How to Make Cannabis Balm for Pain Relief
I have arthritis, and my only option for pain relief was strong, opioid painkillers, which I tend to avoid unless absolutely necessary. I conducted extensive research and experimentation to create a balm for pain that glides on smoothly and works wonders for arthritis, sore muscles, and general aches.
Clare La Feber-Toolis
The Cannawitch
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I use it every day, and have given it to many people who are dealing with pain. It can be used to manage sore muscles after a workout or for more chronic joint pain.
After you have started curing your buds, you are still left with a lot of valuable plant material, such as sugar leaves and bits of flower that are not worth jarring. This post-harvest material may not appear to be much, but it’s packed with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Instead of tossing it away, use it to make cannabalm.
Why Use Trim for Balm?
Unlike smoking or edibles, cannabis balm doesn’t get you high. Instead, the cannabinoids interact with receptors in your skin to ease pain and inflammation exactly where you apply it. Trim isn’t as potent as buds, but it still carries enough cannabinoids and terpenes to be useful. When you turn it into infused oil and blend it with natural butters and waxes, you get a balm that delivers localized relief.
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What are the Benefits of Cannabis Balm?
A CBD and THC-infused balm has multiple benefits. It provides pain relief for sore muscles, supports stiff joints affected by arthritis, reduces inflammation, and moisturizes the skin simultaneously. Because it’s made into a slide-on stick, it’s easy to carry and apply anywhere.
What You Need to Make Cannabis Balm
Makes 4 × 15 ml (0.5 fl oz) sticks
Ingredients
Cannabis-infused coconut oil – 22 g (1½ Tbsp / ~4½ tsp) (Trim works great; THC/CBD bind well to coconut oil/MCTs.)
Shea butter – 8 g (~1½ tsp, packed) (Creamy, skin-softening.)
Beeswax pellets – 12 g (~2½ tsp) (Firms the balm and locks in moisture.)
Avocado oil – 5 g (1 tsp) (Nourishing, helps penetration.)
Jojoba oil – 5 g (1 tsp) (Silky feel; mimics skin sebum.)
Borage oil (optional) – 2 g (½ tsp) (Extra soothing; anti-inflammatory GLA.)
Sunflower lecithin – 0.5–1 g (⅛–¼ tsp) (Improves texture and absorption.)
Vitamin E – 8–10 drops (Antioxidant; extends shelf life.)
Essential oils – 0.5–2% of batch (~12–24 drops total) (e.g., peppermint cooling; lavender calming; geranium soothing.)
Containers: 4 deodorant-style tubes (15 ml each).
Tools
Double boiler (or bowl over simmering water)
Silicone spatula or spoon
Digital scale or measuring spoons
Small whisk or blender
Sieve + muslin/coffee filter (for clear oil)
Syringe or pipette (easy tube filling)
Super-Quick Method
Gently melt infused oil + shea + beeswax in a double boiler.
Stir in avocado, jojoba, (borage).
Whisk in lecithin until smooth.
Remove from heat; cool to warm (<50 °C / 120 °F).
Add Vitamin E + essential oils; whisk/blend briefly.
Fill tubes with a syringe/pipette; leave a little headspace.
Let set (15–20 min fridge or 1–2 h room temp). Cap and label.
Notes:
To reduce green tint, strain finely and keep infusion temps low.
Adjust firmness: more beeswax = firmer, less = softer.
Topicals act locally and won’t get you high. Store cool and dark (6–12 months).
You can use different oils if you prefer, as well as your favourite essential oils. I used Granddaddy Purple trim for the cannabis coconut oil, as it helps with muscle aches and tension, and is a relaxing strain in general, but you can use any trim that you have.
How to Use
Twist up the stick and glide onto the area. Massage in gently. Use on sore muscles, stiff joints, or tired hands. Reapply as often as needed. Because cannabinoids stay local in the skin, you can apply liberally without worry.
Storage
Keep your balm in a cool, dark place. It lasts for up to 12 months. If the smell or texture changes, make a fresh batch. Label sticks with date and strength for easy tracking.
Troubleshooting
Balm too hard
Soften by reducing beeswax or adding a little shea butter or oil.
Grainy texture Common with shea/cocoa butter. Remelt, mix well, and cool in the fridge to prevent crystallization.
Too green or strong “plant” smellStrained too much chlorophyll. Next time, strain finer (muslin/coffee filter) and keep infusion temps low. Use a strong-smelling essential oil such as peppermint.
Short shelf life / rancid Add Vitamin E as an antioxidant. Store cool, dark, and use clean tools/containers.
FAQ
Does cannabis balm get you high?
No. Cannabis balm is a topical, which means cannabinoids stay in the skin and don’t enter the bloodstream. You get pain relief and relaxation without intoxication.
Can I use sugar leaves or fan leaves for balm?
Yes. Sugar leaves are coated in trichomes and make excellent infused oil for balm. Fan leaves contain fewer cannabinoids but can still be used. For the most effective balm, use sugar leaves, trim, or small buds.
How long does cannabis balm last?
Stored in a cool, dark place, balm lasts 6–12 months. Vitamin E oil helps extend shelf life by slowing oxidation.
What essential oils work best with cannabis balm?
You can use your favourite oils, but I find that lavender calms, peppermint cools sore muscles, and frankincense supports joints. Add 10–15 drops total per 60g batch once the mixture has cooled.
Can I adjust the firmness of the balm?
Yes. Add more beeswax for a firmer balm that withstands hot climates, or reduce the beeswax and add more shea butter or liquid oil for a softer balm.
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