Topicals are among the most popular products in the cannabis market. A product is considered topical if it’s applied directly to the body. This includes lotions, creams, oils, or patches for your skin.
Topicals containing cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are commonly used for their potential healing benefits. And this isn’t a new idea: There are records of people using topical forms of cannabis to treat inflammation dating back to ancient Egypt.
Today, cannabis topicals are widely available and tapped for their potential to treat pain, inflammation, skin disorders, and much more.
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Types of cannabis topicals
With growing demand for topicals, new categories of CBD and THC products have been introduced. Here are some of the most common types of topical formulas:
Creams and lotions
Cannabis creams and lotions are easy to apply anywhere on the body, and have the bonus of moisturizing the skin.
CBD creams: These formulas have become popular beauty treatments, mainly due to their potential acne-fighting effects. When applied to other areas of the body, they may offer relief from inflammation of the skin, muscles, and joints. CBD creams for pain may be infused with menthol or other ingredients aimed at pain relief.
CBD lotions: Similar to CBD creams, these formulas can be applied easily to the skin and usually have a thinner consistency than creams.
THC creams: These products contain various amounts of THC, the main compound in cannabis that causes intoxication. However, using THC creams is unlikely to cause any intoxicating effects.
THC lotions: Similar to THC creams, lotions containing THC may provide therapeutic benefits and moisturize the skin without any intoxicating effects.
Oil
Cannabis oils are versatile and can be applied topically or ingested orally.
CBD oils: People often use CBD oils for pain relief by rubbing them onto the affected area.
Cannabis massage oils: These are intended for topical use only, and are typically scented with essential oils or plant-based extracts.
Salves
Cannabis salves, balms, and ointments are similar to creams and lotions but are usually used on smaller areas of the skin, offering targeted healing benefits.
Cannabis salves and balms: These formulas typically use butters, oils, or waxes as the base. People with skin disorders may find relief with medicinal salves. Certain salves or balms are designed to stay on the surface of the skin rather than be absorbed, so they’re less efficient at reaching the deep tissue.
CBD ointments: These are oil-based formulas used for targeted treatment or relief.
Gels
Cannabis gels turn to liquid when they are applied to the skin, creating a cooling effect.
Cannabis gels: These products are efficient at reaching the deep tissue due to their water-based formulas. Full-spectrum options usually contain CBD, THC, and other soothing ingredients, such as menthol or aloe.
CBD gels: When applied to the temple and forehead, CBD-only gels may relieve sinus pressure or provide cooling relief from a tension headache.
Transdermal patches
Transdermal patches are the most potent form of cannabis topicals. Patches come with an adhesive side that you stick to the affected area and leave in place for up to 72 hours.
THC patches: These have the potential to cause intoxication because they deliver THC through the skin in a more concentrated dose.
CBD patches: Pure CBD patches will not have a psychoactive effect and may be uniquely useful for lower back pain.
How cannabis topicals work
Cannabis topicals are absorbed through the surface layer of the skin, offering a unique alternative to products meant to be consumed orally.
Cannabis topicals like CBD cream, THC lotion, and others work directly with cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system, including receptors found in the skin and deep tissue of the body.
With topicals, you can expect fast-acting effects, generally within 15 to 30 minutes as reported by most users. Effects can last for around 5 to 6 hours.
Keep in mind that applying a THC-infused topical to the skin won’t cause intoxication like products that are consumed orally. This is good news for someone seeking the therapeutic benefits of THC for pain relief, without the psychoactive effect that comes with it.
The health benefits of cannabis topicals
Cannabis topicals may effectively treat pain and accompanying inflammation. In addition, emerging research has shown that CBD oil may help ease eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions. Here are a few of the potential health benefits of cannabis topicals:
Reducing pain and inflammation
Pain and inflammation are two of the most common reasons people use cannabis topicals, especially CBD cream and CBD lotion. Cannabis has been widely studied for its positive effects on pain conditions, and applying an extract of cannabis directly to the affected area may provide a more targeted form of treatment.
Treating migraines
CBD oil may help ease migraine-related neck pain and joint stiffness, according to Dr. Stephen Silberstein, director of the Headache Center at Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.
“If you have a lot of neck pain or soreness [with migraine], it is perfectly reasonable to use CBD oil. It may even prevent nausea and vomiting,” Silberstein told the American Migraine Foundation.
Medical cannabis use in all forms, including topicals, has been shown to help relieve headaches in a majority of patients with few adverse effects.
Helping with eczema and psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are stubborn skin conditions that can cause many frustrating symptoms. Itchiness is one symptom that topical cannabis may help with. In addition, CBD cream and other topical CBD products may boost skin hydration and elasticity, providing further relief for people with these skin conditions.
Reducing signs of skin aging
Fine lines, wrinkles, and scars are all signs of natural skin aging. Cannabis topicals like CBD ointments, lotions, and creams may be helpful for people who want to address these signs of aging, especially for reducing the appearance of scars. CBD topicals cannot reverse sun damage and other environmental effects on the skin, but they may reduce the visible impact.
