Cannabis topicals are lotions, patches, balms, lubricants, suppositories, and oils that have been infused with extracts from marijuana. They are an exciting way to ingest cannabis by allowing it to soak into your skin. This is sometimes called transdermal absorption.
Topicals provide many health benefits and are unique among cannabis products. Because they are applied to the skin, most topicals don’t reach your liver and your bloodstream, meaning you don’t get the high associated with smoking marijuana or consuming an edible.
Instead, cannabinoids like THC and CBD in the creams and other products interact with your muscles, nerves, joints, and skin. They also contain antioxidants to keep you looking and feeling fresher and stronger. This effect is often amplified by combining cannabinoids with essential oils and other healthy ingredients. For example, an anti-inflammatory may also contain menthol to produce a cooling effect in addition to pain management.
In the case of skin creams, joint balms, and similar products, the cannabis topical generally soothes the immediate area around the patch of skin where it is applied.
Cannabinoids are similar to natural substances created by the body that affect pain, pleasure, mood, and appetite. Using a cannabis topical can mimic your own natural system to help clear up your skin, make you feel less pain, and treat a host of other issues.
CBD creams are popular for many ailments, especially treating a spectrum of illnesses and injuries that cause discomfort.
Many users find that cannabis topicals effectively manage pain, especially chronic pain from conditions like arthritis or recurring pain from issues like cramping. After a hard day at the gym or other strenuous activity, a topical cannabis cream can help treat muscle soreness. Other products may be applied to the temples to mitigate the pain from headaches.
Suppositories can also manage pain from serious illnesses such as different types of cancer, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, and more. Taking a cannabinoid in this way offers the medicinal benefits of marijuana without the high.
Some topicals do produce a high and can even enhance pleasure from sex. Lubricants that contain THC can be absorbed by skin and blood vessels near the mouth, genitals, and anus and cause a euphoric high.
Cannabinoids have also been found to treat other skin conditions as well. Some creams and balms are designed to reduce acne, eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and itching. Cannabinoids can slow down your skin’s oil production and offer antioxidant protection, giving you younger-looking skin (minus the acne).
It’s important to carefully read about a product before determining if it’s right for you. For example, if you’re experiencing inflammation, look for a CBD cream designed to work as an anti-inflammatory.
If you’re curious to learn about incorporating plant-based cannabinoids into your health regimen, take a look at our selection here at Cheeba's. Not only do we source high-quality cannabis to ensure potency and effectiveness, but we package our cannabis topicals in a variety of application methods. From simple cbd creams to roll-on balms, we have something for everyone.