A cannabis culture grows, and there are new ways of safe and efficient consumption of marijuana. New methods do not make patients high but provide care and quality they need to relief pain and stress. Topicals, or cannabis-infused balms, lotions, oils, and sprays, are applied to the skin to fight localized pain and inflammation. Accessibility, safety, and efficacy make cannabis topicals popular among unlikely consumers of medical marijuana.
Medicated topicals are a cannabis-infused product designed to be applied to the skin. Cannabis oils, lotions, and balms carry the cannabinoids through the skin and into muscles and the blood stream. They are highly efficient in treating localized pain and inflammation.
Topicals do not have any psychoactive effects, so they are chosen by patients who want to get the therapeutic benefits of medical without euphoria associated with smoking, vaporizing, or eating. Patients can safely apply topical and confidently go through the day.
New trends include long-lasting patches and lubricants for patients and recreational users as well. Some manufacturers produce strain-specific topicals with emphasis on certain terpenes and cannabinoids.
Topicals may include a broad range of cannabinoids (THC, CBD, THCA, etc.) but producers can add other ingredients (clove, cayenne) and essential oil to enhance relief.
Topicals and other transdermal methods work by binding of active components to a network of cannabinoids receptors called CB2. They are spread all over the body and activated by body’s own endocannabinoids or cannabis compounds such as THC and CBD. CBD is a cannabinoid with a proven ability to reduce pain, nausea, and anxiety. Applied topically, both of them can bring localized benefits without euphoria associated with marijuana smoking or ingesting.
Cannabinoids found in topicals do not affect the bloodstream directly. Only compounds bound to CB2 receptors get into the body. Some transdermal patches with a high concentration of THC content can penetrate the system and get right into the bloodstream. Thus, they can have psychoactive effects.
Topicals are commonly used for treating localized pain, muscle soreness, old tension, and inflammation. There is growing evidence that it has an effect on psoriasis, dermatitis, and cramping. Topical may have various benefits by the way they are processed, and ingredients are mixed, so every patient can find something they need.
For example, THC-rich rub mixed with cooling menthol and peppermint is a good way to revive your body after a tough workday. Pain can be relieved by a warming balm with the painkilling features of cannabinoids mixed with a soothing care.
The industry of producing topicals is just only in the beginning. Soon, patients will be able to use cannabis locally for oral care to get antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of CBG. Cannabinoids are also used to produce skin care products with hemp-derived CBD to clear acne and combat signs of aging.
THC-infused oils are used for sexual stimulation. When applied externally or internally, they can increase blood flow and nerve sensation in women, intensifying sexual pleasure and orgasms. CBD-rich suppositories ease menstrual cramping and pelvic pain.
Pharmaceutical cannabis is used as prescription drugs and standardized in formulation and dose. Each pill is precisely measured and meets all the requirements of drug regulation.
The bottom line is that topicals react with CB2 receptors found all over the skin. Applied directly to the painful or worrying area, they provide relief from pain, skin irritation, nausea among others. Provided assistance does not have psychoactive effects except special transdermal long-lasting patches that can transmit cannabinoids right into the bloodstream.