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
applied. However, cannabis-infused lotions cannot breach into the bloodstream, so you will not achieve a "high" through use.
Topicals last been one and four hours, depending on the individuals own endocannabinoid system and severity of the symptom. Strictly for therapeutic purposes, cannabis-infused topicals are a great alternative to traditional sports creams or over-the-counter pain relief drugs. The benefit is that there is no potential for overuse or abuse of these creams due to the lack of psychoactive effects.
What Symptoms Do Cannabis Topicals Treat? As mentioned, topicals are often chosen for the relief of localized pain, soreness or inflammation. They can greatly benefit athletes and individuals suffering from localized arthritis or joint pain.
In addition, a 2013 study found that cannabinoids (such as those in topicals) can be “harnessed …for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases”1. Therefore, cannabis-infused topicals are being used for a variety of issues including: dermatitis, itching, eczema and psoriasis - even bug bites! Some companies are even producing acne-fighting topicals thanks to the relationship between CBD and lipid production, as well as the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis. In addition, they can be used for anti-aging purposes as part of a healthy skin care routine. Best Practices for Using Cannabis Topicals
1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23889474
Determine Where to Apply Determining the "why" for your pain is key to knowing where to apply cannabis topicals. For instance, you could have a headache due to neck tension or stress in your shoulders. Finding the proper point of application will greatly increase the success of the topical.
Apply Generously and Vigorously One of the keys to applying topical relief of any kind is to 1) apply generously and 2) apply vigorously. By massaging the product thoroughly onto the point of discomfort allows the lotion (and its compounds) to be properly absorbed into the skin - plus the massage will help get the blood flowing. While application should not be painful, it should be firm. Don't be afraid to apply a second layer of product as well.
Wash Your Hands After applying, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly. While some topicals won't cause an issue, others contain mint or citrus components which suck getting in your eye (or elsewhere)!
Adjust Expectations Despite their many benefits, cannabis topicals are not a miracle cream. They are not designed to make a lifetime of joint pain disappear, but they can provide subtle relief; think heating pad or cooling cream. They are always good to have on hand and make an excellent addition to any natural health care routine.
Buy Cannabis Online Cannabis-infused topicals are available in many local and online cannabis dispensary locations. Fair Canna Care is one such mail-order marijuana company that is continuing to add more
products (including topicals) to its growing dispensary shop. Click here to discover how easy it is to buy cannabis online! Sources: https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-are-cannabis-topicals https://www.leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/how-to-use-cannabis-topicals https://news.medicalmarijuanainc.com/why-use-a-cannabis-topical/ https://www.leafscience.com/2017/04/04/cannabis-topicals-a-beginners-guide/ https://weedseedshop.com/en/blog/guide-cannabis-topicals-body-health/