What Are Cannabis Topicals & How Do They Work?
If you’re new to cannabis or not well-versed in the topic, topical marijuana products might sound like a foreign term. But as more and more people discover the benefits of medical marijuana, they’re also learning about its many applications as an analgesic treatment.
The key difference between topicals and other forms of cannabis is that it’s absorbed through your skin rather than inhaled into your lungs or liver.
In this article, we’ll go over what marijuana topicals are and how they work and provide some insight into their potential impact on the world of cannabis.
Let’s start at square one.
What Is A Marijuana Topical?
A marijuana topical is a kind of skin-care product that incorporates cannabis into the mix. It’s similar to lotion or cream but is explicitly designed with cannabinoid compounds in mind – most often THC and cannabidiol (CBD).
The main difference between a topical and more common method of cannabis uses is its delivery method. Contrary to other consumption methods, THC does not reach your bloodstream through your skin when applying a topical. It will never reach your brain; thus, you will not get high.
The oil-based compounds in marijuana topicals allow THC and CBD to be absorbed through your skin, reaching your muscles and nerves.
They’re meant to relieve localized discomfort without any kind of psychoactive effects on the user.
How Do Topicals Work If They Don’t Reach The Brain?
Marijuana topicals work as a form of analgesic treatment. You can use them to treat all sorts of skin conditions like dryness and itching – which is why they’re becoming so popular among medical marijuana patients.
There’s a rapid absorption method used to deliver THC through the skin. Blood vessels in your skin dilate as soon as you start applying topical marijuana products, allowing those cannabinoids to spread throughout your body quickly.
Once they’re delivered, they’re free to reach nearby muscle fibres, pain receptors and more. They interact with your endocannabinoid system and relieve pain almost instantaneously.
The skin also contains several cannabinoid receptors. Wghen they interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, it triggers a response from the nervous system to relax muscles surrounding those parts of the body.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system is a network of cell receptors in the human body that regulate various vital functions. One of these processes includes pain sensitivity, which plays a key role in treating localized pain with topical marijuana products.
The endocannabinoid system plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body. The whole point of this system is to maintain internal balance, whether it’s the body’s temperature, blood sugar levels or pain sensitivity.
There is evidence that suggests topical cannabis products could help restore natural balance within the endocannabinoid system over time, which may be why they’re so effective at treating localized pain.
What Are The Benefits Of Topicals?
A wide array of topical products available for purchase show potential to ease chronic pain and muscle soreness. They’re also an effective method for people who want the medicinal benefits of marijuana without any feelings of lethargy or other potentially negative side effects.
Topicals can provide comfort relief for:
- Migraines
- Burns
- Rheumatoid Arthuris
- Muscle Aches/Spasms
- Stomach Pains
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Skin Injuries
Along with these benefits, topicals have the power to help people suffering from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. This is because there’s a strong link between your body’s endocannabinoid system and your nervous system in terms of regulating mood disorders.
The cannabinoids also impact the body’s pain receptors in marijuana topicals which can help alleviate pain associated with anxiety and depression.
Topical marijuana products may be a great option for someone who wants the benefits of medical cannabis but doesn’t consume it for recreational reasons. They have no psychoactive attributes, unlike flowers or concentrates like wax, shatter or hash oil.
Conclusion
Topical cannabis products are an effective analgesic treatment that can help reduce pain, inflammation, and soreness without any psychoactive side effects.
They’re available in various forms, including lotions, creams, balms, massage oils, and salves. While topically isn’t the most popular way to consume marijuana, it’s a powerful tool that can have numerous benefits for people suffering from chronic conditions.
Visit our topical section to see what we have to offer, and as always, don’t hesitate to reach out if you need any help choosing a topicals product.
What Kind Of Topicals Do You Offer?
Hillside Pharms is now a proud supplier of a brand new line of topicals.
