How to make cannabis lotion: 5 Powerful Tips for Amazing Results 2025

The Healing Power of DIY Cannabis Topicals

How to make cannabis lotion in 5 simple steps:

1. Decarboxylate cannabis: Bake ground flower at 240°F for 30-45 minutes
2. Create cannabis-infused oil: Simmer decarbed cannabis in carrier oil (coconut/olive) for 2-3 hours at 160-200°F
3. Strain the infused oil: Remove plant material using cheesecloth
4. Blend with lotion base: Mix infused oil with shea butter, aloe vera gel, and emulsifying wax
5. Store properly: Keep in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks at room temperature or 1 month refrigerated

How to make cannabis lotion at home is simpler than you might think. Cannabis-infused lotions deliver targeted relief right where you need it without any psychoactive effects. Unlike smoking or edibles, topicals work directly on skin receptors, making them perfect for localized discomfort while keeping your mind clear.

The best part? You control exactly what goes into your formula. Store-bought options often contain preservatives and artificial fragrances, but your homemade version can be customized with natural ingredients that work best for your skin.

I’m Jeremy Rivera, owner of Terp Bros dispensary in Queens, where I’ve helped countless customers find relief through cannabis topicals and developed my own how to make cannabis lotion techniques after years of experimentation with various cannabinoid ratios and natural botanicals.

How to make cannabis lotion terms explained:
– How to dose cannabis edibles
– How to make cannabis capsules
– How to make cannabis tea

What Is Cannabis Lotion & How Does It Compare to Balms, Salves, and Creams?

Ever wondered what makes cannabis lotion different from all those other topicals at the dispensary? Let’s break it down in simple terms.

Cannabis lotion is essentially a water-based moisturizer infused with cannabinoids that work directly through your skin. What makes lotions stand out in the cannabis topical world is their high water content—about 75% water—giving them that light, silky feel that absorbs quickly without leaving behind any greasy residue.

“I love recommending cannabis lotions to first-time topical users,” says Jeremy from Terp Bros. “They’re familiar—just like regular lotion—but with the added benefits of cannabinoids that target discomfort right where you apply them.”

Type	Water Content	Consistency	Absorption	Best For
Lotion	~75%	Light, fluid	Quick	Daily use, moisturizing
Cream	~50%	Thicker, whipped	Medium	Deeper moisturizing
Salve	0%	Firm, waxy	Slow	Targeted relief, barrier protection
Balm	0%	Very firm	Very slow	Deep tissue, long-lasting effects

Why Choose a Lotion?

Fast absorption is the biggest selling point of cannabis lotions. When you need quick relief without waiting around, lotions deliver cannabinoids efficiently through your skin. They’re perfect for:

Daily skincare routines since they’re light enough to use morning and night without feeling heavy. The lightweight feel makes them ideal for covering larger areas like backs and legs without using too much product. Plus, they’re generally less likely to clog pores than their heavier oil-based cousins.

Sandra from Astoria tells us, “I keep my homemade cannabis lotion on my nightstand and apply it to my shoulders every morning. It absorbs before I even finish my coffee, and I’m ready to start my day pain-free.”

When a Salve or Balm Might Be Better

While I love a good cannabis lotion, sometimes you need something with more staying power. Consider switching to a salve or balm when you need:

A long-lasting barrier that keeps cannabinoids in contact with your skin for extended periods. The wax content creates a protective seal that’s perfect for overnight treatment. They also offer deeper penetration into tissues, making them ideal for stubborn joint issues or post-workout recovery.

“For my mother’s arthritis,” shares Mike from Jackson Heights, “we use cannabis lotion during the day when she’s active, but switch to a thicker cannabis salve before bed. The salve stays put all night, working on those painful knuckles while she sleeps.”

Both options have their place in your cannabis wellness routine—it’s not about which is better, but which is right for your specific needs at different times.

How Do Cannabis Lotions Work—And Will They Get Me High?

Ever wonder what happens when you smooth that cannabis lotion onto your skin? It’s actually pretty fascinating. Your skin has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS) with receptors waiting to interact with those plant compounds. When you apply cannabis-infused lotion, the cannabinoids bind primarily to CB2 receptors nestled in your skin’s layers.

