THC Bath Bombs: Effective or Gimmick?
Article written by
Ruth LemonVP of Operations
Content reviewed by
Dr. Lewis JasseyMedical Director - Pediatric Medicine
As the use of cannabis becomes more widespread, new and exciting ways of using THC are popping up. What was once only available in a handful of products is now available in a variety of goods, including bath bombs.
THC bath bombs are a new way to use marijuana for medicinal and recreational users, and they work by interacting with your skin. Let’s learn more about this relatively new cannabinoid delivery method that allows cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy a euphoric soak in a hot bath.
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How THC Bath Bombs Work
THC bath bombs work through their interaction with your skin. The skin is the largest organ in the body, and it maintains a barrier between your cells and the outside world.
But this barrier isn’t impenetrable; it’s composed of layers of cells that compounds and substances can penetrate. Underneath all the layers of skin on your body lies your circulatory system, which you can target with cannabinoids.
Bath bombs work similarly to THC or CBD-infused massage oils or topical patches, where cannabinoids are absorbed through your skin. Typically, consuming cannabinoids through the skin produces what some would call a “body high” and not so much a psychoactive experience.
The method of delivery into your body achieved by bathing in a bath with infused bath bombs is called “percutaneous absorption,” which is a form of passive diffusion. This delivers the compound into your bloodstream, but it’s not the most efficient way of getting it there. However, if the compound is highly concentrated within the bath bomb and your skin is ready to absorb it, THC and CBD within the bath bomb can make their way into your circulatory system.
Will THC Bath Bombs Get You High?
THC bath bombs may not get you as high as they would using conventional methods such as smoking THC or consuming it in an edible. But that doesn’t mean you won’t feel any effects of THC.
The most likely effect of using a THC bath bomb that you may experience is intense relaxation. This is what people call a “body high.”
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Potential Benefits and Drawbacks
Benefits
Relaxation. THC bath bombs are potent stress relievers. In addition to THC, they usually contain essential oils such as orange, eucalyptus, or lavender, which give off pleasant scents and help the body relax.
Reduce inflammation. Bath bombs contain Epsom salts, which break down into sulfate and magnesium, which your body can absorb and may help reduce inflammation, though there isn’t enough definitive research to say for sure.
Great for skin. THC or cannabis oil is often made using a fatty-acid base which can soften and rejuvenate the skin.
Easy to make. You can buy pre-made THC bath bombs or make your own! Making bath bombs is simple; the main ingredients include coconut oil or olive oil, citric acid, Epsom salts, essential oils, cornstarch, baking soda, and THC oil.
Measure out your ingredients, combine them in a bowl, and mix well. After this, you just need to mold the bath bombs and let them dry for a couple of days before you use them.
THC bath bombs should be stored in airtight containers and cool, dry places if not used immediately after drying.
Drawbacks
Absorbing THC through the skin is a relatively inefficient way to get cannabinoids into the bloodstream. The skin acts like a semi-permeable barrier, letting some substances and chemicals in, usually only in small quantities. The purpose of your skin barrier is to stop things like pollutants and foreign substances from entering the body.
Using a THC bath bomb won’t produce psychoactive effects, but it might provide you with intense relaxation. So, if you’re looking for a euphoric or psychedelic experience, stick to using THC through more conventional methods.
Other Bath Bombs with Cannabinoids
CBD Bath Bombs
One common cannabinoid you can find in bath bombs is CBD. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and is usually used to reduce anxiety, stress, and depression. It is also used for muscle and joint pain relief, as well as for increasing sleep quality.
CBD bath bombs are an excellent option for pain relief and relaxation, and when mixed with hot water, the therapeutic effects of CBD may be amplified.
Delta-8
Some manufacturers, such as Kush Queen, produce bath bombs that contain a 1:1 ratio of CBD and delta-8, which is said to provide a mood stabilizing blend of essential oils, and cannabinoids, which give the user heightened full body relaxation.
The Bottom Line
Bath bombs are a great option if you want a new and exciting way to add cannabinoids like THC and CBD to your relaxation routine. While THC bath bombs won’t give you a traditional “high,” they may provide your body with some much-needed feelings of relaxation.
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