What Are Cannabis-Infused Topicals?
With the growing cannabis industry has come an entirely new array of cannabis-infused products from weed tampons to popsicles. One of the revolutionary new product concepts is cannabis-infused topicals. Topicals can come in a variety of consistencies including lotions, balms, sprays and oils depending on user preference. Manufacturers are even going as far as producing strain-specific topicals with the goal of benefiting from particular terpenes and cannabinoid content, such as CBD-only topicals or THC & CBD infused products. These compounds are often combined with other therapeutic components such as lavender or wintergreen for added relief. Regardless of the strain and consistency, cannabis-infused topicals are designed for localized pain relief or limiting soreness and inflammation.
How Do They Work? Cannabis-infused lotions work through transdermal absorption and bind to CB2 receptors throughout the body. According to Ethan Russo, MD “CB2 [is] a non-psychoactive receptor that mediates pain and inflammation”. In addition, he notes that both CB1 and CB2 receptors “are operative in the skin and affect pain, itch and inflammation associated with many dermatological conditions”. Some individuals may feel a tingly sensation in the skin where the topical has been