The short answer: a DIY cannabis bath bomb recipe combines baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch with cannabis-infused oil, then presses the blend into molds and dries it for 24 to 48 hours. Because THC and CBD are not water-soluble, a bath bomb made this way works as a topical soak rather than a way to get high.
What Does a Cannabis Bath Bomb Do?
Does a Cannabis Bath Bomb Get You High?
Most likely, no. Cannabinoids such as THC dissolve in fat and alcohol, not water, so they float in the tub instead of moving into your bloodstream. Skin is also a strong barrier. Without a permeation enhancer or a purpose-built transdermal formula, only a small fraction of the cannabinoids reaches tissue, and that amount sits well below what you would feel from inhaling or eating cannabis.
read more
What you can expect is a warm soak with infused oil that leaves skin soft, plus the comfort of Epsom salt and a relaxing scent. Treat the finished product as a topical, not an edible.
best cannabis bath bombs for pain relief
What You Need
Dry ingredients
- 1 cup baking soda
- 1/2 cup citric acid
- 1/2 cup Epsom salt
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
Wet ingredients
- 2 tbsp cannabis-infused coconut oil or MCT oil, chilled until semi-solid
- 1 tsp polysorbate 80 (optional, helps the oil disperse instead of leaving a slick)
- 10 to 15 drops essential oil, such as lavender or eucalyptus
- Witch hazel or water in a spray bottle
Tools
- Large mixing bowl and whisk
- Bath bomb molds or silicone trays
- Gloves, to keep the mix off your hands
How to Make Cannabis Bath Bombs
- Infuse the oil. Decarboxylate ground cannabis at about 240 F for 40 minutes, then steep it in coconut oil over low heat for 2 to 3 hours. Strain through cheesecloth and let the oil firm up in the fridge.
- Mix the dry ingredients. Whisk baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salt, and cornstarch until no clumps remain. Clumps are the main cause of cracked bombs.
- Add the oil. Work the infused oil and polysorbate 80 into the dry mix with your hands until it looks like damp sand.
- Spritz and test. Mist with witch hazel, stir, and repeat until a handful holds its shape when squeezed. Add liquid in small amounts, since too much starts the fizz early.
- Press into molds. Pack each half tight, mound the centers, and press the halves together. Tap the mold to release.
- Dry and store. Let the bombs air-dry 24 to 48 hours, then seal them in an airtight jar away from humidity and light.
Potency and Ratio Tips
There is no standard dose for a bath bomb, so build your oil first and keep notes. A gentle starting ratio is 1 gram of decarbed flower per 1/2 cup of coconut oil, which keeps the infusion mild and easy to work with.
read more
- If you know your flower potency, divide total milligrams by the number of bombs for a rough per-bomb figure.
- Use less oil than you think. Too much wet ingredient softens the mix and the bombs crumble.
- Skip high-heat methods when infusing, since excess heat degrades cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Label each batch with the date and the oil ratio so you can repeat a favorite.
Storage and Shelf Life
Dried properly, cannabis bath bombs keep for about 3 to 6 months in a sealed container. Moisture is the enemy: a humid bathroom will make them puff and lose their fizz. Store them in a cool, dark cabinet in a glass jar with a tight lid, and add a silica packet if you live in a damp climate.
Safety Notes
- Keep bath bombs out of reach of children and pets, and label them clearly as cannabis products.
- Do not use cannabis topicals if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication without checking with a clinician.
- Rinse the tub after soaking, since infused oil can leave a slick surface.
- Follow your state and local laws on making and possessing cannabis products at home.