The Topicals Topic

 While the first thing many people may think of in regards to the marijuana industry is a bunch of people now allowed to get high, it has also made some amazing strides in the kinds of products available for medicinal usage even on the recreational side, several of which allow users to bypass any of the “high” aspect of using marijuana. Some edible companies are now producing CBD only edibles, with only a tiny amount of THC in them either to use as a catalyst to help enhance the CBD without enough to cause psychoactive effects, or for legal reasons, as dispensaries can only sell ingest-able products that contain THC because of food license sorts of things. Some companies can also do online ordering and shipping for CBD products that are made with hemp and have almost 0 THC content, usually in tincture form. I’ve used a few of these, and though I prefer more of a 1:1 ratio, they are still very helpful for pain and seizure relief, especially for people not looking for any kind of real intoxication.

There are also some very nice products available for topical relief if you’re not interested in ingesting something. I have used a few different lotions and salves, though my favorite is definitely the spray lotions, as you don’t have to use much and for muscle relief they can be very fast acting. Their speed seems to be the only real difference between sprays and lotions, though some of the thinner lotions are somewhat faster as well. Even though most of the lotions contain THC they don’t go into your blood stream, which can be a concern for some older customers just because of marijuana taboos that still very much exist. One of my coworkers had a grandmother that used it for her arthritis because smoking was not an option at her age, and there are now several more companies making these topical creams that there used to be so there are options for everything from pain relief to anti anxiety calming, all with quality ingredients you’d find in non-medicated lotion.

Another great option is trans-dermal patches, though these will go into your bloodstream so make sure not to get any with THC in them if that’s not what you’re looking for. These are pretty interesting because they can also give you options for taking more specific cannibinoids, some with all CBD, some with CBD and THCv, some with non activated THC, which can cause different effects than traditionally activated THC. Just for clarification, most THC in marijuana is actually THCa, which then turns into THC when activated by whatever heating element is used. The patches are time release and I’ve had them last between 8 and 12 hours, but you can also cut them into smaller pieces for multiple lesser uses.

These are just a few of the new options you can find in dispensaries for a little more relief than just average smoking, and there are always new products coming out. I’ve seen CBD medicated sugar for adding to drinks, bath salts that give crazy amounts of muscle relief and relaxation, even dog treats for arthritis. If you’ve been looking for something besides weed to maximize your relief, ask about some of these products, in my experience they are a fantastic thing to have on hand if you need a quick solution for pain. 

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Getting older, ain’t it fun? 

Waking up with a sore back. Twisting your ankle climbing over the kids' toys. Spraining your knee thinking you can play sports as you did in high school. An assorted list of chronic pain.

At this point, many people are well aware of marijuana’s amazing ability to ease various aches and pains. But maybe you’re someone who doesn’t enjoy smoking or “getting high.”

But let me ask, could you potentially use the healing benefits cannabis has to offer?

If you’re like me, you aren’t getting any younger. Might as well do something natural for those annoying daily pains.

Enter: Cannabis topicals, a much safer substitute for the typical painkillers (opiates, etc.) doctors’ will prescribe.

Daily activities don’t need to be a struggle. Let’s look at what cannabis topicals are, how they work, the types of topicals you’ll find, and why topicals may improve your overall health.

What are Cannabis Topicals?

Cannabis topicals are marijuana-infused products that are applied to the skin to provide relief to the area of soreness. Topicals are extremely fast-acting and will provide you with hours of relief for various pains/muscle soreness, inflammation, and even aid in skincare routines.

Cannabis topicals come in lotions/creams, oils, salves, gels, and transdermal patches.

Cannabis topicals are the number one choice for those who need the restorative impact that cannabis provides without the psychoactive effect marijuana can create.

How Do Cannabis Topicals Work?

This is where your body's naturally embedded endocannabinoid framework comes in. Everyone has an endocannabinoid system. Your endocannabinoid system manages your state of mind, appetite, and pleasure/pain receptors.

The cannabinoids, the compounds that make cannabis what it is, found in the topicals work by binding to your cannabinoid receptors associated with pain and inflammation. 

When a cannabis topical is applied, you will probably begin feeling the effects within an hour. 

