Cannabis Topicals in
Relieve pain with high-quality CBD and THC topicals. Cream, gel, and lotion for localized relief.
What are Cannabis Topicals
Cannabis topicals, or “weed topicals,” are products like lotions, creams, gels, patches, and oils that are infused with THC, CBD, or a combination of the two to offer pain relief.
Unlike smoking cannabis, which will have a psychoactive effect, topical products do not enter the bloodstream, but provide pain-relieving benefits through the skin, as well as an anti-inflammatory response. These topical cannabis products can come in a range of potencies and can incorporate added ingredients, such as anuria, for cooling, and soothing benefits upon application. In addition, ingredients like shea butter can help provide added hydration on top of the benefits of a THC or CBD cream blend.
How Cannabis Topicals Work
The endocannabinoid system, a complex system within everyone that connects the brain to the body, is made up of receptors throughout the body. When the cannabinoids in cannabis are applied topically, inhaled, or swallowed, they bind to these receptors for a range of effects.
The sensory neurons and epidermal cells of the skin include both varieties of cannabinoid receptors, and the cannabinoids in cannabis topical products will bind to the cell’s receptors upon application, helping provide localized effects like pain relief or anti-inflammatory response. This response is what makes topical gels, creams, and lotions so effective, as they help alleviate a pain area quickly after application.
Typically, topical THC and CBD are classified as non-psychoactive, as the cannabinoids don’t actually enter the bloodstream, instead binding to local receptors in the skin. With this in mind, there are no psychoactive effects as a result of using topical cannabis products.
Benefits of Using Cannabis Topicals
A CBD or THC topical gel, lotion, cream, or patch is commonly used for skincare and cosmetics benefits due to the skin benefits of cannabis. Most commonly, cannabinoids are utilized in topicals to reduce inflammation, calm the skin, and help reduce minor skin concerns. In addition, these topicals can help provide minor pain relief.
The benefits of cannabis, or “marijuana” topicals include:
- Anti-Inflammatory: Topicals can provide anti-inflammatory benefits, but the extent to which they work varies from person to person. Most commonly, they can be used for insect bites or stings, muscle pain, burns, swelling, joint pain, minor cuts, and bruises.
- Pain Relief: Topicals can be used to help numb pain, however, the effectiveness for sharper pain, including arthritis and muscle strains is still being determined. Topicals are best used for minor aches, minor muscle pain, and joint pain.
- Anti-Aging: Cannabinoids are rich in antioxidants and can help prevent skin damage due to the sun.
- Acne-Fighting: Some research shows cannabis topicals can help reduce oil products, helping to decrease acne.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What are cannabis topicals good for?
Topical cannabis products are wonderful for several concerns, including reducing inflammation and pain relief, reducing pain and inflammation caused by arthritis, alleviating pain and itching, helping with wound healing, reducing eczema, reducing acne, and helping alleviate pain from sports injuries or other ailments.
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What is the best for pain: THC topicals or CBD topicals?
Research shows that a topical containing the full spectrum of cannabinoids will be more effective than those containing just CBD. With this in mind, looking for topicals with a combination of THC and CBD will be most beneficial for pain relief when using topicals, as opposed to CBD alone.
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Are there other uses for cannabis topicals besides pain?
Absolutely! While topicals are great for alleviating muscle or nerve pain, they are also used for inflammation, as well as skin conditions like eczema or anti-aging.
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How long do the effects of cannabis topicals last?
Once applied, the effects of a cannabis topical should be present within a few minutes. Typically, these benefits will last for around two hours.
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How should cannabis topicals be stored?
The proper storage of your cannabis topical is essential to ensuring its effectiveness. It’s best recommended that you store your topical in a dark place with a consistent temperature. Avoid leaving it in a room that may become too hot or humid.
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What is the right dosage for the first topical use?
When it comes to topicals, there is no one standard dose. For medical cannabis users, topical cannabis should include a content of at least 5 mg per mL for best effects. Then, apply as needed.
