The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Topicals: Benefits, Uses, and Types
Cannabis has been enjoyed for centuries, both for recreational and medical uses, and there doesn't seem to be an end to the creative and easy ways one can enjoy this fantastic plant.
Cannabis topicals provide a discreet and efficient method of using cannabis that fits seamlessly into our everyday lives. Marijuana creams have gained a large population of users over the past few years following their gradual legalization in certain parts of the United States and the world.
However, there’s still a lot of grey area to this, especially for new users who are not familiar with cannabis topicals and the many benefits they offer. That is about to change, as we’ve taken it upon ourselves to create this complete guide covering everything you need to know about topical and how to benefit from them. Now, let’s dig in!
What are cannabis topicals?
Topicals are cannabis products applied to the surface of the skin to smoothen, treat, or manage pain. They are usually infused with chemical compounds that target specific sites of the body and yield specific results.
Cannabis topicals are topical products infused with the cannabinoids THC and CBD. These topical cannabinoids employ the smothering effect of terpenes and flavonoids to manage pain and inflammation at the joints and other parts of the body.
This marijuana cream works with the fat cells to provide relief without penetrating into the bloodstream. They do not affect the mind or have any psychoactive effects, unlike cannabis concentrates and edibles. Cannabis cultivators are actively producing different products infused with cannabis to encourage adoption.
What are the differences between CBD and THC topicals?
The market is flooded with different topical brands, and every product promises the usual calming effect. For beginners interested in choosing their first topical brand, it's important to learn how to t differentiate between THC-infused products and CBD-laded creams. These varying compounds may be from the same hemp plant, but they differ in effect. Here are the factors to watch out for:
Cannabis Source
CBD topicals are manufactured from the hemp plant, which contains a THC level of less than 0.3%. THC topicals have high THC levels and are generally from marijuana plants.
Varieties
CBD topicals come in different varieties, and each formulation has unique benefits for the body. The CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD topical and reduces inflammation. The anti-inflammatory effect of broad-spectrum CBD products is much higher than that of the isolate.
Another CBD variety is the full-spectrum isolate, which consists of all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant and also a fraction of THC. They are the most effective in treating pain and non-pain-related situations. The 1:1 (THC: CBD) is a unique CBD product that contains both CBD and THC in equal amounts to help reduce both inflammation and pain.
These products are usually precise and work on all parts of the body. However, they are heavily regulated and are only sold by licensed dispensaries. THC products are usually sold in similar formulations with little to no difference in concentration.
Range of treatment
CBD manages inflammation by promoting healthy inflammatory responses in certain areas. THC is more effective at addressing pain and promoting relaxation. It is also used to relieve chronic pain due to chemotherapy.
What are the benefits of using cannabis topicals?
Topical cannabinoids and THC topicals for pain relief offer a variety of benefits to the body. THC cream can help alleviate a wide range of pain and inflammation, including everyday discomfort during exercise or chronic pain from treatment or terminal illnesses.
CBD cream side effects are typically low, but there are mostly positive outcomes. It's important to consult with your doctor before using any topical cannabinoids for medical purposes, particularly if combined with cannabis vapes, edibles, or other THC-infused lotions.
What are the types of cannabis topicals?
CBD and THC are more than one type of pain relief wellness product; they come in various formulations that are designed to produce positive effects. Generally, cannabis topicals come in gels, salve with THC, sprays, lip balms, THC ointments, and more.
Cannabis Creams and Lotions
Cannabis creams and lotions are common topicals on the market. Like normal creams and lotions, you can use cannabis-infused creams on your inflamed joints. Lotion with THC acts as a facial beauty product to manage acne breakouts and skin irritation. Cannabis ointment acts as an anti-aging compound and can help treat psoriasis symptoms.
Cannabis Salves
THC salves or balms may be similar to creams and lotions, but they are highly concentrated topicals that offer better soothing effects. THC cream for pain is excellent for everyday pain, like muscle soreness from exercise, and is also effective in managing psoriasis.
Cannabis Gels
Cannabis gels are popular for their cooling effects because they are used to treat headaches and migraines. You can massage the cannabis oil on your temples to manage the sinuses and ease migraines.
Cannabis Transdermal Patches
Transdermal patches are effective cannabis topicals that act directly on the source point. They do not have psychoactive effects and are great at targeting pain in the back. Usually, they have adhesives and can provide healing for up to 3 days.
Cannabis bath bombs
Cannabis bath bombs work like normal bath bombs, but there is an additional advantage. These bath bombs can soothe pain and even relieve menstrual cramps and general muscle soreness. Although using cannabis bath bombs exposes you to a high concentration of CBD and/or THC, you may experience a psychogenic effect. Hence, it's important to exercise caution when using cannabis-laden bath bombs.
Cannabis lubes
Another impressive cannabis-infused product is cannabis lubes, which heighten the sexual experience by relaxing the muscles and reducing pain. These products act as an anti-inflammatory for women who experience pain and can also impact orgasm intensity.
What are the uses of cannabis topicals?
There are manufactured uses for cannabis topicals, as they come in different packages. Cannabis oils can manage and ease tension, headaches, and migraines. These oils can also clear acne and manage skin conditions like dermatitis and psoriasis. Cannabis topicals also improve sexual experience and are actively used to increase pleasure and reduce pain before and during sexual intercourse.
In the medical field, cannabis topicals are being employed to help relieve pain in place of analgesics. Research has also shown that cannabis topicals can help relieve both regular and chronic joint pain, as well as overall body pain.
Do cannabis topicals get you high?
Many people often ask questions like, “Will THC lotion get you high? or “Does topical THC get you high?” Cannabis topicals and concentrates are known for their psychoactive effects. If you are interested in using cannabis-infused products, you should know about the possible psychoactive effects on the body. Topical cannabis-infused products cannot get you high. They are different from the regular cannabis cartridge or vaporizer that burns THC terpenes to cause intoxication. If you suffer from post-workout soreness or rheumatoid arthritis and you need a soothing solution that can still allow you to drive around, choose a topical product.
Using CBD products cannot make you fail a drug test, especially when traveling. They are classified as non-psychoactive cannabinoids and cannot be picked up by the testing kit that searches for THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. These topical products bind with fat molecules instead of penetrating the bloodstream. However, using THC transdermal patches may trigger psychoactive effects and thus be picked up by drug tests.
What are the top cannabis topical brands in Colorado?
For residents in or near Colorado in search of the best topical cannabis brands, it's essential to do your own research before patronizing any brand. A good telltale is excellent reviews from previous buyers.
For instance, The House Center is an outstanding cannabis store in Colorado, offering a wide range of medicinal and recreational cannabis-infused products. With a well-curated website that showcases THC and CBD products, The House Center is no doubt the preferred choice for both beginners and seasoned cannabis users. It is home to affordable yet effective cannabis rub and other recreational cannabis-infused products like tinctures, pre rolls, flowers, cartridges, and more.
