About The Recipe
Looking to DIY your Cannabis Infused Muscle Cream? This recipe is for you. By crafting this at home, you not only have control over the ingredients but also get to experience the potential health benefits of cannabinoids.
Falling into the category of homemade topicals, this muscle cream is tailored for those seeking a natural remedy for targeted relief. Incorporating cannabis in a topical form may offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, supporting muscle recovery and overall well-being. For optimal results, store your homemade muscle cream in a cool, dark place to preserve its potency.
The History of Topicals
The history of topicals in the realm of cannabis dates back centuries, with ancient civilizations recognizing the therapeutic properties of the plant. Early on, cannabis was applied topically in various forms to address skin conditions and provide localized relief. However, it wasn't until recent decades that topicals gained prominence in modern cannabis culture.
The surge in interest can be attributed to the evolving understanding of cannabinoids and their interaction with the endocannabinoid system. As legalization and medical cannabis acceptance expanded, so did the exploration of diverse consumption methods, giving rise to the popularity of cannabis-infused topicals.
Today, topicals have become a mainstream and widely accepted form of cannabis consumption, valued for their targeted relief and non-intoxicating nature. This evolution highlights a fascinating journey from ancient medicinal practices to the contemporary recognition of cannabis topicals as a valuable component of holistic wellness.
Features
- Customizable Formulation: Crafting your cannabis-infused muscle cream at home allows for customization, letting you tailor the ingredients to suit your preferences and address specific wellness needs.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Making the muscle cream from scratch can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing commercially available products, ensuring that you get the most value for your investment in quality ingredients.
- Transparency and Control: DIY formulations provide transparency about the components of the muscle cream, allowing you to have full control over the ingredients, ensuring a product free from unwanted additives or preservatives.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Almond Oil, Jojoba Oil, or Grapeseed Oil: Coconut oil is a great alternative as it’s deeply moisturizing, easily absorbs into the skin, and has antimicrobial properties, making it beneficial for skin health and muscle relief. Feel free to take the infusion up a notch by adding my infused coconut oil recipe.
- Unrefined Shea Butter: Cocoa butter can replace shea butter to provide a similarly rich, nourishing texture, while also adding a pleasant natural scent and enhancing skin hydration.
TIPS & TRICKS
- Keeping the infusion at a steady temperature (~125°F) is crucial to avoid burning the cannabinoids, which could degrade potency. Using a thermometer ensures precise temperature control for optimal infusion.
- After the cream has solidified, whip it with a hand mixer to create a lighter, more spreadable texture, making application easier and more pleasant.
Recipe
SERVINGS: 1
TIME REQUIRED: 3-4 hours
Recipe
- 225 grams unrefined shea butter
- 125 ml almond oil, jojoba oil, or grapeseed oil
- 20 - 40 drops of peppermint essential oil (you can substitute for any essential oil)
- LEVO II machine or crock pot or stone pot or double boiler
- Dried flower (Weight will depend on how much THC you want. More flower = more THC, less flower = less THC. You can also use CBD flower)
Instructions - LEVO Method
- Break up the dried flower into small pieces or use a grinder.
- Add the cannabis flower to the LEVO herb pod.
- Decarboxylate the cannabis using the ‘Activate’ Setting on your LEVO for 45 minutes at 240°F. Your cannabis flower is ready when it turns into a medium rich brown colour.
- Once the flower is decarboxylated, add the shea butter and almond oil into your machine and infuse / cook on low for 2.5 - 3 hours at ~125 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are using the Levo machine, you can set it and forget it.
- Once the oil is finished infusing, dispense just the oil into a glass jar (preferably dark coloured glass jar to prevent oxidization). If you used the pot method, use a cheese cloth or fine strainer to catch all the flower.
- Allow the liquid to solidify into cream form - this will take approximately half a day.
- Once the cream is more solid, you can apply it to anywhere on your body (except open wounds). I like to use it for sore neck, muscles, and tight ankles. Enjoy!
Instructions - Oven & Double Boiler Method
- Preheat your oven to 240°F and ensure that the wire racks are placed on the middle level of your oven.
- Break up your cannabis flower into small pieces or gently with a grinder.
- Lay a piece of parchment paper onto a baking tray.
- Spread the cannabis flower evenly onto the parchment paper.
- Once the oven is preheated to the desired temperature, place the baking tray into the oven for 30-45 minutes. Check on the cannabis flower periodically to ensure that it does not burn. Your cannabis flower is ready when it turns into a medium rich brown colour.
- Using oven mitts, remove the baking tray from the oven and set aside.
- Heat up a small pot on your oven to medium heat, add the shea butter and almond oil into your pot and infuse / cook on low for 2.5 - 3 hours at ~125 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that you are periodically stirring the oil and cannabis to ensure that it does not burn or stick to the pot.
- Once the oil is finished infusing, dispense just the oil into a glass jar (preferably dark coloured glass jar to prevent oxidization). se a cheese cloth or fine strainer to catch all the flower.
- Allow the liquid to solidify into cream form - this will take approximately half a day.
- Once the cream is more solid, you can apply it to anywhere on your body (except open wounds). I like to use it for sore neck, muscles, and tight ankles. Enjoy!
Note: In order to make cannabis edibles at home, you first need to make cannabis infusions. Learn how to make cannabis-infused oil and butter with any LEVO cannabis infusion device. Use my link to get 10% off the LEVO infusion machines here.
FAQ
Q: Can I use a different base butter instead of shea butter?
A: Yes, cocoa butter or mango butter can be used as substitutes for shea butter. They provide similar moisturizing properties and will solidify the cream, though the texture and scent may vary slightly.
Q: How long does the cannabis muscle cream last?
A: When stored in a cool, dark place (preferably in a dark-colored glass jar), the cream can last up to 6 months. Keeping it away from heat and light helps preserve its potency and freshness.
Q: Do I need to decarboxylate the flower before infusing?
A: Yes, decarboxylation is necessary to activate the THC or CBD in the flower, ensuring the cannabinoids are bioavailable in the cream. Skipping this step would result in a less potent product.
Hey I’m Anna, also known as Cannabinista™
I’m a cannabis content creator, recipe developer, and enthusiast for the ancient plant. I’ve dedicated my platforms to helping you create a healthy relationship with cannabis through mindful consumption and providing education that resonates with the modern consumer.
My ultimate goal is to debunk traditional stoner stereotypes and myths, by showcasing the world of cannabis through my POV.
