What Are Cannabis Topicals: Use & Benefits of Topical Marijuana

What Are Cannabis Topicals: Use & Benefits of Topical Marijuana

• Cannabis topicals, ranging from lotions to balms, offer targeted pain relief and skincare benefits without the psychoactive effects of traditional cannabis products. 
• These products uniquely blend THC and CBD with skin receptors, providing localized relief and therapeutic effects in a non-intrusive manner. 
• Ideal for everyone from athletes to beauty enthusiasts, cannabis topicals cater to a wide range of needs, marking a significant stride in personal wellness and skincare. 

The cannabis market has expanded enormously in recent years, with more and more CBD and THC products arriving on store shelves and being sold across the globe, giving cannabis enthusiasts more ways to experience the unique benefits of this powerful plant. 

​​​Cannabis topicals are a great example of this. Coming in the form of lotions, creams, oils, and balms, topical THC and CBD products give people many new ways to feel the effects of cannabinoids without needing to inhale, smoke, or consume cannabis itself. This guide will cover all you need to know. 

What Are Topicals? 

To understand what topical marijuana is, we simply must understand, "What does topical mean?" This word refers to products that are applied directly to the skin. So, cannabis topicals are products that are designed to be used in this way, rubbed, or massaged right into the skin, with examples such as THC lotion or marijuana cream.

How Do Cannabis-Infused Topicals Work? 

Cannabis topicals like CBD lotions and THC cream are products that have been made with cannabis as a key ingredient, and they can interact in various ways with the human body when applied topically to the skin.  

It's important to note that one of the big advantages of cannabis topicals is that they won't get you high. Even if you use a cannabis cream with high amounts of THC, you won't experience any psychoactive effects or mind-altering experiences.  

Instead, the cannabinoids essentially get absorbed into the skin and act directly on inflamed, painful, or otherwise affected areas. According to research, that the cannabinoids in cannabis topicals, like CBD and THC, interact with special cannabinoid receptors inside the skin to trigger different effects. 

How Do CBD Topicals Work? 

CBD topicals work by interacting with CBD receptors in the skin and triggering different effects, such as the alleviation of pain, inflammation, and irritation. They can be used to help with the treatment and easing of a range of different skin conditions, including acne. 

How Do THC Topicals Work? 

THC topicals have THC as the primary ingredient. There are fewer studies regarding these kinds of topicals, but experts believe that THC, like CBD, can contribute to the easing of symptoms of many skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. 

THC topicals do not make you feel “high” and are not detectable by blood and urine testing. [Source] 

Types of cannabis topicals 

One of the most attractive things about the market of cannabis topicals is that there are a lot of different products out there for users to try out. The list below will introduce you to some of the many forms of CBD topicals you can consider. 

• ​​Lotions

One of the most popular types of cannabis topical is the classic lotion. There are many different CBD and THC lotions out there and often created with various key ingredients that help to nourish the skin, slow the signs of aging, reduce the risk of wrinkles and spots appearing, and help to moisturize dry patches. 

Cannabis lotions are infused with cannabinoids like THC and CBD which can make them more soothing for areas of dry or damaged skin, as well as potentially offering additional skincare benefits like more nutrition for skin cells and more protection against free radicals. Studies have also suggested that CBD skincare products like lotions can offer many more benefits to the skin. 

• ​​​Salves

Salves or ointments are another possibility to consider in the cannabis topicals market. They're sold in small portions since you only need to use small amounts each time, and they can be rubbed into the skin and left to dry before feeling the effects. 

These products are often recommended to athletes for use after workouts, as they can help to soothe sore or aching joints and muscles, as well as being a good option for people who suffer from chronic muscle and joint pains due to their ease of use. 

• ​​Oils

If creams and lotions aren't quite your thing, you might want to consider giving cannabis oils a try. These oils are usually made with cannabis extracts that have been blended with a range of essential oils like almond oil and jojoba oil.  

Topical cannabis oils can have a range of effects, helping to soothe damaged or dry skin and treat inflamed or painful areas. They're also very easy to use, as you only need rub a small amount, like a single drop or two, into the area and then let it slowly soak in. ​​

• ​​Balms

Balms have a lot in common with salves and are used in similar ways. They usually come in small containers, and you only need to use a small amount of balm, rubbing into affected areas of the skin or body to get results. 

These substances are soft and silky, helping to nourish and revitalize skin cells and being very effective on areas or patches of skin that have gotten dry and damaged over time, so may be recommended to those with conditions like eczema or psoriasis. 

• ​​Serums

Serums are a lot like CBD tinctures and oils, made from cannabis extracts that have usually been blended with essential oils and other key ingredients that are designed to offer big benefits to the skin, even when using very small amounts. 