Those who have utilized the effects of cannabis topicals have reported relief from pain, soreness, overall tension, and inflammation. Great for headaches and migraines which some people deal with daily. Topicals also aid in skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. 

Types of Cannabis Topicals Available

There are a few different types of cannabis topical products out there so that when you go to your local dispensary, you know what to ask for...

Lotions and Creams

Cannabis lotions and creams are more liquid in substance and are non-greasy.  They are easy to apply and can be used anywhere on your body. These topicals are the best for those using cannabis for skincare routines.

Oil

Cannabis oils are thicker than lotions. Oils are very flexible in terms of usage. They can be applied either topically or ingested orally. 

Salves 

Cannabis salves are a thick, greasy substance that usually contains beeswax. Salves are typically hardened substances that must be warmed in order to apply.

Gels

Gels are transparent, viscous fluids made up of cellulose (plant skin). Gel has a cooling sensation which makes it a potent product for fighting migraines or headaches. Gels also assist with easing sinus pressure.

Transdermal Patches

Transdermal patches are the strongest type of cannabis topical available. These topicals are the only kind with the possibility of getting you high. Purely CBD patches will not have a psychoactive effect.

Patches come with an adhesive side that you stick like a bandaid. The patch works best when applied to an area of your body with lots of blood flow. Patches work by spreading the cannabinoid within the patch throughout your bloodstream.  Patches can work for up to 12 hours.

The Health Benefits of Cannabis Topicals

The health benefits of cannabis topicals have been used by humans for centuries, dating all the way back to ancient Egypt. Cannabis topicals are popular for their pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects.

Cannabis Topicals have a wide range of health benefits. Maybe they can help you with one of these ailments.

Pain Relief

The blend of THC and CBD together is known to be the most ideal way to alleviate pain on a significant level. 

Through the chemical interaction known as the entourage effect, THC and CBD work hand and hand to dull pains you may be experiencing. This is much more powerful than THC or CBD independently.

The kinds of pain that cannabis topicals can assist with include nerve pain, arthritis, and muscle stiffness/spasms.

Anti-Inflammation

Do you have a burn, sprain, swelling, or annoying bug bite? Rub some cannabis topical on it!

Cannabis topicals are potent anti-inflammatories. They provide localized relief to a specific area, potentially allowing you to avoid taking various medications associated with inflammation.

Arthritis is a common health issue associated with pain and inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis topicals are bliss for individuals with arthritis since inflammation of your joints causes the arthritis.

Also, utilizing some cannabis topicals after exercising is an amazing method for combating muscle tension/soreness.

Antiseptic

Did you ever think you could effectively have some cannabis in your first aid kit?

Cannabis topicals are now being acknowledged for their disinfectant potential.

Cannabinoids found in marijuana, like THC and CBD, have been found to be effective in killing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA); which is a disease known as a superbug which resists antibiotics. 

This suggests that cannabinoids have antibacterial properties and hold the potential for addressing issues like antibiotic resistance.

Aids in Skincare

Yep, cannabis topicals can help out with your skin, too!

Relief For Eczema

Properties found in cannabis topicals, such as anti-itch and anti-inflammatory, could be incredibly useful if you are someone suffering from eczema and its symptoms. 

Topicals also reduce the need for occasionally prescribed steroid creams. These kinds of creams can be harmful and often your body will build a resistance to this type of cream; only meaning bigger and bigger doses needed of the steroid cream. 

Reducing Acne

Are you someone who can’t seem to rid yourself of your pesky, painful acne? 

You can now breathe a sigh of relief. 

Topicals are rich in cannabinoids, vitamins, and antioxidants which are known to keep acne in check. Cannabinoids, such as CBD, have been shown to effectively regulate how much oil your skin produces. 

Anti-Aging

As we fight to figure out where the fountain of youth is, cannabis topicals may just be the next best option.

Topical cannabinoids have powerful, cell-regenerative properties that can target skin irritation/damage. This makes cannabis topicals a potentially useful remedy for those who want to look younger. 

Sadly, topicals cannot reverse damage caused by the sun or the Earth’s environment, but they do offer a reduction of the visible impact.

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