What Are Cannabis Topicals: Uses & Benefits

The advances in the medical cannabis and recreational THC ( tetrahydrocannabinol) industries have resulted in several types of products on the market. Cannabidiol (CBD) and THC are obtained from the cannabis plant (Sativa), and their effects have been partially studied and found to be very helpful to people in some aspects.

Some of these products are cannabis topicals, which you don’t have to ingest but apply to your skin in some way to achieve a positive effect.

CBD & Our Skin

CBD is short for cannabidiol, the second most commonly mentioned cannabinoid. CBD, unlike THC, doesn’t produce a high or an intoxicating effect, but it’s believed to be responsible for the medicinal properties of cannabis.

CBD has a variety of mental and physical health benefits. A prescription CBD oil is, almost certainly, considered an effective anti-seizure medication, but we still need more studies to prove CBD’s other benefits as well as its safety.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is currently most commonly taken in oil form, but topical cannabis-infused products are becoming popular for several reasons. CBD topicals can not only provide localized relief, but they can also improve the overall health and appearance of the skin. In this regard, topical CBD products can provide you with multiple benefits.

The formulations of CBD topicals and CBD oil are also different. Topical formulations typically contain several skincare ingredients like herbal extracts, vitamins, and essential oils.

CBD is believed to provide numerous skincare benefits, including:

• It reduces the signs of skin ageing: Antioxidants such as vitamin C and vitamin E can treat dryness, free radical damage, and inflammation. Scientists compare CBD products to these antioxidants. If they’re right, cannabis topicals can treat (reduce) the signs of aging, such as dark spots and fine lines (wrinkles) on the face and skin.
• It evens out the complexion: CBD can potentially help keep the ECS (endocannabinoid system) in the skin in balance, resulting in inadequate hydration and no excess oil, so no more blotchy patches or oily T-zone.
• It soothes the skin: CBD topical products can soothe itchy, red, and dry skin because of this cannabinoid’s anti-inflammatory properties.

What Are Cannabis Topicals

Since the Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD products at the federal level (in 2018), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been working on cannabis topicals, among other things.

However, this doesn’t mean there is a regulated market. Cannabis-infused topicals include lotions, creams, balms, salves, and transdermal patches. They’re meant to be applied directly to the skin to relieve superficial pain, or in some cases, to relieve more profound pain in muscles, or even to relax or sleep.

Anything labelled as a cannabis cream is simply a cream-based topical infused with the cannabidiol (CBD). Most high-quality beauty and health creams are approximately half water and half oil to maintain moisture in the skin.

Some cannabis topicals can also contain low concentrations of other cannabinoids, terpenes, or other ingredients such as vitamin E or Aloe vera to support the skin.

The consistency, aroma, ingredients, and user preferences determine the differences between cannabis topicals like CBD skin creams, balms, salves, and lotions.

Creams are thicker, and those with high oil content and emollient properties can significantly help people suffering from dry skin conditions and itchy skin. Salves and balms are made of oil and wax, absorbed more slowly, and easy to massage into the muscles.

Other Ingredients in CBD Topicals

Some CBD topicals may contain base ingredients such as shea butter, essential oils (coconut), jojoba, avocado, or vitamin E. These nutritional components are excellent for the skin and further support the medicinal properties of CBD.

While lotions are water-based, creams have an oil or fat base, and balms have a thicker base like beeswax (Cera alba). While water-based lotions absorb faster, oil-based CBD topicals penetrate deeper into the skin.

Gels can be helpful for easier, thicker application, making them good candidates for treating limited hand dexterity and helping arthritis patients. However, you can also consider taking your favourite skincare product at the end of the day.

Then, find something with similar ingredients and add CBD; that’s it, you’ve already made your cannabis topicals. Or, if you opt for the standard variety, you can try Cool Stick | 30g, a topical product made from all-natural ingredients with added CBD.

