Cannabis topicals have been around for quite some time now. Some remember the days of the alcohol-and-cannabis-based rubs and balms to ease sore muscles, but others might not even know how far we’ve come since then. Cannabis topicals are more potent, varied forms of relief that can be easily administered, whether via balms and rubs or for longer-lasting relief in the form of bath salts, salves, oils, and skincare products too.
Cannabis Topicals Benefits
Patients suffering from chronic pain often choose medical marijuana topicals to help alleviate their discomfort. Also, several new innovations in cannabis products, including long-lasting transdermal cannabis patches and tingly lubricants for patients and recreational consumers, have arrived on the market recently. Here are some reasons why you might want to try cannabis topicals:
- No indications of impairment or side effects.
- Localized treatment.
- All doses can be kept under the recommended dosage.
- Minimal adverse reactions.
- May be combined with other products to help their effects spread.
- You can use these treatments as many times as you like every day.
- It’s easy to experiment with a variety of cannabis strains.
While it’s true that topicals tend to give better-localized effects than smoking or ingesting your cannabis, you can’t really treat them like potpourri. Here’s a breakdown of the different uses for cannabis topicals.
Chronic Pain Elimination
If you’re one of the millions of people who suffer from chronic pain, you know how debilitating it can be. Chronic pain is constant, and it limits your ability to function effectively each and every day. Fortunately, thanks to the advancement of cannabinoid (CBD) research, scientists have discovered that topical cannabis products can deliver a significant amount of cannabinoids (including CBD) directly to the site in which they are applied — resulting in the potential for these products to provide relief over an extended period of time. Potentially it allows you to avoid taking a systemic medication that might have an adverse effect on your whole body. For example, women can use marijuana tampons to relieve the painful cramps they experience during the cycle of their periods.
Anti-Inflammatory Effect
Cannabis-infused topical lotions are known to stimulate a localized anti-inflammatory response in the body. Massage therapists love them as an alternative to pain-relieving creams and lotions due to the fact they have therapeutic benefits without the typical side effects produced by a supplement like Ibuprofen or Tylenol. When it comes to treating inflammation, topical cannabis applications aren’t all the same. If you have a medical condition that responds well to medical marijuana patches, then you’re going to want to try them. Here are some of the most important ways patients use them:
- Twists and sprains;
- Insect bites and stings;
- Joint pain (arthritis);
- Muscle pain;
- Burns;
- Bruises;
- Swelling.
Disinfectant
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) have shown to be effective against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is a drug-resistant bacteria. Some research has shown that these compounds may help to fight off harmful pathogens. It may be that the same qualities that make cannabis good for ridding your skin of bacteria also give it powerful antiseptic properties.
Acne Management
CBD, a compound in cannabis that doesn’t get people high, is being studied for its ability to reduce oil production in the skin. Body acne is caused by the same microorganisms that cause facial acne, so it stands to reason that CBD-containing products could help reduce body acne. If you’re concerned about blemishes, it is recommended to try out CBD-infused body wash and lotion.
Anti-Aging Treatments
Cannabis topicals are a fantastic way to treat conditions, but they’re also pretty effective at improving the look and feel of skin, too. The anti-inflammatory antioxidants found in marijuana have grown in popularity as they are used in an increasing number of beauty products, including cosmetics, to treat the signs of aging. Cannabinoids such as CBD and THC have been shown to improve skin collagen production and its elasticity, giving a more youthful appearance. Studies suggest that cannabinoids can even help heal damaged skin. For these reasons, cannabis topicals can be used in the form of salves, rollerballs, and lotions.
Cancer-Fighting Effect
Scientists have discovered that cannabinoids, may slow the growth of cancer. Scientists have discovered that cannabinoids, may slow the growth of cancer. There is a chemical within marijuana called “CB-1” which activates receptors throughout the body. When these receptors get activated, it causes an anti-inflammatory response in your body. This is just one of the many ways that cannabis topicals are able to benefit the human body.
Another thing to keep in mind when choosing cannabis topicals is that they do not have any psychoactive effects, which makes it ideal for those who suffer from anxiety or other conditions that could be aggravated by ingesting a THC-packed edible. By working directly with your endocannabinoid system, cannabinoids can deliver localized relief wherever you choose to apply them.
How to Use Cannabis Topicals to Get the Best Results
When using cannabis topicals, it’s important to follow the instructions on the label and apply a consistent amount of product to an area of concern. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may find some relief from a cannabis-infused salve right away, while it could take longer to provide relief for chronic pain. Many users find that you’ll get the best results from topicals by applying them before bedtime and in the morning when you wake up. Start incorporating cannabis topicals into your regular health routine, and experiment until you find the one that fits your needs.
Conclusion
Cannabis topicals are a wonderful new way to harness the healing powers of this plant. Rather than smoking or eating it, which takes longer for the effects to be experienced and can often cause adverse side effects like paranoia and dizziness, topicals let you take advantage of the cannabinoids at their site of action and may also offer other benefits like anti-aging properties. While more research is needed on this topic, cannabinoids and topical applications are likely an important part of any healthy skincare regime.