The good news? You won’t get high from cannabis lotions.

That’s right—even lotions packed with THC won’t send your mind soaring. Why? Because these compounds work locally, right where you apply them, without significantly entering your bloodstream. This makes them perfect for folks who want relief without any head change.

“I was nervous about trying cannabis products at first,” shares Maria, a Terp Bros customer from Astoria. “But when I learned topicals don’t affect your mind, I gave them a try for my shoulder pain. Now I’m making my own cannabis lotion at home!”

Key Cannabinoids in Topicals

Your skin responds differently to various cannabinoids, each offering unique benefits:

THC works wonders for pain and inflammation by activating those CB1 and CB2 receptors in your skin. CBD fights inflammation without any psychoactive effects and may help with various skin conditions. THCa, the raw, non-decarboxylated form of THC, shows promising anti-inflammatory properties without the high.

Emerging research on CBG suggests it might benefit overall skin health, while CBC improves other cannabinoids’ effects through what scientists call the entourage effect—basically, these plant compounds work better as a team than solo artists.

“Full-spectrum cannabis lotions typically give more comprehensive relief than isolates,” explains Jeremy from Terp Bros. “It’s like the difference between listening to a full orchestra versus a single instrument.”

Potential Benefits Backed by Studies

Science is catching up with what many users already know—cannabis topicals can be incredibly effective. Research published in scientific journals shows several promising applications:

When it comes to pain relief, a 2016 study found topical CBD reduced arthritis pain and inflammation without side effects. For skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis, cannabinoids appear to slow down excessive skin cell growth and calm inflammation.

Those battling acne might be interested to know that CBD’s ability to regulate oil production and reduce inflammation makes it a promising treatment option. And for those concerned about aging skin, cannabinoids may actually be stronger antioxidants than vitamins C and E, potentially protecting your skin from environmental damage.

“What makes cannabis topicals so special,” says Dr. Green, a dermatologist specializing in cannabis skincare, “is their ability to address multiple issues at once—pain, inflammation, and skin barrier repair—without the side effects we often see in pharmaceutical options.”

At Terp Bros, we’ve seen customers from all walks of life find relief through topicals, whether store-bought or homemade. The beauty of learning how to make cannabis lotion is that you can customize it precisely for your needs—whether that’s soothing muscle soreness after a workout or calming irritated skin.

How to Make Cannabis Lotion at Home: Step-by-Step

Ready to roll up your sleeves and create your own cannabis-infused skincare? How to make cannabis lotion at home is simpler than you might think, and the results can be custom exactly to your needs. This recipe makes about 16 ounces of therapeutic lotion—perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!

Ingredients Checklist:
– 7-10g cannabis flower (or trim)
– 1 cup carrier oil (coconut, olive, or sweet almond oil)
– ¼ cup emulsifying wax
– ¾ cup distilled water
– ⅓ cup aloe vera gel
– 2 tablespoons shea butter or cocoa butter (optional)
– 1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin (optional for smoothness)
– 1 teaspoon vitamin E oil (as a natural preservative)
– 10-15 drops essential oils of choice (lavender, peppermint, tea tree, etc.)
– ¼ teaspoon broad-spectrum preservative (optional but recommended for longer shelf life)

You’ll also need some basic equipment: an oven with baking sheet, double-boiler (or a heat-safe bowl and pot), thermometer, cheesecloth, mixing bowls, stick blender or whisk, scale for dosing, storage containers, and gloves for handling hot materials safely.

Step 1: Decarboxylate Your Cannabis

Think of decarboxylation as waking up your cannabis. This process transforms the inactive cannabinoids into their active forms through gentle heating.

Preheat your oven to a precise 240-245°F—this temperature sweet spot activates cannabinoids without destroying them. Break your flower into small pieces (not powder!) and spread them evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover loosely with foil to preserve those aromatic terpenes, then bake for 30-45 minutes until your cannabis turns a light toasty brown.

“This chemistry step open ups the full potential of your plant,” explains one of our cultivation specialists at Terp Bros. “You can skip it if you want the benefits of raw cannabinoids like THCa, but for full-spectrum effects, decarbing is essential.”

Pro tip: For preserving more of those beneficial terpenes, try decarbing at a slightly lower 220°F for 45-60 minutes instead. Your nose (and skin) will thank you!

