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Buy Cannabis Topicals for Pain Relief and More

Science is gradually showing us more benefits of the cannabis plant. Advances in technology are also giving people more options than ever before for cannabis consumption. Marijuana infused topicals are revolutionizing opinions of cannabis and providing additional ways for many users to get the targeted relief they need. But what are cannabis topicals and how do they work?

What are Cannabis Topicals?

Topicals are cannabis infused products including balms, creams, lotions, and even oils. These products are typically used to provide relief from chronic pain and the pain and inflammation of sore muscles and joints.

Topicals are non-intoxicating, meaning there are no psychoactive effects. This is why they are popular options for patients who want the benefits of cannabis without the euphoric high often associated with marijuana consumption. But pain relief cream is only the beginning in the topical world. We’re beginning to see other product options in the cannabis industry, including items such as topical patches.

How Does a Cannabis Topical Product Work?

Every human body has something called the endocannabinoid system. This system plays an important role in maintaining balance in the body. It regulates processes and functions such as:

Even if you have never used cannabis, your endocannabinoid system (ECS) is hard at work using molecules called endogenous cannabinoids made by your body. These “endocannabinoids” bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors in your ECS. Effects vary depending on the location of the receptor and the type of endocannabinoid binding to it. For example, endocannabinoids may bind to a CB1 receptor, resulting in pain relief, or a CB2 receptor to reduce inflammation.

How Do Topicals Work on Pain?

The cannabis plant contains several types of cannabinoids. These cannabinoids interact with the ECS the same way your own endocannabinoids do. The two most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Both of these cannabinoids bind to the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, the same way your endocannabinoids do, to produce a variety of therapeutic benefits.

When a topical product infused with THC, CBD, or both cannabinoids is applied, it is absorbed into the top layers of the skin where it provides localized relief. These cannabinoids are fat soluble, meaning they are unable to penetrate the bloodstream when applied topically. This means that users get the benefits of the cannabinoids without having to worry about any associated psychoactive effects or high.

Topical lotions with a 1:1 ratio of THC/CBD tends to provide the most effective local pain relief for a variety of medical conditions. This is because THC is analgesic and provides pain relief, while CBD is anti-inflammatory and reduces inflammation which can contribute to pain. Using topical creams with both CBD and THC is a great weapon against many types of pain including:

Essentially, it’s a great option when you need targeted relief for pain and inflammation.

Are There Other Uses for Cannabis Topicals Besides Pain?

There’s more to cannabis topicals than just lotions for pain. Both CBD and THC have been found to be effective in killing Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA. Superbugs like MRSA are resistant to antibiotics. But evidence points to THC and CBD having antimicrobial properties. This characteristic protects the plant from harmful and dangerous pathogens as it grows and passes on the antiseptic properties into topical cannabis products.

Cannabinoids also contain anti-aging properties. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage to DNA and cells from things such as UV radiation and pollution that cause fine lines and wrinkles. A growing number of beauty products and cosmetics are cashing in on the anti-aging properties of cannabis to create new and improved CBD products for skin care. And, in addition to anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, CBD face cream may also help control excess oil on the face, making it a potential solution for skin conditions and acne problems.

There’s even evidence that cannabis may be another tool in the cancer-fighting arsenal. A 2017 study suggests that topical cannabis products may help with both pain management and when it comes to healing malignant wounds.

There’s a lot more we can learn about cannabis and how it interacts with the body as research and lab testing continues to advance and provide more detail. Medical news continues to offer more information on the benefits of medical cannabis and the cannabis plant as a whole.

Which Topical Products Should You Buy?

The best topical creams, body oil, muscle rub, pain cream, body lotions, and joint creams for you depend on your specific needs and preferred product type. Selective reproduction by growers have created different types of cannabis strains that harness benefits.

It’s also not uncommon for some lotions and creams to include added ingredients such as essential oils to amplify the entourage effect of the cannabis. For example, you may be able to find THC topicals infused with menthol to provide a cooling effect to sore muscles. Other salves or creams may have a warming component. There are a wide variety of THC products, CBD products, broad spectrum, and full-spectrum products for you to choose from.

Different topical products have different benefits depending on how they were processed, the ingredients included, and the strain used. You may benefit more from THC or CBD products, or a blend of the two depending on what you would like to treat.

When in doubt, you can always seek the advice of a medical professional or the experienced personnel at your local Burnt River Farms dispensary. We can help you find a quality product with natural ingredients that meets your unique needs.