You may not think of lotions when you think of medical marijuana. However, topicals are a helpful part of the regimen for those with chronic pain or a condition that causes painful muscle spasms, among others.
Topicals provide fast-acting localized relief within a few minutes: Infused with phytocannabinoids and terpenes, these products are absorbed through your skin, where compounds like Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) influence the endocannabinoid receptors in your skin and muscles.
This guide will introduce you to topicals infused with medical marijuana extract, how they work, and the product options you can try.
Why try topicals?
Useful for zeroing in on specific problem areas, topicals infused with medical marijuana extract achieve different goals than other products you inhale or ingest. Here are some of the reasons you may want to try a topical:
• Targeted relief: Topicals are especially effective at helping with pain, soreness, or swelling in specific areas[1]. This is called a localized effect. They do not enter your bloodstream before getting to work on your back, wrists, knees, or anywhere else it helps.
• Fast-acting: Topicals begin working within a few minutes of application, as soon as cannabinoids and terpenes absorb into your skin.
• Discretion: Topicals are discreet, as they appear like any other lotion.
• Portability: Topicals can be easily carried along on the go. They generally come in sealable containers that can be safely stored without risk of spilling.
• Non-intoxicating: Even if a topical contains THC, it is not likely to cause intoxication because they do not enter your bloodstream. This is a positive for consumers who are looking for relief without an altered perception. There is one exception to this rule: transdermal products.
Although topicals excel in the above ways, they have their limitations too. These include:
• Topicals only offer localized relief: Because topicals are non-systemic, which means they don’t enter your bloodstream, they only offer localized relief. While this makes them a good option for muscle aches and similar applications, it means they are ineffective for other conditions. As a result, topicals are often part of a medical marijuana routine that utilizes other products to help manage pain.
• More effective in combination: Oftentimes, medical marijuana-infused topicals are recommended alongside the use of other types of medical marijuana products, such as flower or capsules. Topicals alone often are not enough to completely manage conditions like chronic pain.
How medical marijuana-infused topicals work
Topicals deliver phytocannabinoids and terpenes to the endogenous cannabinoid system (ECS), which influences a wide range of bodily operations. The ECS includes a series of cannabinoid receptors throughout your body, with large amounts in your skin and muscles. When a topical is absorbed into your skin, phytocannabinoids and terpenes influence the receptors there, influencing factors that can cause pain, stiffness, or soreness. The effects of a medical marijuana-infused topical are limited to the area in which they are applied, since most topicals do not reach your bloodstream – with the noted exception of transdermal formulas.
What are your options at the dispensary?
Topicals cast a wide net, with lotions, balms, suppositories, and patches all falling under this category.
In some cases, you might be able to find topicals that mimic the compound profile of a popular cultivar. Often, though, they are formulated in a specific THC to CBD ratio so you can find the right combination of cannabinoids that works for you.
Terpenes are important for topicals, too – not just for fragrance, but for function. The citrus scented limonene is important here: This terpene increases the absorption of cannabinoids into your skin. You’ll find many topicals formulated with limonene for this reason.
When choosing a topical, consider the potency as well. This is expressed as milligrams on the label. The milligrams of cannabinoids per container will give you a sense of how potent the topical is, helping you gauge what an appropriate amount may be for your medical marijuana routine. An example of a typical topical would be a cream with 500mg THC per bottle.
How do you use topicals?
How and when you use a medical marijuana-infused topical depends on the type of topical you choose and the purpose for which you intend to use it. You may choose to use a topical preemptively before any activity that may cause pain, or you may want to use it to help manage pain spikes. No matter the reason, applying your topical is the same: take a small amount and rub it thoroughly into the desired area.
Topicals are typically used in conjunction with other medical marijuana products. Medical marijuana flower, concentrates, and ingestibles are generally used for systemic release felt throughout your body, while topicals are used for targeted relief during flare ups or to manage pain. Combining a topical with a medical marijuana routine can provide additional relief when needed.
Which topical is right for you?
From lavender-scented lotions to cooling creams, medical marijuana-infused topicals offer many options which may be helpful for managing chronic pain, soreness, and stiffness. Just like any other medical marijuana product, though, finding the perfect match may take some trial and error.
When you walk into an Ethos dispensary, our helpful associates can walk you through your options and help you find the right fit based on your symptoms and how you want to use a topical in your regular routine. Explore our library of medical marijuana resources and education to get started. As questions arise about which product is right for you, bring them to an Ethos associate who can help guide you through the dispensary’s menu.
Sources:
- Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviors in a rat model of
arthritis: https://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/ - What is Limonene: https://leafly.com/news/cannabis-101/what-is-limonene-and-whatare-the-benefits-of-this-cannabis-terpe
