CBD, or cannabidiol, has become a popular and versatile wellness product in recent years. From tinctures to edibles and topicals, there are various ways to incorporate this natural compound into your routine. While CBD oil and tinctures are widely known, one of the most effective and innovative methods for using CBD is through DIY topicals. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the benefits of CBD, why incorporating CBD flower into your topicals is beneficial, and how you can make your own customized CBD-infused lotions, creams, and balms.

By the end of this post, you'll have all the knowledge you need to get started on creating your very own CBD-infused topicals, which can support skin health, soothe aches, and provide overall relaxation.

Let’s dive into the world of CBD and discover how to use CBD flower in DIY topicals.

What is CBD and How Does It Work?

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound found in the hemp plant, and it is one of over 100 cannabinoids that have been discovered in cannabis. Unlike THC, CBD does not cause any “high” feelings, making it an attractive option for those seeking the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.

CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps maintain balance or homeostasis in various bodily functions such as sleep, mood, pain, and immune response. By interacting with the ECS receptors, CBD may have a range of potential health benefits, including:

• Pain Relief: CBD has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation and relieve chronic pain, making it an excellent option for those dealing with sore muscles or joint pain.

• Skin Care: Topical CBD applications are believed to promote skin health by reducing inflammation, supporting hydration, and potentially alleviating symptoms of conditions like acne or eczema.

• Relaxation: CBD may help promote a sense of calm and relaxation without the sedative effects of THC, making it ideal for managing stress and anxiety.

The Benefits of Using CBD Flower in DIY Topicals

While CBD oils and tinctures are commonly used for consumption, CBD flower has unique advantages when it comes to DIY topicals. When CBD flower is used in making homemade topical products, it allows for greater control over the potency, application, and overall experience. Here are some benefits of using CBD flower in your homemade skincare products:

• Full-Spectrum Benefits: Unlike CBD isolates or distillates, CBD flower contains a variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. This results in a full-spectrum effect that may enhance the benefits of the CBD when applied topically.

• Higher Potency: By infusing CBD flower into oils or butters, you can customize the potency of your DIY topicals. This gives you the flexibility to create products with higher concentrations of CBD for targeted relief.

• Cost-Effective: Buying pre-made CBD-infused topicals can be expensive. Making your own allows you to customize the product to your needs while saving money in the long run.

• Customizable Scents and Ingredients: Using CBD flower allows you to experiment with different carrier oils, essential oils, and other ingredients to create a topical product tailored to your preferences.

Now that we understand the benefits of using CBD flower, let's dive into how you can make your own DIY CBD topicals using CBD flower.

What You Need to Make DIY CBD Topicals

Before you get started on your DIY CBD topical creations, you’ll need a few essential ingredients and tools. Here's a list of what you will need:

Essential Ingredients:

• CBD Flower: The star of your DIY CBD topical! Choose high-quality CBD flower from a reputable source. A good starting point is to use a flower that has a high CBD content, such as Lifter, Suver Haze, or Early Blossom.

• Carrier Oil: Carrier oils are used to extract the CBD from the flower and help deliver it to your skin. Popular carrier oils for CBD infusions include coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and hemp seed oil. Choose an oil that suits your skin type and personal preferences.

• Beeswax (Optional): If you want to make a balm or salve, you’ll need beeswax to give the product a thicker consistency. Beeswax also helps lock moisture into the skin.

• Essential Oils (Optional): To enhance the scent and add additional therapeutic benefits to your DIY CBD topical, you can include essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil. These oils can provide soothing effects, aid in relaxation, or even help with skin conditions.

Tools You Will Need:

• Double Boiler or Slow Cooker: To heat and infuse the CBD flower into your chosen carrier oil, you’ll need a gentle heat source. A double boiler works well for this purpose, but a slow cooker can also be used if you are making larger batches.

• Strainer or Cheesecloth: To remove the plant material from the oil after the infusion process, you will need a strainer or cheesecloth. This ensures that only the infused oil is left, without any plant matter.

• Containers: Depending on whether you’re making a lotion, balm, or cream, you’ll need containers to store your DIY CBD topical. Glass jars, plastic containers, or metal tins are all suitable options.

How to Infuse CBD Flower into Oil for DIY Topicals

Before you can make your own CBD-infused lotions, balms, or creams, you’ll need to extract the beneficial compounds from the CBD flower into your carrier oil. The process of infusing CBD flower into oil is simple, but it requires patience and gentle heat to ensure you don’t damage the delicate cannabinoids.

