Different Types of Cannabis Topicals and Their Benefits
Most of us are already familiar with the use of cannabis for smoking, but there is one other use of the drug that has been gaining traction in recent years. Cannabis topicals, or ointments, creams, and lotions infused with marijuana, have been garnering a bit of mainstream attention for their benefits—particularly in terms of skincare and pain relief. The cannabis topicals being sold today can range from low-potency products with a small dosage of CBD or THC to highly potent solutions made from all-natural cannabis oil.
Cannabis topicals are a great way to get the full benefits of cannabis without having to smoke or ingest it. Topicals are cannabis-infused creams, ointments, and salves that can be applied directly onto the skin for localized relief. Whether you’re looking for an easy way to manage pain without any psychoactive effects or are just curious about what this product might offer, it helps to know more about them.
For those looking for cannabis near me, there are countless dispensaries and shops that now carry these products. Cannabis topicals contain many of the same compounds as other forms of marijuana including THC, CBD, and terpenes – but they don’t produce a ‘high’ feeling like smoking or ingesting weed would do. Instead, they provide localized relief from aches and pains while also potentially offering anti-inflammatory effects along with many other potential benefits.
Although applying cannabis topicals can give you a light sensation on a portion of your body, you won’t get the same psychoactive high that you would when smoking weed or eating edibles. Unlike ingestible and smokable cannabis, topicals are not released directly into your bloodstream, so they only affect the area you apply them to and not the rest of your body. Cannabis topicals interact with your endocannabinoid receptors, which can be found in your skin’s epidermis and dermis layers. Once your receptors come into contact with cannabinoids, they may trigger actions for immune response, including inflammation reduction and localized pain management.
That said, cannabis topicals can come in different forms that you are free to explore. If you’re planning to schedule a weed delivery soon, here are some cannabis topicals you may want to check out as well.
Skincare Products
Skincare products are one of the most popular forms of cannabis topicals in the market. Some of the most common cannabis-laced skincare products include hemp lotions, salves, lip balms, face creams, masks, serums, and moisturizers. CBD oil can also be considered under this category, especially when they are infused with creams and ointments.
Cannabinoids are vasodilators, meaning they open your blood vessels and help increase blood flow. Improved blood circulation helps your skin because it gives you a “glow” and cleanses your skin of toxins. Aside from giving you better skin, cannabinoids also have the potential to treat skin allergies and potentially manage ailments like psoriasis, eczema, and skin cancer. On top of that, cannabinoids’ anti-inflammatory effect may help with treating acne and skin redness.
Muscle Aches and Pain Relievers
Cannabis topicals are also being explored as a form of treatment for joint and muscle pains, aches, and tension. It’s widely believed that cannabis topicals can relieve localized pain by reducing inflammation while relaxing your muscles and tissues. Some studies even suggest that potent and high-caliber CBD topicals provide short-term relief from soreness and pain, which may be beneficial for those with chronic ailments like arthritis and other rheumatic diseases.
Common cannabis products that provide pain relief include joint creams, gels, and transdermal patches. There’s also the cannabis roller ball, which gives you a massage when applied for an extra soothing effect. Cannabis-laden gels can help treat headaches and sinus pressure when applied to your forehead and temples. Transdermal patches, on the other hand, help with muscle soreness and may treat pain in your lower back.
Bath Supplements
Aside from applying cannabis to your skin, you can also bathe in it to experience its soothing benefits. Soaks and bath bombs infused with cannabis (CBD and/or THC) can help manage muscle soreness, including menstrual cramps. There is some proof that the skin’s absorption of cannabis induces relaxation, especially when you consider the vasodilative effects of cannabis. However, more studies are needed to establish conclusive evidence that soaks and bath bombs have a psychogenic effect on your body.
Lubricants
Proponents of cannabis use have vouched for weed’s capacity for being an aphrodisiac, with some people claiming that cannabis can improve sexual intercourse. That said, preliminary studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that THC and CBD lube can do wonders for sex drive.
Because cannabinoids are vasodilators, they can increase blood flow to the sex organs, resulting in heightened sensations with low levels of discomfort. Essentially, this means that orgasms tend to be longer, more intense, and easier to achieve with the effects of cannabis-infused lube. Some experts believe that this may help women who tend to experience dryness and pain during sex.
With that in mind, it’s still important to understand that more studies and trials are needed to fully solidify the potential of cannabis to induce a smoother, more powerful sexual experience.
Be Mindful When Exploring Weed Topicals
While using cannabis topicals is unlikely to cause you harm, you still need to be cautious of how your body might react to them. For example, some people have a cannabis allergy and might experience side effects such as rashes or itching. If you’re still exploring the use of cannabis topicals, it may be best to apply small drops on your skin first to see if there are any adverse reactions. It may also be a good idea to consult with your doctor before proceeding with the regular use of cannabis topicals, especially if you have pre-existing skin conditions. Your doctor can help you determine the ingredients to avoid and the dosage adjustments you may need.
Still, applying topical products with a cannabis component is one of the safest ways of interacting with the drug. Just make sure to be mindful and do your due diligence when using weed products for your aches, blemishes, or any other bodily concern.
