If you’re one of the people who grew up thinking that cannabis was only something to smoke in a joint or a pipe, the idea of applying THC topicals or a CBD lotion may sound a little odd. But as a growing number of us are learning, cannabis-infused topicals offer a convenient, long-lasting, and most of all effective way to address chronic conditions like muscle soreness, tension, and other complaints.
If you’re interested in learning how these cutting-edge but simple plant-based products work, today’s post is the perfect medicine.
THC Topicals: How They Work
We’ve written about the cannabis plant’s medicinal benefits before, how the cannabinoids—the most important family of “active ingredients” in cannabis—impact us in a variety of ways. THC, for instance, has been shown to fight discomfort and to help reduce stress and ease us into sleep, among other effects.
And CBD, the non-intoxicating “second cannabinoid,” has been linked to a number of potential benefits. In addition to helping treat certain seizures, it’s been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, address chronic tension and discomfort, and even help us get a better night’s sleep.
But here’s the thing: Whether you smoke your cannabis, consume it in an edible or apply it in a transdermal patch, the cannabinoids will eventually enter the bloodstream. When you use CBD or THC topicals, the effect is different and far more localized than with other forms of cannabis.
We sell a number of topicals—including popular products like Mary’s Medicinals and Michigan Organic Rub—and they typically address site-specific symptoms: Strained muscles, achy joints and the like.
Then there are transdermal patches. Because these products allow cannabinoids to actually enter the bloodstream, ones that contain THC can impart its distinctive euphoric psychoactivity. That said, it’s generally far milder than with other forms of cannabis. That’s because these products dispense their cannabinoids over long periods of time, typically 12 to 24 hours (and often longer).
Compared with smoked or vaped cannabis, the effect is relatively gentle and non-distracting. That said, if you’re concerned about the potential for a THC topical to be psychoactive, be sure to read the manufacturer’s informational literature (and don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly budtenders for guidance)! Everyone’s experience with transdermal products is different.
CBD Lotion: Powerful Relief from Nagging Symptoms
As we mentioned a moment ago, CBD has been implicated in all sorts of useful effects. When it comes to topicals like lotions and rubs, many of us take advantage of CBD’s unique anti-inflammatory and analgesic qualities to address post-workout soreness, joint pain, and other routine complaints. And because cannabis topicals keep working for such a relatively long time, they’re great for addressing issues of anxiety and poor sleep, both of which often tend to be interrelated.
THC Topicals and Transdermal Products: Wrapping Up
We hope today’s post offers you some insights on how these simple plant-based medicines can offer gentle, long-lasting, and sustainable relief from a wide variety of symptoms and conditions. If you have more questions about THC topicals, transdermal patches, or any other topics in the wide world of cannabis, just ask! We’re always here to help.
Or, feel free to stop by one of our dispensary locations today to ask our helpful budtenders what we currently have in stock. You can also browse our online menu to shop for Mary’s Medicinals, Michigan Organic Rub and several other effective topicals we normally have in stock—all from the comfort of your home. We look forward to serving you!