Step 1: Decarboxylate the CBD Flower

Decarboxylation is the process of heating the CBD flower to activate its cannabinoids, particularly CBD. By heating the flower at a low temperature, you convert the inactive CBDa (cannabidiolic acid) into the active CBD compound that provides the therapeutic benefits. This step is crucial for ensuring the potency of your DIY CBD topicals.

To decarboxylate your CBD flower:

1. Preheat your oven to 220°F (105°C).

2. Break the CBD flower into smaller pieces and spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

3. Bake the CBD flower for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.

4. Once the flower is golden and slightly crumbly, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool.

Step 2: Infuse the CBD Flower into Carrier Oil

Once your CBD flower is decarboxylated, it’s time to infuse it into your chosen carrier oil. This can be done using a double boiler or a slow cooker.

1. Double Boiler Method:

   • Place your decarboxylated CBD flower and carrier oil (about 1 cup of oil for every 7-10 grams of CBD flower) in the top of the double boiler.

   • Heat the mixture on low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure the flower and oil are well mixed.

   • Be sure to keep the temperature below 200°F (93°C) to prevent overheating the oil and damaging the cannabinoids.

2. Slow Cooker Method:

   • Add the decarboxylated CBD flower and carrier oil to the slow cooker.

   • Set the slow cooker to the lowest setting and let it infuse for 4-6 hours.

   • Stir the mixture every hour to ensure an even infusion.

After the infusion process is complete, strain the oil through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer to remove the plant matter. You should now have a potent CBD-infused carrier oil ready to be used in your DIY topicals.

Step 3: Make Your DIY CBD Topical

Now that you have your CBD-infused oil, you can use it to create various topical products such as balms, creams, or lotions. The process for making each of these is slightly different, but they all begin with the same infused CBD oil base.

DIY CBD Balm (Salve)

1. In a double boiler, melt 1/4 cup of beeswax along with 1/2 cup of your CBD-infused oil.

2. Once melted, stir in 10-15 drops of your favorite essential oils.

3. Pour the mixture into a container and allow it to cool and solidify.

4. Once set, you’ll have a soothing balm that you can apply to sore muscles, dry skin, or areas in need of targeted relief.

DIY CBD Lotion

1. In a separate bowl, combine 1/4 cup of shea butter or cocoa butter with 1/4 cup of your CBD-infused oil.

2. Slowly add 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel to the mixture and whisk until fully combined.

3. Add a few drops of your preferred essential oils and stir well.

4. Transfer the lotion into a container, and allow it to set before use.

DIY CBD Cream

1. Mix 1/4 cup of CBD-infused oil with 1/4 cup of coconut oil in a double boiler.

2. Add 1/4 cup of shea butter and let everything melt together.

3. Once melted, add a few drops of essential oils and whisk to combine.

4. Let the cream cool and solidify before applying it to your skin.

How to Use CBD Flower-Infused Topicals

Now that you have your homemade CBD topicals, it’s time to put them to good use. CBD-infused lotions, balms, and creams are best applied directly to areas of discomfort or dryness. Here’s how to make the most of your CBD topicals:

• For Skin Care: Apply your CBD lotion or cream to dry or irritated skin. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties may help soothe conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis.

• For Muscle or Joint Pain: Use CBD balms or creams on sore muscles, joints, or areas of tension. The combination of CBD’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties may help reduce discomfort.

• For Relaxation: Massaging a CBD-infused product into your skin before bedtime or after a stressful day can help promote relaxation and soothe both body and mind.

Conclusion

Making your own CBD topicals using CBD flower is a rewarding and customizable way to enjoy the benefits of CBD. By infusing CBD flower into oils, balms, lotions, or creams, you can create your own unique products that meet your specific needs, whether for skincare, pain relief, or relaxation. Plus, DIY CBD topicals are a cost-effective and fun way to experience the full spectrum of benefits that CBD has to offer.

If you’re ready to get started on your DIY CBD journey, be sure to check out the premium CBD tinctures available at Oregon Hemp Flower CBD Tinctures. They offer a wide selection of high-quality tinctures that are perfect for adding to your homemade topicals. Whether you’re looking for a 500 mg CBD tincture, 1000 mg CBD tincture 30 ml, or a cbd oil tincture, they have everything you need to enhance your DIY projects.

Now that you have all the knowledge to create your own CBD topicals, the next step is to start experimenting and enjoying the therapeutic benefits that come with using CBD in your skincare routine. Happy crafting!