Step 2: Infuse Your Carrier Oil

Now comes the extraction—pulling those valuable compounds into your carrier oil.

Gently grind your decarboxylated cannabis (not too fine!) and combine it with your chosen carrier oil in a double-boiler. Maintain a steady temperature between 160-200°F for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally. Watch that thermometer carefully—too hot will destroy cannabinoids, too cool won’t extract efficiently.

You’ll know it’s working as the oil gradually takes on a rich green or amber color with that distinctive cannabis aroma. After infusion, let it cool slightly before straining through cheesecloth into a clean container. Give it a gentle squeeze to get every precious drop, but don’t wring it too hard or you’ll push plant material through.

“The low-and-slow approach is absolutely key,” shares Rosa from our Astoria shop. “I’ve seen folks try to rush this step with higher heat, but you’ll just end up with a less effective product. Patience makes perfect lotion.”

Step 3: Blend the Water Phase & Oil Phase

This is where science meets art—emulsification combines water and oil that normally repel each other into a stable, creamy lotion.

Create your water phase by heating distilled water and aloe vera gel to about 160°F in one container. In a separate container, combine your cannabis-infused oil, emulsifying wax, and any butter additives to the same temperature.

The magic moment: slowly pour the water phase into the oil phase while blending vigorously with a stick blender. Keep mixing for 3-5 minutes until you see the mixture transform before your eyes—thickening and becoming beautifully creamy. Allow it to cool to about 120°F, blending occasionally to maintain that perfect emulsion.

“Getting this step right creates that silky texture we all love in good lotions,” notes Dr. Green. “It’s satisfying to watch two incompatible liquids become one stable mixture that will effectively deliver cannabinoids to your skin.”

Step 4: Add Improvers & Pour

The finishing touches make your lotion truly special and personal.

Once cooled to 120°F, it’s time to add your “cool down” ingredients: vitamin E oil (a natural preservative), vegetable glycerin (for silkiness), your chosen essential oils, and preservative if using. Blend for another minute to incorporate everything evenly.

While still warm but not hot, pour your creation into sterilized containers—glass jars or pump bottles work beautifully. Let everything cool completely before capping, then label with the date, ingredients, and approximate cannabinoid content.

“Don’t underestimate those essential oils,” our Terp Bros herbalist often reminds customers. “They’re not just for smell—they’re active ingredients too. Lavender promotes relaxation, peppermint creates a cooling sensation for sore muscles, and tea tree offers natural antimicrobial protection. Choose oils that complement what you’re trying to achieve with your cannabis lotion.”

Customizing, Dosing & Troubleshooting Your Batch

The real joy of how to make cannabis lotion comes when you start making it truly yours. Think of your first batch as just the beginning—a canvas ready for your personal touches.

Add-Ins for Improved Benefits

Your skin deserves the best, so why not improve your lotion with ingredients that complement cannabis? If your hands feel extra dry, add a bit more shea butter or a splash of jojoba oil for deeper moisture. Dealing with irritated skin? Calendula-infused oil works wonders alongside cannabis for healing properties.

“I always recommend matching your add-ins to your specific needs,” shares Marcus from our Terp Bros team in Astoria. “For customers dealing with post-workout soreness, we suggest adding arnica oil to their cannabis lotion for that extra muscle relief.”

For cooling sensations that feel amazing on hot summer days, a few drops of peppermint essential oil or a tiny amount of menthol crystals creates that refreshing tingle. If you’re targeting specific skin conditions, consider tea tree oil for its antimicrobial properties or chamomile for sensitive, reactive skin.

What’s really fascinating is how cannabis terpenes can work with essential oils. “When your cannabis strain is high in limonene, adding some sweet orange or lemon essential oil creates this beautiful synergy,” explains our product specialist. “The effects just seem to amplify each other.”

Calculating Potency Per Teaspoon

Knowing your lotion’s strength helps you use it consistently and effectively. Let’s break down the math into something simple:

Start with your flower’s potency. If you used 7 grams of cannabis with 15% THC, that’s potentially 1050mg of THC total. Since the extraction process isn’t perfect (typically 70-80% efficient), you’ll end up with around 735-840mg in your oil.

