Cannabis Salve

Cannabis salve is an easy to make topical application that works well for a variety of ailments.  It helps heal minor cuts, burns and scrapes.  It can stop the itching and swelling of bug bites and stings.  It is also effective on sore joints and muscle spasms. You can even make it right at home and store it in the refrigerator.

I have an open jar that I store at room temperature.  So far, it has never gotten nasty or rancid smelling from being left out during the time it takes me to use it up.  This recipe originated from Jeana Goodwin, an Oregon medical marijuana patient.

You will need:

• A large handful or two of decarboxylated leaf
• Cheesecloth and twine
• One quart olive oil
• About eight ounces bees wax – the ratio is five parts liquid to one part bees wax.  You can play with this to make your salve thicker or thinner to your preference.
• 5 tablespoons Vitamin E oil
• 5 tablespoons Arnica oil
• Enough small jars and containers to hold your salve.  It’s fun to give away, so it’s great to have lots of small pots to share.

Here’s what to do:

Here’s how the leaf bundle looks when you put it in the oil.

• First, infuse olive oil with cannabis. Using the cheesecloth and twine, make a weed bundle and tie it up tight so none of it gets into the oil.  Pour all the oil into a pot and add the leaf bundle.  Cover and simmer over low heat for twenty-four hours.
• Remove the bundle and let it drain or squeeze the oil out of it.  Return the oil to the stove and slowly add bees wax.  While the bees wax is melting, set up your jars on newspaper or waxed paper with the lids removed for pouring your salve.
• Once the beeswax is melted, quickly stir in the vitamin E and Arnica oils.  Either pour the salve directly into the jars or pour it into a bowl with a spout to make it easier to pour into the jars.  It is important to work quickly as the salve starts to solidify fast at room temperature.  it is ready to use as soon as it is cool enough to tolerate.
• Let the salve harden and cool uncovered overnight.  Cover and store in the refrigerator.