Addressing acne
Acne is a common skin condition that topical CBD ointment may be able to treat. As acne is strongly linked to inflammation, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD may help reduce blemishes.
Alleviating cancer-related symptoms
Severe neuropathic pain is among the most challenging cancer-related symptoms to treat. A high-quality CBD pain cream, THC oil, or other cannabis-based lotion or salve may be useful when applied directly to the affected area.
Improving wound healing
Cannabis topicals have been shown to help with wound healing, including relief of associated pain during the healing process.
Treating skin infections
Cannabinoids like CBD and THC show antimicrobial activity, meaning they kill or prevent the growth of bacteria. Some studies suggest that applying cannabis externally may treat certain infections of the skin, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections.
Possible side effects
Unlike other cannabis consumption methods, such as edibles, the side effects of using cannabis topicals tend to be very mild.
Few side effects have been reported, but the most common are:
Itching
Rash
Allergic reaction on the skin
Adverse skin reactions are commonly a result of non-cannabis ingredients, like essential oils used to scent products.
How to use cannabis topicals
Here are a few tips to get the most out of topical cannabis products:
Understand your options with CBD and THC
Neither THC or CBD topicals are likely to cause intoxication, but it’s worth pointing out that the two cannabinoids, while both therapeutic, behave differently in the body. Both may offer relief from your symptoms, but some individuals may see better results with one over the other. It may take some trial and error to find the right product for you.
Full-spectrum products containing both CBD and THC, along with other compounds in cannabis, may offer a more well-rounded combination of effects, but the choice is always individual.
Consider other product details
When choosing a cannabis topical, you’ll want to consider:
Cannabinoid profile: Look for THC, CBD, a combination of the two, or other cannabinoids.
Milligram strength: This tells you the concentration of the cannabinoids in the product.
Additional active ingredients: Examples include arnica and menthol, but there are many possibilities.
Formulation: From balms to oils to creams, choose the best formula for your needs.
Scented or unscented options: Products with fragrances can be great, but unscented may be a better option for sensitive skin.
To fully benefit from a cannabis topical and minimize side effect risks, read through the ingredients carefully and check the milligram strength on the label to be sure that the product is strong enough for your needs.
Beware of products promising a miracle cure. If a claim seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always purchase cannabis from a reputable licensed dispensary.
Start with a small dose, then work your way up
Read the label for information about appropriate dosing. If you’re new to cannabis topicals, try applying a drop or pea-sized amount to a small area of the skin and see if there is any adverse reaction, like a rash. Then, proceed with the indicated dose, or better yet, consult with a doctor who can customize your dosage.
Stay consistent
For the best results with cannabis topicals, follow the instructions on the label and be consistent. You may find immediate relief from a cannabis salve, or it may take longer. Users report the best results from topicals in the morning and at bedtime.
Try to make cannabis topicals a part of your everyday health routine and experiment until you find the one that’s best for you.
The takeaway: Consider adding a cannabis topical to your daily regimen
Cannabis topicals are one of the safest methods of using cannabis.
Topicals containing CBD and THC can offer varying levels of pain relief for many individuals. They may also benefit the skin and lead to other positive health effects by reducing inflammation in the body.
To learn more about how topicals can relieve your symptoms, contact an experienced professional at Leafwell today.
Frequently asked questions
Will a cannabis topical interact with a medication I’m taking?
While topicals are less likely to interact with medication compared with oral products, it’s important to speak with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re using your product safely.
How often can I use a CBD or THC topical?
You can use a CBD or THC topical as often as you’d like! The effects of each application can last up to 6 hours. You may choose to apply the product again after the effects have worn off to maintain relief.
What’s the best way to store a topical product?
Because the compounds in cannabis can break down easily, we suggest storing your topical product in a dark, dry, or cool place, such as a cabinet or closet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will cannabis topicals get me high?
No, cannabis topicals will generally not get you high unless they contain extremely high levels of THC. The exception is a transdermal patch containing THC, which may cause some degree of psychoactivity but not to the extent of other cannabis consumption methods.
Do cannabis topicals work for depression?
CBD has been studied for its potential antidepressant effects. Research has been encouraging about the ability of CBD to serve as an adjunct treatment for depression and anxiety. However, if you take prescription medication for depression, keep taking your antidepressants unless your doctor suggests otherwise.
Are cannabis topicals good for chronic pain?
Chronic pain is perhaps the most common reason people use cannabis topicals. More research is needed on whether topicals can help with severe forms of pain. Be aware that topicals may offer relief for a few hours, but you will likely need to reapply throughout the day to experience consistent effects.
Reach out to the physicians at Leafwell to unlock access to cannabis topicals and other therapeutic products. Our doctors are here to see you in our virtual clinic and start the online application process for a medical marijuana card.
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