
Here’s more info on decarboxylation.
The balm is made in two phases. Phase I is making the infused coconut oil. Phase II is the balm itself. Ratios of cannabis-to-oil vary by recipe, but this is how I make it.
Cannabis-Infused Coconut Oil
1 ounce of decarboxylated cannabis flowers and/or trim (look for strains on sale, preferably high in CBD).
2 cups liquified organic coconut oil
2 tablespoons lecithin
Place the ingredients into your Magical Butter Machine, and secure the head.
Press the Temperature button, and select 160°F; then press the 2 Hours/Butter button.
After the cycle is complete, unplug the unit at the outlet, and remove the head of the appliance. Put on the special glove that comes with the machine and pour the pitcher contents slowly through the filter that also comes with the machine into an airtight container. I use a mason jar.
Cannabis Balm
Jars (I use these)
1 cup cannabis-infused coconut oil
1/4 cup olive oil
1/3 cup beeswax
Essential oils (I use 9 drops of Tea Tree and 9 drops of Peppermint)
Put all ingredients in the Magical Butter Machine at 160°F for one hour.
I like to hang close to the MBM while it makes the balm, because wax firms up quickly, and you want to get it out while very liquid. Once it’s ready, some people whip it, but I don’t see the point. I pour it directly into the jars and let it sit for awhile before refrigerating. The balm will keep nicely in the fridge. I pull one jar out at a time and leave it on the bathroom counter. It stays fairly firm but liquefies in your hands.
For clean-up, I use a combination of wet/dry paper towels. Beeswax will trash your kitchen sponge.
As for usage, in my opinion, you’re not getting the maximum benefits unless you apply it every day, preferably twice a day. An occasional missed application is fine. I have neurological pain across my mastectomy scars, so I use it all over my chest. I also focus on my knees and spine. If you don’t include expenses for the MBM and NOVA, cost is about $4 per ounce versus $20 per ounce for commercial balm.
If I’m extra-sweet, Dale will massage it in thoroughly, which seems to make it work better. At least that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.