“I wonder if CBD cream is effective?” I remember asking myself this question years ago when I bought my first jar at a fancy supermarket. Years later (or rather, a few months ago) when I visited a friend, Anne, in Seattle, she suggested I try a cream she and her husband use often. The magic of “I wonder” showed up again shortly after: Another friend suggested we go to his friend’s place – because this friend (Dave) offered to show us how to make homemade CBD cream! Before I go on about sharing the how-to and my adventure of making CBD cream with you, let’s look at CBD creams in general.
In an earlier post, “What is CBG?” we learned more about the cannabis plant and how hemp is grown to feature a majority of CBD and a minority of THC. Federal legal limits allow up to .33% of delta THC in CBD plants. Don’t worry – even if your lotion or cream has THC, you most likely won’t get “that kind of high” as if you ingested it. This is because the cannabinoids can’t breach the bloodstream through the skin. (Side note: because the FDA has “approved” CBD for a prescription drug, they now consider CBD a drug. They don’t allow drugs in foods and beauty products. Their is a bill being considered in Congress to address this issue.)
The more you know
When investing in CBD creams (or other products), it is important to do your best to learn how much is in the product (the more there is, the more potent and potentially effective) and if possible, the source. Full spectrum (whole plant hemp) is generally thought of as better for you, because you are getting the benefit of the “entourage effect.” This means that all parts (all the CBD, CBG, THCs etc) of the hemp plant work better together than when isolated.
Is CBD good for you?
Why use a CBD cream/lotion/salve? Basically, it’s the latest (yet oldest) natural pain reliever for a range of things like cramps, muscle pain, and arthritis. It also has anti-inflammatory properties making it useful for skin issues like psoriasis. You may notice in commercially made products other ingredients that also have pain relieving benefits. One of the underlying beliefs not often mentioned, is that the cannabinoids work to help balance you through your endocannabinoid receptor system. When you are aligned, your body works better. Better body by bud butter? Why not?
Meet Dave
Dave Wills owns Freshops, a company that sells hops and rhizomes to beer makers all over the globe. He also makes his own brew, Oregon Trail Ales.
The CBD Cream Recipe
Dave used a recipe he created from his research and from friend’s sharing their knowledge. Dave believes everyone should be able to make their own CBD cream, and is excited to share this adventure with all you! This recipe, tripled, filled about 57 four-ounce jelly jars. While Dave used ingredients such as DMSO, essential oils and vitamin E, feel free to follow your curiosity and inner scientist to include other elements (many like lavender!)
Disclaimer: I only endorse you making infused CBD products at home if recreational or medical marijuana is legal in your state, and you have any required cards and/or licenses to do so! Additionally, some links are for affiliates, and I may earn revenue through your purchases.
Ingredients
- 48 oz coconut oil
- 12 oz MCT fractionated coconut oil
- 12 oz hemp bud, organic and tested for CBD levels
- 2.5 oz DMSO (about 4% of total volume of infused oil)
- 10 drops Grand Fir Essential Oil
- 10-15 drops Tea Tree Oil
- 10 drops Vitamin E
Equipment
- Crock Pot
- Ninja Blender
- 2 quart glass measuring cup
- Meat thermometer
- Cheese cloth or bag
- Antique lard press (not at all necessary, but fun!)
- 20 (ish) 4 oz Ball Jars (or whatever containers you want to have your final cream in – feel free to recycle other containers. Makes great gifts, or sell at your local farmers market)
The process to make the CBD cream
There are lots of ways to make CBD topicals. One way could be using a cannabutter machine and replacing butter with oil. I’ve been told Levo is a good brand. Another thing to consider is whether you decide to decarboxylate or not. (I had to look this one up! “What is Decarboxylation?”) Or take your dried hemp and grind it up. Dave took his buds and put them in the Ninja blender with the coconut oil.
The next step is putting the heated coconut oil, the MCT and the hemp into the crock pot. Set it at low, and wait for the temperature to reach 240F.
While waiting…
Separate the good
The finished product
Are you ready to make your own CBD cream?
0 Comments