Now, if your final lotion is 16 ounces (about 473ml), divide your cannabinoid content by this volume. Using 800mg as our example: 800mg ÷ 473ml = about 1.69mg THC per milliliter. Since a teaspoon holds roughly 5ml, each teaspoon of your lotion contains approximately 8.45mg THC.

“Unlike edibles where precise dosing is crucial, topicals give you more wiggle room,” says Jeremy at Terp Bros. “Still, understanding your lotion’s strength helps you track what works best. My customers usually start with a dime-sized amount and adjust from there.”

For CBD calculations, just substitute your CBD percentage in the same formula. Many of our Queens customers prefer a balanced 1:1 THC:CBD ratio for their homemade lotions, reporting more comprehensive relief.

Common Problems & Quick Fixes

Even the most experienced DIY enthusiasts run into issues sometimes. Here’s how to save a batch that’s not quite perfect:

Is your how to make cannabis lotion creation too thick? No worries—simply add more aloe vera gel, one tablespoon at a time, blending until you reach that perfect consistency. On the flip side, if it’s too runny, remelt equal parts shea butter and coconut oil, let cool slightly, then blend small amounts into your mixture until it thickens up.

Separation is probably the most common issue we hear about. “If you open your jar and see oil floating on top, don’t panic,” reassures our product specialist. “Gently rewarm the whole batch, add a pinch more emulsifying wax, and blend again. It usually comes right back together.”

Finding mold is unfortunately a deal-breaker—that batch needs to go. For future reference, using a preservative, sterilizing all equipment, and keeping your lotion refrigerated extends shelf life significantly. And if you notice a gritty texture, try whipping longer and adding a touch more vegetable glycerin for that silky-smooth feel.

“Making your own cannabis lotion is like cooking—each batch teaches you something new,” shares Rosa from our Astoria shop. “Soon you’ll develop an intuitive feel for it, adjusting ingredients based on season, skin needs, and the specific relief you’re seeking.”

Storage, Safety & New York Legal Notes

Taking care of your homemade cannabis lotion is just as important as making it. After all that mixing and blending, you’ll want to make sure your creation stays fresh and effective!

Homemade cannabis lotions are quite different from store-bought products when it comes to shelf life. Without commercial preservatives, your DIY creation typically lasts about 2 weeks at room temperature. Pop it in the fridge, and you can extend that to about a month.

“I learned this lesson the hard way,” shares Melissa from Astoria. “I made a huge batch my first time and ended up watching half of it go bad. Now I make smaller batches every few weeks, which actually lets me experiment with different scents and strengths.”

When choosing containers, opt for opaque bottles or jars that protect those precious cannabinoids from light degradation. Pump bottles are your best friend here – they keep fingers (and the bacteria that come with them) out of your lotion, helping it stay fresher longer.

“At Terp Bros, we recommend dark amber or cobalt blue bottles for home formulators,” says our wellness specialist. “They’re not just pretty – they’re functional for preserving potency.”

Safety Considerations

Before slathering your homemade cannabis lotion all over, take a moment for safety:

Always do a patch test first! Apply a small amount to your inner wrist and wait 24 hours to make sure you don’t have any reaction. Even natural ingredients can cause sensitivities for some people.

Keep your creation away from broken skin, cuts, or mucous membranes. While cannabis has antimicrobial properties, your homemade lotion isn’t sterile and could introduce bacteria to vulnerable areas.

Be especially careful if you have cannabis allergies. Just because you’re not smoking it doesn’t mean you can’t react to it topically. The skin is an organ too!

“One customer told me she was fine with smoking but developed a rash from her homemade cannabis lotion,” Jeremy from Terp Bros recalls. “Turns out she was reacting to the essential oil she added, not the cannabis itself. That’s why testing is so important.”

And of course, store your creations out of reach of children and pets, with clear labels about what’s inside.

New York Legal Notes

Making your own cannabis products in New York comes with some important legal considerations that we at Terp Bros want you to be aware of:

The good news is adult-use cannabis is legal in New York, and limited home cultivation for personal use is permitted, which means you can grow plants specifically for your DIY lotions. Just make sure you’re following the state guidelines on plant counts and storage.

