How to Make a Cannabis Candle

Lighting candles made with cannabis is a unique way to combine the benefits of aromatherapy, relaxation, and even topical cannabis application. Better yet, there’s no need to shop around for pricey boutique candles to get all the atmospheric and aromatherapeutic benefits offered by a quality candle because you can exercise some of your creative energy by making a set of luxurious cannabis candles yourself!

This guide is here to help by providing information about what cannabis candles are, their potential uses and benefits, and instructions for making some cannabis candles of your very own. 

Benefits of Cannabis Candles

The main feature that makes cannabis candles stand out is these candles’ dual functionality. Candles infused with cannabidiol (CBD), like the DIY ones in this guide, can be used as both aromatherapy and topical therapy. 

Aromatherapy 

Using essential oils in your candles is critical to achieving aromatherapeutic benefits associated with certain botanicals. Terpenes are compounds found in many plants, including cannabis sativa, that produce aromatic properties and corresponding therapeutic benefits in various botanicals. Depending on the aroma you select, an essential oil may aid with energy and focus or relaxation and stress relief. For example, research investigating the effects of aromatherapeutic interventions using lavender and peppermint has indicated that these botanicals can provide benefits for sleep improvement.

Furthermore, when combined with cannabinoids like CBD or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), terpenes can produce synergistic effects they may not otherwise have. For instance, the terpene limonene, found in the peels of citrus fruit, has been shown to mitigate symptoms of anxiety when consumed in conjunction with THC. This is known as the entourage effect. 

Topical Applications 

CBD is one of many cannabinoids found in the cannabis sativa plant. CBD and its biochemical relatives provide therapeutic effects through interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is comprised of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids (naturally occurring cannabinoid compounds created and used within the body), and enzymes for breaking down these endocannabinoids.

By inhibiting the breakdown of endocannabinoids, CBD can increase the effects of endocannabinoids to provide therapeutic results. However, you will not be getting high from your cannabis candle. This is because, unlike THC, CBD does not produce the same psychoactive and cognitive effects associated with inhaling cannabis. 

Nevertheless, melted candle wax infused with CBD can be beneficial in other ways when applied to the skin as a therapeutic topical treatment. Topicals with CBD offer localized relief to areas of application where inflammation or pain is present. Furthermore, the warming sensations delivered by the heated wax can also provide increased soothing effects to areas on the body afflicted by pain, aching, or soreness.

Additionally, there is also the previously mentioned possibility to achieve synergistic effects by mixing CBD with essential oils. For instance, the relaxing scent of lavender essential oil can give you an enhanced muscle relaxation experience when combined with CBD. 

There are numerous combinations to try, and you have the perfect opportunity to experiment with your own recipes for relaxation by taking the next step and making some of these candles yourself. 

How to Make Cannabis Candles

To begin making a cannabis candle, you’ll first need to gather the following supplies:

• A glass container (a jar, drinking glass, or some other creative glass vessel.)
• Hemp wick
• Cardboard
• Strong glue
• Large cooking pot
• Medium glass bowl (heat-safe)
• 1 lb. soy candle wax
• 30 ml hemp seed oil
• Essential oils of your choice (bergamot, lavender, rosemary, etc)
• CBG, CBN, or CBD oil (optional)
• Food thermometer
• Small funnel

Step 1: Secure the Wick in Place

First, cut a length of hemp wick a couple of inches longer than the height of your glass container. Next, place a dot of strong glue (hot glue or super glue) at the bottom of the glass container in the center. Take the hemp wick you cut and stick one end to the glue at the bottom of the container. Depending on how deep or narrow your container is, you may need tweezers to do this. Let the glue set. 

While the glue sets, cut a circle of cardboard that is wider than the top of your glass container, and pierce a small hole through the center of the circle. Create another larger hole in the cardboard circle off to the side — you will later use this hole to pour your wax mixture in using a funnel.

After the glue is set, take your cardboard circle, thread the top end of the hemp wick through the center hole, and then lay the cardboard across the top of the glass container with the wick sticking out of the top.

The cardboard ultimately should serve as a support for your wick when you’re pouring in the wax. 

Step 2: Melt the Wax

To avoid burning the wax when heating it, you are going to use your cooking pot and glass bowl to create a double-boiler. First, bring a few inches of water to a boil in the large cooking pot, then place the medium glass bowl inside the pot. Do not let the water overflow into the bowl.

Next, it’s time to place the soy candle wax inside the glass bowl to melt. Keep the burner at medium-low heat throughout this process.

Step 3: Add Therapeutic Oils

Once the wax has melted, monitor the wax temperature using the kitchen thermometer. When the wax’s temperature reaches about 120-140 degrees Fahrenheit, you will add your other oils. You can add 1-3 doses of your chosen CBD topical plus 1 full dropper of the essential oil(s) you want. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until the oils are incorporated with the melted wax.

Step 4: Pour the Candle and Allow it to Set

Using a small funnel, you will now pour the melted candle wax mixture into your glass container. Insert the funnel into the second hole of your cardboard candle cover, and then carefully pour the candle mixture up to about half an inch from the top of the container. Make sure you don’t overflow the container or cover the wick under wax. 

Leave the cardboard on top until the wax mixture cools completely and sets. After the wax has cooled, you can remove the cardboard from the top of your glass container. Finally, trim the wick to a height of about 1/10 of an inch using a pair of scissors. 

How To Use Your Candle 

There’s still one more step: lighting your candle! Here are a few tips for getting the most out of your candle experience and savoring the product of your hard work.

• Make your wick short: It is optimal to start with a wick that is about 1/10 of an inch high from the surface of the candle. Using a shorter wick ensures that the flame will melt the candle, thus releasing the beneficial aromatics and properties more immediately.
• Generate an even burn: Even though you might want to save more of your candle by extinguishing it early, you should let your candles burn until the wax melts to the edge of the candle. This can take 1 to 2 hours. This practice helps ensure that your candle will burn evenly in future uses without caving in.
• Resize the candle wick: Once your candle is extinguished and has cooled off, trim your wick to the optimal length of about 1/10 of an inch for the next use.

Final Thoughts

Cannabis candles offer a unique and versatile way to enjoy the benefits of CBD and aromatherapy, providing a soothing ambiance and therapeutic potential in one package.

By combining the rich scents of essential oils with the topical benefits of CBD, these candles are more than just a source of light — they’re a tool for wellness and creativity. Plus, the joy of customizing your candle with your favorite aromas and oils ensures that each one is uniquely yours.

So, gather your supplies, roll up your sleeves, and let your creativity shine as you make your very own cannabis candles. Once you experience their therapeutic glow, you’ll wonder how you ever relaxed without them. Happy crafting!