Types of Cannabis Topicals

These days, different kinds of topicals are available on the cannabis market. Before using any CBD product, it’s advisable to go through some dosage guidelines to know how to use cannabis in various forms. Let’s review some of these common topicals that you might come across:

CBD Cream

This cannabis topical is perhaps the most common type out there. Numerous CBD skin creams use broad-spectrum cannabidiol, i.e., a category of cannabidiol products containing little-to-no THC. There are some indications that these creams can be helpful with the following:

• Arthritis
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Jaw pain

CBD Patches

These tropicals are an excellent option for those who want the benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) without smoking anything. You can apply cannabis patches to a specific part of your body and feel the effects within 5-15 minutes.

CBD Lotion

Many CBD lotions can be applied directly to the skin, just like a cream. For example, Extra Ease CBD Body Lotion | 100g is an excellent fast-absorbing body lotion with a distinctive aroma containing CBD and bisabolol as well as calendula oil.

CBD balm, CBD oil, and CBD butter are also available, among other cannabis topicals.

Effects of Cannabis Topicals

Some CBD topicals take effect quickly, and you feel the impact immediately after using them. It can take hours for the effects to kick in with some others. Although most CBD topicals will not intoxicate you, you should avoid losing your mind when taking other varieties, such as transdermal patches.

These patches may have intoxication effects because they contain THC or allow THC to enter the bloodstream. While many CBD creams won’t cause you to fail a drug test, you could fail a test. So, proceed accordingly.

Benefits of Cannabis Topicals

CBD topicals can penetrate the skin and provide relief without entering the bloodstream. Therefore, they’re a fabulous choice for anyone who wants the healing properties in specific body regions rather than feeling the effects throughout the body.

Cannabis topicals can provide relief for a variety of health issues such as:

• Joint or muscle pain
• Chronic pain
• Dermatitis
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Headaches & migraines
• Menstrual cramps
• Foot or hand pain
• Arthritis pain

Cannabis scientists believe that CBD topicals are an excellent preventative medicine. Using CBD topicals every day, several times a day, allows the body to absorb CBD much faster. It builds up CBD levels in the areas that topicals were used for and prevents inflammation from worsening.

Managing Localized Pain

For instance, if you suffer from knee or back pain, you can take cannabis topicals to help. Cannabis-infused creams are perfect for relieving pain in a specific area of your body, and better yet, they work quickly.

Once applied, the cannabinoids (mainly CBD) in topicals bind to the CB2 receptors in the skin, providing quick relief. Topical cannabis infusions act peripherally, meaning that they don’t enter the bloodstream.

Consequently, no psychoactive effects are expected, and you can apply them liberally without the potential side effects of excessive THC use.

Enhancing Sexual Pleasure

CBD topicals can provide pleasure and satisfaction in the bedroom (or wherever you are busy), from lube to suppositories. These products can induce euphoric effects if they are high in THC.

You can compare this method of consumption to taking a sublingual tincture. The mucous membranes and skin of the genitals and oral cavity are similar; both have high blood vessels that immediately absorb the cannabinoids (CBD & THC).

Treating Mild Skin Irritations

Can cannabis be used topically for skin abrasions such as bug bites and scratches? Cannabis-infused salves are a perfect choice as they provide localized pain relief while reducing swelling.

Good topical cannabis may also contain potent antibacterial properties. However, it would be best if you used them with caution. Not all cannabis topicals are made the same way. Therefore, you must always check the list of ingredients, as certain additives could exacerbate your symptoms.

Showing Anti-inflammatory Properties

Whether it’s a burn, infection, sprain (twist), or another form of abrasion, CBD topicals are potent anti-inflammatories. Topicals offer localized relief to a specific area, so you don’t have to use systemic medication.

Anti-inflammatory topicals can be used for a variety of conditions, including:

• Twists and sprains
• Insect bites and stings
• Joint pain (arthritis)
• Muscle pain
• Burns
• Bruises

Bottom Line

Please contact us today if you wish to try our high-quality cannabis topical or other products and take advantage of our NO-CHARGE delivery service.