New York’s Cannabis Adult-Use Retail Dispensary (CAURD) program has created pathways for justice-involved individuals to enter the legal cannabis market. This social equity initiative is something we’re passionate about at Terp Bros, where we believe in cannabis access coupled with community responsibility.

When transporting any cannabis products – even your homemade lotions – keep them in closed, sealed containers. And while making cannabis lotion for personal use is perfectly fine, selling homemade cannabis products without proper licensing remains illegal.

“We love seeing customers take control of their wellness through DIY projects,” says Jeremy Rivera of Terp Bros. “But we also understand not everyone has the time or interest to make their own. That’s why we offer a range of tested, consistent topicals in our dispensary with longer shelf life for those who prefer the professional touch.”

Whether you’re making your own or shopping at our Astoria location, we’re here to support your cannabis wellness journey with delivery available throughout Queens.

Next Steps: From DIY Experiments to Ready-Made Relief

You’ve done it! Your first batch of homemade cannabis lotion is cooling on your kitchen counter. There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own wellness products, isn’t there? But this is just the beginning of your cannabis topical journey.

Compare Your Creation

After your DIY trip, you might wonder how your creation stacks up against professionally made products. Many of our regular customers at Terp Bros move fluidly between homemade and store-bought options, using each to inform the other.

“I started making my own cannabis lotion for my arthritis,” shares Maria from Astoria. “Then I tried Terp Bros’ professionally made balm and realized I could improve my recipe by adding more beeswax for longer-lasting effects. Now I keep both on hand—my homemade version for daily use and the stronger dispensary product for bad flare-up days.”

This back-and-forth between DIY and professional products creates a wonderful feedback loop. You’ll find textures, scents, and effects that you might want to incorporate into your next homemade batch.

Join the Community

The DIY cannabis community in Queens is thriving, full of knowledgeable enthusiasts eager to share their wisdom:

“What amazes me is how cultural traditions blend with cannabis science here in Queens,” Rosa from our Woodside delivery team tells me. “Last month, a customer from Jackson Heights shared her family’s turmeric-cannabis salve recipe that combines her grandmother’s Ayurvedic knowledge with modern cannabinoid research. That’s the beauty of our diverse community.”

At Terp Bros, we nurture this community spirit through educational workshops at our Astoria location. These sessions bring together curious beginners and experienced formulators to exchange tips and troubleshoot common issues. The conversations that happen after our formal presentations are often where the real magic happens—neighbors connecting over shared interests and helping each other perfect their recipes.

Explore Professional Alternatives

Let’s be honest—sometimes life gets busy, and you don’t have three hours to infuse oil for your next batch of how to make cannabis lotion. That’s when having a trusted backup becomes essential.

For those days when convenience trumps creativity, Terp Bros offers a thoughtfully selected range of topicals that deliver consistent relief. Our products undergo rigorous testing to ensure reliable potency and extended shelf life, giving you peace of mind when you need it most.

“I see DIY and commercial products as two sides of the same wellness coin,” explains Jeremy, founder of Terp Bros. “Some days you want the therapeutic process of creating something with your own hands. Other days, you just need quick, dependable relief. We’re here for both scenarios.”

Whether you’re crafting cannabis lotion in your apartment or ordering a ready-made topical with our Queens delivery service, the goal remains unchanged: natural, effective relief that helps you feel better in your body. And isn’t that what the cannabis journey is all about—finding what works for you, your way?

The beautiful thing about cannabis topicals is how personal they become. Your homemade lotion might be perfect for your unique needs, or you might find that a blend of DIY and professional products creates your ideal wellness routine. Either way, we’re here to support your exploration—with knowledge, quality ingredients, and a community that understands the healing power of the plant we all appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Make Cannabis Lotion

Do I have to decarb for a non-psychoactive lotion?

You can actually skip the decarboxylation step if you’re specifically interested in using the power of THCa and CBDa—the acidic, non-activated forms of these cannabinoids. These compounds have their own impressive therapeutic properties, particularly when it comes to fighting inflammation.

“What’s fascinating is that some of our regular customers at Terp Bros specifically ask for non-decarbed topicals,” Jeremy shares. “They describe the effects as more subtle but surprisingly effective for certain inflammatory conditions.”