You can use serums as a part of your daily cannabis skincare routine, and they're well-liked by many beauty enthusiasts since they can help with a range of skin problems like dry and itchy areas, as well as nourish the skin cells and provide anti-aging benefits. 

• ​​Sunscreens

Sunscreens are another option of CBD or THC topicals you might like to consider using on sunny days, summer vacations, or trips to the beach with the family. They work just like regular sunscreens, with many of the same ingredients, and can help to protect your skin against UV damage from the rays of the sun. 

But they're also infused with cannabis extracts which can help to soothe any pain or inflammation you might experience and potentially provide extra protection to areas of dry or damaged skin. Given that CBD is also able to slow the signs of aging and protect the skin from harmful free radicals, as well as nourishing the skin with healthy fatty acids, these sunscreens may also be able to reduce the risks of sun damage overall. 

• ​​Transdermal Patches

Transdermal patches are a very different kind of cannabis topical to the others listed above because they're currently the only form of topical that can potentially cause a person to experience high-like feelings and deeper effects beyond the skin layer. This is because, as the name implies, transdermal patches can transmit cannabis beyond the dermal layer of the skin and into the bloodstream.  

There, CBD or THC can be transported around the body, interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) to trigger a wide range of effects like reduced stress, pain relief, eased inflammation, a sense of relaxation, an increased appetite, and more. They can also provide deeper penetration and pain relief in problematic areas of the body, so can be useful for people who have issues like chronic back pain or joint inflammation. 

Best of Cannabis Topicals

Chill Out with Doctor Solomon's Cold Therapy Mentholated Rollerball

Say hello to your new pocket-sized superhero, Doctor Solomon's Cold Therapy Mentholated Rollerball! With a cool 380mg of CBD and a dash of 20mg THC, it's your on-the-go solution for those "oops" moments when discomfort strikes. Whether you've twisted the wrong way doing your victory dance or pulled a muscle being a weekend warrior, this no-mess rollerball is your ticket to quick relief. 

Benefits: 

• 🌿 Natural Cooling Sensation: Infused with Menthol, it's like having a mini ice pack at your fingertips—without the drip! 
• 💪 Easy Recovery: Helps cool inflammation and soothe those aches, getting you back to your adventures faster. 
• 🌬️ Breeze to Use: Glide it on with its easy-to-apply, no-mess rollerball. Perfect for a discreet touch-up, whether you're at work or on a hike. 

Best Uses: 

• 🏃‍♂️ After Workout: Post-jog or gym session, roll it over those tired muscles. 
• 💼 Office Relief: Long hours at the desk? Give your neck and shoulders a quick roll to ease the tension. 
• 🌞 Outdoor Companion: Great for soothing those minor outdoor mishaps, from hiking strains to gardening aches. 

Available in: Pennsylvania! 

Dr. Solomon’s Rescue Lotion: Your Personal Pain Pause Button 

Embrace relief with Dr. Solomon's Rescue Lotion, a nurturing blend containing 100mg THC, crafted for those moments when your body cries out for a touch of care. Imagine it as a comforting companion, always ready to ease your discomfort with a soothing caress. 

Benefits: 

• 🌱 Gentle Yet Effective: Designed to tenderly alleviate pain while respecting your body’s natural balance. 
• 👐 Soothing Application: A smooth texture that glides over your skin, transforming discomfort into relief. 

Best Uses: 

• 🏞️ After Outdoor Activities: Perfect for calming those post-hike or gardening aches. 
• 📚 Study Break Soother: A quick application can ease the stress from hours of sitting and studying. 

Available in: CT, IL, NV, PA, OH. Turn to it for a touch of tender care! 

Medterra CBD Pain Cream: The Cool Sergeant of Soothe 

March your aches away with Medterra's CBD Pain Cream, a refreshing blend of Arnica, Menthol, and CBD. Like a stern sergeant on a mission, this cream takes charge against discomfort, leading your sore muscles and stiff joints to a state of ease and cool tranquility. 

Benefits: 

• ❄️ Cooling Commando: Dives deep into sore spots with a refreshing chill. 
• 🌱 Botanical Brigade: A natural formulation for safe and effective relief. 

Best Uses: 

• 🏡 Home Gym Hero: Perfect for easing those enthusiastic workout strains. 
• 🖊️ Writer’s Remedy: For wrists tired from typing, it’s a quick swipe to relief. 

Find it in MD: Your ally against aches. 

Dr. Solomon’s Restore Lotion: The Gentle Giant of Comfort 

Step into a world where discomfort is just a distant memory with Dr. Solomon's Restore Lotion. Like a gentle giant, it embraces your chronic pain and inflammation with tender care, infused with nurturing ingredients like Hydrolyzed Oats and Date Seed Extract. 

Benefits: 

• 🌟 Tender Touch: Soft on skin, tough on pain. 
• 🍃 Nature’s Embrace: A mix of natural ingredients for deep, nurturing relief. 

Best Uses: 

• 🌙 Nighttime Nurturer: Apply before bed for a peaceful, pain-free sleep. 
• 🎨 Artist’s Ally: Keep hands and wrists supple and free from discomfort. 

Available in: PA, IL. Find your solace in its gentle embrace. 

Mary's Transdermal Patches: The Secret Agent of Serenity

Embark on a covert operation against pain with Mary's Transdermal Patches. Like a secret agent, they discreetly stick to your skin, working behind the scenes to deliver continuous, undetected relief for up to 12 hours. 

Benefits: 

• 🕵️‍♂️ Invisible Relief: Stick it on and forget it’s there while it works its magic. 
• 🌊 Resilient and Reliable: Designed to withstand sweat and water. 

Best Uses: 

• 🚴‍♀️ Active Lifestyle Ally: For those who live life on the move, it's your secret weapon against pain. 
• 📅 Long Workdays: Stick one on in the morning for all-day relief that's as discreet as your professionalism. 

Get it in IL: Your undercover partner in pain relief. 

What Symptoms Can Cannabis Topicals Help With? 

The list above should help to answer any questions you might have about “What is topical CBD?” and what sorts of forms it can be found in. But what can these products do? Well, they offer quite a broad range of possible benefits. 

• Pain and Inflammation 

One of the main reasons people make use of CBD products like creams and lotions is to alleviate the pain and inflammation they may be experiencing. Studies have shown that CBD and other cannabinoids can be immensely effective at soothing sensations like aches and pains, so these products can help to reduce discomfort in certain areas of the body like aching muscles and sore joints. ​​

• Skin Conditions 

As mentioned earlier and backed up by scientific reports, cannabis topicals may also be of assistance in treating a range of different skin conditions. Studies have shown that CBD and THC can help to soothe dry patches of skin, provide nourishment to inflamed or irritated areas, and help the skin produce more natural oils to protect itself against infections too. This can help with things like acne, eczema, and more. 

• Dystonia, Dyskinesias, and Tics 

Studies have also shown that cannabis products like CBD and THC topicals may also be used to help treat people who are suffering from involuntary movement issues like dystonia, dyskinesias, and tics. According to science, these products can reduce the rate and severity of such involuntary movements and can contribute to a greater quality of life for patients. 

• Wounds 

Cannabis topicals may also be of assistance with wound care. When the body gets wounded, it responds with an inflammation phase, which can be very painful and uncomfortable to experience, before gradually proceeding to heal. CBD and THC can help to alleviate inflammation and speed up the healing process. 

• Headaches 

Cannabis products like topicals may also assist in the alleviation of headaches, soothing pain, and discomfort in the head which can occur due to various factors like too much screen time or a lack of rest. This can have various additional benefits, like helping people feel less stressed and getting more rest at night, which is why marijuana for sleep is so popular too. 

Sublingual vs. Topical Tinctures: Understanding the Differences 

Sublingual tinctures and topical tinctures each serve distinct purposes in the realm of cannabis products. Sublingual tinctures, which are typically oil-based, are designed for absorption under the tongue. This method allows for efficient and direct entry into the bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system. [Source] 

It's a preferred choice for those seeking quick effects and precise dosing, as the dropper facilitates easy measurement. 

In contrast, topical tinctures, including lotions and balms, are applied externally to the skin. Their primary function is to target localized areas, offering relief right where it's needed. Unlike sublingual tinctures, they don't enter the bloodstream, making them ideal for focused application on specific skin issues or localized pain. [Source] 

Each type of tincture offers its advantages, depending on your needs. Sublingual tinctures are suitable for systemic benefits and quicker onset, while topicals are excellent for direct, localized application. Both forms provide effective ways to harness the benefits of cannabis, allowing users to choose based on their health objectives. 

Will Using a Marijuana Topical Get Me High? 

No, as stated earlier on, marijuana topicals have the advantage of not getting people high, as the cannabinoids act directly on the skin and connect with skin receptors, rather than penetrating deeper into the body and entering the bloodstream. The only exception to this rule is the transdermal patch, which can allow THC through to the blood. 

Where Can I Buy Cannabis Topicals? 

You can find cannabis topicals at a trusted marijuana dispensary near you, as well as via various online stores and other brick-and-mortar locations that are licensed and authorized to sell marijuana products such as CBD lotions and oils. Visiting a trusted dispensary will allow you to speak with experts and ask any questions you might have about the correct usage of cannabis topicals or the right cannabis dose for you. 

Find the nearest RISE Dispensary!