According to the 2018 Civilized Culture Poll, the cannabis topical market is all set to explode. Topicals made from hemp and cannabis with significant amounts of cannabinoids are effective in providing relief from a wide range of physical symptoms. These include pain, inflammation, allergic reactions, etc.
The most important benefit of using marijuana topicals is that you can receive medicinal effects without consuming cannabinoids. Simply apply to the affected area, and get localized relief from pain and minor aches.
At medical dispensaries, you can find a wide range of therapeutic lotions, balms, ointments, etc. 420 doctors can help you select the right ones for your condition.
How do Topicals Work?
Topicals work by binding to the receptors in the endocannabinoid system. The receptors are present throughout the body and are activated by the naturally-occurring endocannabinoids. However, research says that cannabis cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD) also bind to these receptors, thus providing positive effects.
Also Read- How Does The Endocannabinoid System Work?
Most topicals don’t reach the bloodstream, but they penetrate into the skin to deliver instant relief. So, unlike smoking, topicals don’t deliver high effects, even if they contain high-THC content. However, transdermal patches deliver chemical compounds to the bloodstream, thus they could lead to intoxicating effects.
Major Health Benefits of Cannabis Topicals
1 They Relieve Pain
Marijuana-infused topicals are proven beneficial for providing localized pain relief. You have a wide range of options in creams, balms, and lotions that can be applied directly to the affected area to get instant relief. For instance, if you are experiencing neck pain, applying a topical directly to the neck can help you get relief. Additionally, they work instantly—the cannabinoids bind to CB2 receptors in the skin, thus providing immediate relief.
Cannabis topicals are perfect for headaches, muscle aches, soreness, nerve pain, and menstrual cramping. However, if you are looking for full-body relief, you can buy bath salts infused with marijuana.
2 They Manage Inflammation
Another core benefit is reducing inflammation—a common symptom in many medical conditions. Since topicals provide localized relief, they can help certain bodily inflammation associated with various conditions.
According to a study published in 2016, topical applications of CBD were effective in reducing pain and inflammation. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid of the cannabis plant, known for its amazing anti-inflammatory effects.
Also Read- Use CBD For Managing These Types of Pain
3 They Manage Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a skin disease associated with excessive buildup of skin cells. It can lead to itching, redness, and inflammation.
According to a 2006 study, cannabis cannabinoids can play a role in inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation, thus treating psoriasis. Although more research is required to evaluate how exactly marijuana works, many report a significant reduction in psoriasis symptoms after using the herb.
4 They Help With Arthritis
Arthritis is a condition that can lead to joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. There are many forms of arthritis, the most common ones are—osteoarthritis and rheumatoid. Cannabis topicals can help in managing inflammation, thus treating arthritis.
5 They Heal Skin Burns Quickly
Skin burns are hard to heal. Using topicals can help you deal with the burns since cannabis manages the inflammation. You can easily target the affected area, and get relief within a few minutes. Many report that cannabis topicals work way better than antibiotic creams.
6 They Manage Skin Infections
The antibacterial properties of cannabis can help in managing various skin infections. These include boils, cellulitis, folliculitis, impetigo, etc. Unlike antibiotics, patients don’t experience any kind of bodily resistance to the treatment.
7 They Manage Cancer Chemotherapy Side-Effects
Some studies report that smoking cannabis can help in managing chemotherapy side-effects. In fact, two drugs Dronabinol (Marinol®) and Nabilone (Cesamet®) have been approved by the US for alleviating nausea and vomiting associated with cancer chemotherapy.
Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids. Different cannabis compounds perform different functions. For instance, THC relieves pain, nausea, and inflammation while CBD reduces anxiety, paranoia, and seizures.
Also Read- How Medical Marijuana Works For Anxiety Sufferers?
Tips For Using Topicals
1 Determine The Location
Before you apply cannabis lotion or balm, determine the location of the pain. It’s quite obvious. You don’t want to apply it to the neck when you are experiencing pain in the head. So, determining where to apply topicals will help you manage pain and inflammation efficiently and quickly.
However, if you are unable to find the specific areas, consider applying to the common sore areas—neck, wrists, elbows, back, shoulders, and feet.
2 Clean The Area Properly
Clean the area properly to remove bacteria and contaminants. Give it a quick rinse before applying the marijuana-infused topical on feet, hands, neck, etc. For cleaning, you can use a wet towel. Scrub properly to remove the contaminants and then apply the topical.
3 Apply Generous Amount of Topical
After you have cleaned and dried the area, apply the topical. However, you may need to do two or three applications to receive the desired effects. Every time you apply the topical, massage, and rub the skin gently. Don’t put too much pressure, otherwise, you may experience discomfort.
4 Wash Your Hands
After you have finished with cannabis topicals, wash your hands properly with soap and water. This is because most topicals contain flavors of citrus, pepper, etc., and they don’t feel good in the nose, eyes, etc.
Topicals are available in a variety of forms. Some produce hot/cold sensations while others are designed for everyday use. To receive the desired health benefits, make sure you select the right topicals. However, you can talk to 420 doctors to seek professional help.
Will Topicals Make the Drug Test Positive?
Since in most topicals, THC doesn’t reach the bloodstream, so they are unlikely to influence the drug test results. However, you should consider some simple precautions while applying ointments, lotions, or creams. Always wear gloves and avoid touching your face until you remove them. After removing the gloves, you should wash your hands with soap and water thoroughly.
Accessing Medical Marijuana Legally
Medical use of cannabis is legal in 33 states currently. Different states have different regulations for medical users, so you should carefully check them. To access state-licensed dispensaries, you require an MMJ card signed by a licensed doctor.
With telemedicine technology, it’s very easy to apply for 420 evaluations. The process is 100% online and takes less than 10 minutes. It involves-
- Signing up an account
- Seeing a medical marijuana doctor through HIPAA-compliant software
- Receiving an MMJ rec letter in PDF via email
However, hemp-derived CBD topicals (with less than 0.3 percent THC) are federally legal according to the Farm Bill of 2018. You don’t require a medical cannabis card to buy them. However, anything above 0.3 percent THC will be counted as cannabis, and you need a card to access them legally.
Final Thoughts
Topicals are lotions, balms, creams, and ointments infused with cannabis compounds. They provide localized relief from pain and inflammation, thus managing various medical conditions.
You can apply cannabis topicals directly to the skin. Since in most topicals, cannabinoids don’t reach the bloodstream, they don’t cause psychoactive effects.
Before applying topicals, make sure you determine the affected area and clean it thoroughly to remove the unwanted contaminants. After you have done with the process, make sure you wash your hands with soap and water.
For managing your symptoms, buy the right cannabis topicals with optimal levels of cannabinoids. Talk to 420 doctors to get your MMJ recs.