That said, most scientific research on cannabis topicals involves the activated forms (THC and CBD), so decarboxylation is generally recommended if you want to maximize the therapeutic benefits based on current studies. The choice really depends on the specific relief you’re seeking.

How long does homemade cannabis lotion stay potent?

The cannabinoids in your DIY lotion will maintain their potency for about 1-2 months when stored properly. However, the bigger concern with homemade products is the water-containing base, which can develop microbial growth before potency becomes an issue if you’re not careful.

Proper storage is your best friend here:
– Keep your lotion in the refrigerator to significantly extend its shelf life
– Always use clean utensils when scooping out product
– Consider adding natural preservatives like vitamin E oil
– Pay attention to any changes in smell, color, or texture

“Trust your nose,” our product specialist often tells customers. “If your lotion smells off, looks separated, or has changed color noticeably, it’s time to whip up a fresh batch—regardless of when you made it.”

Can I mix both THC and CBD in the same recipe?

Absolutely—and I’d even encourage it! Combining THC and CBD often creates more effective topicals thanks to the entourage effect, where cannabinoids work synergistically rather than in isolation.

Different ratios serve different needs:
– A 1:1 THC:CBD ratio provides balanced relief that works well for general use
– Try a 1:3 THC:CBD ratio for a CBD-dominant formula that targets inflammation with minimal THC
– A 3:1 THC:CBD ratio gives you THC-dominant relief for more intense pain

“We’ve noticed something interesting at our Queens locations,” Rosa points out. “Customers in Forest Hills and Flushing consistently report that balanced THC:CBD topicals work better than single-cannabinoid products. The combination seems to address multiple aspects of discomfort all at once.”

You can achieve these ratios by mixing different cannabis strains or by adding CBD isolate or oil to your THC-infused base—whatever works best with the ingredients you have on hand.

Can I use cannabis lotion on my face?

Yes, but proceed with care. Facial skin is more delicate and typically more reactive than the skin on the rest of your body. If you’re creating a cannabis facial lotion, make these thoughtful adjustments:

Use non-comedogenic oils like jojoba or argan instead of coconut oil, which can clog pores. Cut the essential oil concentration in half, and avoid potentially irritating additives like menthol or camphor. Always do a patch test first, and consider starting with a lower cannabis concentration until you see how your skin responds.

“For facial applications, I always suggest starting with a very gentle cannabis lotion and watching carefully for any reactions,” advises our skincare specialist. “CBD-dominant formulations tend to be better tolerated for facial use than high-THC versions in my experience working with customers.”

Will cannabis lotion cause me to fail a drug test?

The good news is that topical cannabis products typically don’t cause failed drug tests because the cannabinoids don’t enter your bloodstream in significant amounts. However, there are a few important considerations:

Using lotion on broken skin might increase absorption. Very frequent, heavy application theoretically could lead to minimal systemic absorption. And there’s always the possibility of cross-contamination if you handle cannabis flower and then touch your mouth without washing your hands.

“In all our years serving Queens customers from healthcare and other professions that require testing, we haven’t encountered verified reports of topicals causing failed tests,” Jeremy notes. “Still, if drug testing is a serious concern in your workplace, it’s better to proceed with caution or consider CBD-only formulations.”

How can I make my cannabis lotion smell better?

Let’s be honest—cannabis has a distinctive aroma that some find medicinal or earthy. If you’re looking to improve the fragrance of your homemade cannabis lotion, try these effective solutions:

Essential oils like lavender, citrus, mint, or eucalyptus can mask the cannabis scent while adding their own therapeutic benefits. A few drops of vanilla extract adds a pleasant sweetness that many find appealing. Your strain selection matters too—some cannabis varieties naturally have more pleasant terpene profiles than others.

Multiple filtration of your infused oil can reduce plant matter and strong aromas. And sometimes the best approach is to choose complementary scents that blend with rather than fight against the cannabis notes.

“At our East Elmhurst delivery hub, we’ve finded that citrus essential oils like sweet orange or lemongrass tend to complement cannabis scents particularly well,” our product development team has found after much experimentation.

Your homemade cannabis lotion is a personal creation—customize it to suit your preferences, needs, and comfort level. The journey of learning how to make cannabis lotion can be just as rewarding as the relief it ultimately provides.