Smoking, vaping, and edibles have dominated the contemporary cannabis culture. But topicals are a potent force gaining a following of their own. If you’ve been to a local dispensary, you’ve probably come across topicals.
Cannabis Topicals Definition
Topicals can be cannabis-infused lotions, creams, oils, balms, or anything that’s applied to the outside of the body, and not ingested internally. Cannabis topicals are absorbed by the skin in the area they are applied in. When it comes to cannabis topicals, you can use both activated and non-activated THC, since you’re not ingesting it, and you’ll have the same benefits.

How Do Cannabis Topicals Work?

Unlike eating or smoking cannabis, most topicals, even those that contain active THC, do not induce the strong psychoactive effects that you’d receive from smoking and consuming edibles. This is because of the way topicals work. When applying a balm or oil, the product is immediately absorbed through the skin. The cannabinoids in the topicals then bind to the CB2 receptors near the skin, activating the endocannabinoid system without actually entering the bloodstream. These CB2 receptors are found all over the body, both internally and externally. The only topicals that do deliver cannabinoids to the bloodstream and could get you high are transdermal patches.

But even though topicals don’t cause you to get high, they provide relief to plenty of illnesses and ailments. Due to the interaction with the endocannabinoid system, many recommend topicals for localized pain relief, tension, muscle soreness, and inflammation. As a result, those suffering from chronic pain from rheumatism and arthritis are often prescribed topicals.

Given that a number of folks out there are not so keen on the actual high as much as the fact that marijuana abounds with medicinal properties, topicals are a great way to enjoy the health benefits of marijuana without any of the possibly unwanted side effects.

What Are The 5 Benefits of Cannabis Topicals?

Let’s get right into it, here are the top 5 benefits of using cannabis-infused topicals.

Pain Relief

Localized pain relief is one of the main reasons I use cannabis topicals. If you’re suffering from back or knee pain, which let’s face it, most of us are, just rub a little bit of your cannabis topical on the spot that’s giving you pain and feel it melt away. The reason this is my favorite remedy for pain relief is because it’s immediate and natural. Sure, using icy-hot is nice, but the smell alone is enough to send people running away. So next time you’re in a little bit of pain reach for the cannabis topical first.

Treat Skin Irritations

It’s been studied that cannabis topicals can help people with eczema, and it makes sense that it would. Cannabis has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-itch properties, so someone who struggles with eczema could feel relief from some moisturizing cannabis topicals. There’s also been studies that show cannabis topicals can help patients with psoriasis. It does this by slowing the cell growth, preventing the psoriasis from getting worse, and it reduces inflammation and helps with the pain caused by the skin condition.

Anti-Aging Properties

I got this tip from my mom. I gave her cannabis topicals when she came to visit me for her aching wrist. She decided she liked the smell of the cream and put it on her face before bed. Every day she’s used it she’s noticed less and less wrinkles. It’s been proven that Cannabidiol (CBD) is actually a more potent antioxidant than Vitamins C or E, so it makes sense that not only do cannabis topicals keep your skin looking more youthful, it would also keep it healthier. Hopefully this isn’t just the most recent skincare fad out there, and it sticks around for the long haul.

Enhancing Sexual Pleasure

Oh la la, we’re all about using cannabis to get in the mood! We even did an episode on it for Valentines day! But it’s very true, when cannabis is applied locally to your, ah-hem, private areas, it increases your sensitivity, which for females, helps them achieve satisfaction faster. When choosing to use topicals for enhancing your sexual pleasure we recommend using something like olive oil, rather than something that’s minty. We would also recommend using the topical on a less sensitive area of your skin first in order to make sure you’re not going to have a bad reaction to it.

Reducing Inflammation Caused By Arthritis

Inflammation caused by arthritis is painful and for many it seems like there’s never going to be any relief. I’d say to give cannabis topicals a try. As we mentioned above cannabis can help reduce inflammation, and because of this it can be a helpful way to get rid of the pain you feel. Many people have used topicals for this reason due to its ability to act fast providing relief almost immediately.

Tips For Using Cannabis-Infused Topicals

Just like anytime you use cannabis, there are a few precautions you should take into account to ensure you have the best experience possible.

First of all, just because something is infused with cannabis, doesn’t mean it’s all-curing. If you’re allergic to any of the ingredients in the topical, do not use that topical. You will still have an allergic reaction.

Start off small, if you’re unsure of how it’s going to make you feel and or what it’s going to feel like, just use a small amount on an area of your skin that doesn’t have any lesions or open sores.

Think about what you’re applying and where. For example, applying a topical with mint in it may not be the best thing for around your eyes or for open sores.

Different Types of Cannabis Topicals

Now that you know why you should use cannabis topicals, let’s go over the different kinds of topicals out there. These include, but are not limited to:

• Lip-balm
• Salve
• Lotion
• Oils
• Cream
• Sprays
• Lubricant (yes, really)
• Local Pain Reliever (think icy-hot)
• Anti-aging face cream
• Cosmetics
• Aloe

We know there has to be more out there, let us know which ones we missed and should add to the list!

Interested in learning more about cannabis topicals and their benefits? Schedule a free consultation with one of our informative cannasultants right here online!