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Cannabis steeped in alcohol is traditionally used as a massage and regenerative preparation in regions of Central and South America, especially among the indigenous communities of Mexico
Mexicans use cannabis steeped in alcohol to treat muscle pain, reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, and joint pain in general

Have you ever wondered that an even better option than the already excellent Alpa could be a cannabis balm based on alcohol, made at home, from your own material, and therefore with your own chosen strength? If so, you have come to the right place today, and yes, an alcohol-based cannabis balm is an excellent choice for treating muscle and joint pain.

Today we will look at the mechanism of action of cannabis steeped in alcohol, its traditional uses among the people of Mexico, and of course also at the recipe and instructions on how to make such a cannabis balm at home.

Traditional Mexican treatment with cannabis alcohol balm

Medicinal cannabis steeped in alcohol and applied to joints or muscles is a traditional "grandmother's trick" in Mexico, considered a guaranteed and effective remedy. Let's look at a report by a CTV News correspondent capturing one such Mexican grandmother, or more precisely a former one, a 53-year-old dancer from Mexico City, who swears by herbal remedies in cannabis substances.

"I am aware that through my activity, growing, and using cannabis for treatment, I am breaking the law of the state of Mexico. But am I really doing something wrong? I firmly believe not. My family has used this recipe for generations, and I have simply taken over the reins. Moreover, I try to stay active, and cannabis as an alcohol balm for muscles and joints simply and plainly helps me with that. I have great faith in the healing effects of cannabis," explains her view on the matter, under the promise of anonymity, the former Mexican dancer in an interview for CTV News.

"Whenever I feel tired, I rub tincture all over my legs, feet, and body. It's an excellent aid. I can do without salt. But without marijuana steeped in alcohol, I'm lost. My grandmother already used this trick her whole life," the slender Mexican woman explains further, showing a bottle with decomposing herbs and a solution inside.

The woman proudly continues the tradition of her own grandmother and treats with cannabis in alcohol, as needed, both her own 3 children and her grandchildren. "When they are congested, I put alcohol compresses with cannabis on their chest and back. If they have a fever, I also add compresses on their belly."

The legalization of cannabis in Mexico is on quite a good path, considering its recent availability for medicinal purposes. Regardless of Mexico's official laws today, medicinal cannabis has been traditionally used for treatment in this area for centuries.

The advantage of cannabis in alcohol is also its durability - cannabis substances (cannabinoids) are well preserved in alcohol, and if one follows the usual conditions of proper storage, such as a properly sealed container and keeping it away from light, the balm will easily last until it is entirely used up.

The use of cannabis in alcohol as a balm for joints and muscles is also approved, for example, by one of the Mexican doctors specializing in the field of addiction and herbal treatment, Huberto Rocca: "Substances from cannabis dissolved in an alcohol rub are a completely traditional and, I must say, effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, fevers, inflammations, or various pains..."

"... it's simply good old medicine, passed down from generation to generation. Every little child here knows that cannabis balm is a remedy their grandmothers use."

What does cannabis in an alcohol balm treat, and how?

Cannabis and the substances it contains (cannabinoids) can reach the inside of the human body through many different pathways. Thanks to the mechanism of our endocannabinoid system, whose receptors are part of most human cells, medicinal substances from cannabis, let's say, get along very well with our bodies. The therapeutic effects of marijuana can thus be achieved through smoking or vaporization and absorption of substances through the lungs. Cannabis edibles can also be used, where we utilize the absorption of cannabinoids through the digestive tract.

However, not everyone wants to bite into a cannabis brownie and crash on the couch because of a calf cramp, or start rolling joints. When applying medicinal substances through the skin, another excellent option arises to use the effects of marijuana only topically. If you pull, for example, a trapezius muscle, with cannabis balms you have the option to apply the active substance directly at the site of need and target the active substance exactly where the body needs it most at that moment.

The method of treating with cannabis through local application via the skin is also a very suitable choice for those who have no or only little experience with cannabis so far. In the vast majority of cases, applying cannabis balms externally to the body does not produce any psychoactive effects for users.

Recipe: How to steep cannabis in alcohol

1. Ingredients:

* Always use organic products. Below you will find tips on quality materials and ingredients that you can add to the production of the cannabis balm

• The first step is, of course, your chosen cannabis mix. You can use both leaves and marijuana flowers. You will naturally achieve stronger concentrations of cannabinoids and a better effect by using quality flower. As an addition, you can also use, for example, St. John's Wort, devil's claw, cayenne pepper, turmeric, arnica, ginger... the resulting mix should fill approximately 2/3 of your chosen, sealable container.

• Users recommend especially strains with a high CBD content for making cannabis in alcohol

• Rubbing alcohol

2. Manufacturing process

* The manufacturing method here is very similar to making homemade cannabis tinctures

Mix all your chosen ingredients and place them, well mixed, into the final container. Before steeping, it is worth finely grinding the whole mixture into small pieces.

Pour pure alcohol over the entire mixture and leave just a few centimeters of space at the top.

Mix and shake the entire mixture very thoroughly.

Seal the container so that no air can get in and let it stand in a relatively warm place.

Let the mix steep for at least 4 to 6 weeks. Shake it every day.

After 4-6 weeks of steeping and shaking, filter the entire mixture through a colorless piece of quality cloth and pour the clean mixture without impurities into the final container. For safety, label the container.

with a note: FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY. Store in a dark and cool place.

3. Dosage of cannabis in alcohol

If you need acute treatment for a recent injury (e.g., a pulled muscle), apply the mixture every 10 minutes for a full hour or two. Otherwise, apply as needed until you feel the desired relief from pain or other symptoms.

4. Tips for using cannabis in alcohol

• Rubbing the cannabis solution on the temples, back of the neck, and forehead is, according to users, a great way to get rid of headaches and migraines

• For arthritis, apply the cannabis mixture directly to the painful and swollen joints

• For symptoms of athlete's foot or fungal infections in general, an alcohol-based cannabis balm can help in most cases. During treatment, apply the mixture frequently and thoroughly.

• To help with sore and stiff muscles, simply massage the mixture into the affected area

Note: Do not expect this to be a cure-all and that the effects will be equally good for everyone. Always use common sense when applying, and if you are unsure about something or have doubts, consult your doctor. The information in this article is for educational purposes only, and the final decision must always be made by you yourself, at your own risk.

Video tutorial on making cannabis in alcohol

If you want to see the production of an alcohol-based cannabis balm directly in action, we recommend watching, for example, the following video: