Cannabis Topicals and Transdermals

What are cannabis topicals?

Cannabis topicals are salves, balms, lotions, or oils that have been infused with active cannabis compounds. They can be applied directly to the skin to offer physical relief without psychoactive effects.

While some topicals contain THC, your skin intercepts active compounds before they can enter the bloodstream, so you won’t feel “high.” This means that cannabis topicals are perfect for relaxation, reducing inflammation, and encouraging muscle recovery after a hard workout or long day on the job.

Benefits of Cannabis Topicals

Targeted, localized effect
Non-psychoactive
Perfect for stress relief, strain, and muscular overexertion
Can be used throughout the day and reapplied as needed

How to Use Cannabis Topicals

Effective on sore joints, aching muscles, and even some kinds of rashes, cannabis topicals are most effective when you thoroughly massage them into the affected area. Some consumers like to follow the application with the use of a heat pack or other warming device to increase the impact of their topical.

Cannabis topicals often contain cannabis flower combined with other botanicals and active ingredients to effectively reduce pain, aches, and inflammation without the psychoactive impact of most cannabis products.

While cannabis topicals typically target a specific area, cannabis transdermals are gaining popularity for their ability to offer a whole-body soothing effect. Activated by body heat, transdermals penetrate the skin more deeply and gradually release cannabinoids into your circulatory system.

Cannabis transdermals are gels, creams, or patches designed to be applied directly to the affected area. Once applied, each layer of skin absorbs the transdermal’s active cannabis compounds, allowing them to enter the bloodstream.

This direct-to-bloodstream delivery method lets cannabinoids bypass your digestive system and liver, whose metabolic action reduces the number of plant compounds your body absorbs, enabling your body to benefit from the full dose of cannabis.

Because cannabinoids are delivered slowly and gradually instead of in one large dose, the effect they create is more subtle and long-lasting. It’s an excellent way to get a consistent, easy, and discrete dose of cannabis relief, with effects beginning in as little as 10 minutes and lasting from 4 to 6 hours.

Benefits of Cannabis Transdermals

Whole-body relief
Consistent release of cannabis compounds
Little to no psychoactive impact
Perfect for general easing of bodily aches and pains.