The miracle behind the cannabis plant

Using cannabis as a medicine has been going on for centuries. The fact that the whole entire Cannabis Sativa plant can be used for medicinal properties is beyond fascinating. From the spongy buds down to the actual plant stems, it is filled with beneficial properties for the body and mind.

CBD (cannabinoidiol) is a highly-researched compound of the marijuana plant. So far, scientific evidence has shown just how much CBD can do for the body.

• Cures acne

• Helps with dry skin

• Reduces signs of aging

• Alleviates psoriasis

• Anti-inflammatory

• Nourishes dry skin

• Manages eczema

• Powerful antioxidant

• Rich in omegas 6 and 9

• Boosts immune system

What are cannabis topicals?

Understanding the differences between topical and transdermal

While both are used on your skin, topicals do not enter your bloodstream and transdermals do. Topicals are more designed to interact with the receptors near your skin's surface. This helps provide a more localized relief for pain, inflammation, and skin conditions.

Transdermal patches deliver cannabinoids into your bloodstream by penetrating several layers of skin. This results in systemic effects, meaning it is delivered to your entire body and not just the spot on your body where the patch is.

Cannabis topicals and psychoactive effects

The main tidbit of information you need to know about cannabis topicals and psychoactive effects is only if the product contains THC and is absorbed into your bloodstream will you experience any sort of 'high'.

Looking into CBD potency

The potency of CBD is measured in milligrams (mg). The thing is, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to how many milligrams of CBD you should use. This is mainly because of the few factors that easily influence the potency of CBD. Two of the main factors being the type of product and the combination of cannabinoids used.

When it comes to CBD topicals compared to CBD tinctures, topicals are way less concentrated making them less potent than tinctures. Topicals are typically mixed with water and other moisturizing ingredients along with a CBD oil giving you a less pronounced effect.

The combination of different cannabinoids and terpenes play a large part in how potent the CBD topical is. You will typically see things like broad-spectrum, full-spectrum, or isolate on CBD products. Isolates are 100% CBD, meaning it contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids or terpenes. When you get into the spectrum combination of cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THC, there will be more potent effects, like the entourage effect.

1:1 Cannabis topicals

It's quite common for a cannabis topical to have a mixed ratio of both THC and CBD. There are even products out there that have a ratio of several different cannabinoids. When you see a ratio of 1:1 on your CBD topical, it means there are equal amounts of CBD and THC in the product.

It's a whole different ball game compared to products with just CBD or just THC. This is mainly because of the way CBD and THC interact with each other. It's like your hyper friend hanging out with your calm friend, leveling each other out. You can look at it like this: Breaking a single stick is pretty simple, but when you gather ten small sticks and bind them together, it becomes extremely difficult to break them using just your hands. So, when THC and CBD bind together, they are pretty much unstoppable.

Topical THC vs. CBD topicals

When it comes to pain relief, CBD topicals are ideal for addressing the root cause of inflammation, like acne, sunburns, and eczema. Whereas topical THC can be more effective for treating neuropathic pain or intense discomfort from arthritis, migraines, etc. A major thing to love about these topicals is how long they last. You can expect a topical to last you months!

Cannabis salves

Since salves are much thicker and more concentrated, they are used for targeted relief. Sore muscles after a workout, menstrual cramps, and headaches call for a cannabis salve. They are typically made with ingredients like waxes or fatty oils which can form a protective layer on your skin and absorb slower over a longer period of time.

Cannabis lotions

Super moisturizing and absorbs easily. Lotions are best used to cover a more vast area of your body. Compared to cannabis salves, using a lotion will start working in a much shorter time since your skin absorbs lotion quicker than it does a salve.

CBD oil

Options are close to endless when it comes to CBD oils. Its versatility ranges from using the CBD oil as a massage oil all the way to being added to your bath. Some people even add a few drops to a lotion they already have, making a CBD topical right at home. There are many CBD oils available on the market in many doses. For a potent CBD oil, pick up a syringe of Rick Simpson Oil (RSO). 

Cannabis sprays

Not the easiest-to-find cannabis topical, but they are out there. Sprays are highly diluted and meant to be applied to a larger area of your body. There are even cannabis sprays that have essential oils like lavender that you can spray on your pillow right before bed.

Cannabis transdermal patches

Earlier we talked about the difference between transdermal patches compared to topicals. The main difference being transdermal patches have the ability to enter your bloodstream. These patches are activated by your body heat to gradually release CBD and/or THC into your skin. Once it starts flowing through your bloodstream, your whole body will feel the effects. They also penetrate much deeper into the skin which provides longer-lasting relief.

Transdermal patches can be applied to the upper part of your arm, stomach, inside of your wrist or on your ankle. Just make sure you clean the area of skin you are applying the patch to, and hold it on there for at least 30 seconds to make it adhere fully.

Best cannabis topical products for...

Inflamed skin - eczema - psoriasis

Anytime your skin is irritated, itchy, or just straight up on fire, you're probably reaching for a medicated lotion, cream, or salve. The anti-inflammatory and soothing effects of CBD along with the moisturizing effects of the product can bring you much needed relief when applied to the irritated area. If you want to step it up a notch, store your cream or lotion in the refrigerator to keep it nice and cool.

A promising study was conducted using a moisturizer containing endocannabinoids on patients with pruritus (strong desire to scratch a specific area of skin). In a 3-week trial with 21 patients applying a CBD cream twice daily, 38% of patients completely stopped itching, and another 52% reported a significant decrease in itching!

Acne

If you are dealing with acne, it's possible that your skin is pretty sensitive. There are so many skin cleansers on the market that boast their ability to combat acne, but are filled with chemicals and ingredients that can make your skin more irritated. Natural ingredients are the way to go, especially if your treating acne on your face.

Pain relief from arthritis - joint - muscle aches

It's difficult to describe in words how uncomfortable and painful these body aches feel. Even dealing with a migraine the day after attending a dope concert. Not everyone wants to pop a pain killer nor do they want to fight through the pain. This is when the world of cannabis topicals is your oyster. A thick cannabis cream with both THC and CBD can be rubbed on your sore back after helping your buddy move or a grueling leg-day workout.

When you are dealing with aches in pains all over your body, perfect example is menstrual cramping, a transdermal patch is where its at. A cannabis topical with THC is your best bet at experiencing long-lasting pain relief.