Topicals Blog

Topical CBD absorbs into the skin and is really successful when liberally applied to the affected area(s). When using topicals, be sure to first wash the area with soap and water to remove any excess dirt, oil buildup, or previously applied CBD lotions or topical creams. Doing so will ensure that there aren’t any barriers between the ointment and your skin, creating the best environment for absorption.

For adults, generously rub the ointment onto the affected area and allow it to absorb for several minutes before covering with clothing and/or bandages so it doesn’t rub off. Be sure to watch the area for bad reactions like itchiness, redness, soreness, rashes or bumps.

For children and the elderly, apply smaller amounts so they don’t over medicate since their skin is naturally thinner.

Once applied, the ointment can take anywhere from 1-48 hours to provide relief, depending on the dosage, how often it’s used, and severity of your condition.

Ointment producers typically list the recommended rate of use, which usually ranges from 1-3 times a day to as needed. Again, how often you use the ointment will depend on the severity of your condition and the product’s CBD and THC levels, so begin with doses as low as 2-3mgs then increase the amount if needed.

CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

CBD appears in both cannabis and hemp, and both are widely available as ointments, but while hemp-based products contain no active THC, cannabis-derived products often do.

Seeing as how CBD and THC offer similar health benefits, patients may opt for high-CBD cannabis ointments with or without THC. But if you decide to combine CBD and THC, you’ll reap the benefits of both, from what’s known as the “entourage effect.” Research suggests that using the two together are more effective than when used individually, a fact that’s been proven with cancer research as well as with multiple ailments.

When CBD and THC are combined they produce a powerful one-two punch by enhancing each other’s most useful characteristics. Interestingly, CBD slows down the breakdown of THC in the liver, allowing THC’s therapeutic effects to last longer.

If you have plant allergies, you might want to use hemp-based CBD ointments instead of those produced from cannabis. Marijuana cultivators tend to use pesticides and other herbicides that could irritate or even worsen skin conditions for those who are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.

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What’s the Difference Between Cannabis Ointments, Creams, Salves, Balms, Oils, Lotions & Patches?

Balms, creams, lotions, ointments & salves

Highly-concentrated cannabis salves and balms are great options for healing wounds and small cuts, while creams, lotions and ointments are best for alleviating itchiness, dryness, burns, rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Oils

Oils tend to be higher in potency and can include THC or just CBD. They’re most likely mixed with other beneficial herbs and essential oils that penetrate the skin for deeper healing. Oils are also more versatile because they can be ingested. It’s no secret that high doses of cannabis oil have been used to effectively treat epilepsy, kill cancer cells, heal ear infections and stop migraines.

Patches

Transdermal patches containing CBD and/or THC are highly popular among pain relief seekers, as they deliver cannabinoids straight into the bloodstream for faster and more effective healing. Because they adhere to the skin they can last longer than other topicals. You can even sleep with them on and can participate in just about any activity while wearing them, whereas weed creams, marijuana salves or cannabis lotions can rub off easily.

Patches typically offer a range cannabinoids with a split 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, but you can choose patches based on your condition and the effects you wish to receive.

Keep in mind, patches containing THC will produce a psychoactive effect that can be just as, if not more, potent than smoking, vaping or eating edibles since it’s absorbed more quickly; so CBD patches may be the best option if you need to function without those effects.

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How Popular Are Topicals in the U.S.?

There are a few reasons why topical cannabis products are making their way into mainstream cannabis culture.

First, many unfamiliar patients would rather not ingest cannabis due to its psychoactive effects, and prefer to inch slowly into their cannabis experience with something milder like a tincture or topical. We totally get that, trying THC for the first time for its psychoactive effects can be intimidating (although trust us, with the proper dose, anyone can feel comfortable with it).

Next, chronic smoking could take a harmful toll on the lungs, although not enough long-term research has been done to say definitively. Some preliminary studies even show that smoking the herb could have benefits for your overall lung health, but only time will tell.

Regardless, if you want the health benefits that cannabinoids provide, topical options present a great existing alternative to other means of use.

This is especially true for aging patients, parents who use the CBD products on their children, or adults who are concerned about practical matters (like failing drug tests, for example). For these reasons, the topical medical marijuana industry is growing rapidly here in the United States, with its primary consumers being female & senior chronic pain sufferers.

That being said, when compared with the other methods of consumption, topical applications lag far behind. From our own online cannabis marketplace (think of it like the GrubHub for cannabis), topicals only make up about 1% of all purchases. Even at just 1% of total purchases, topicals saw a 100% increase in popularity since the same time last year.

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Do Medical Experts Support Topical Cannabis Use?

Given the stigma surrounding marijuana and cannabinoid use in general (which is dissipating quickly), and marijuana’s Schedule I drug status with the federal government, substantial scientific and clinical research on the health benefits or consequences of cannabis have been severely constrained.

In fact, other countries like Israel are far ahead of the U.S. in attempting to decode how cannabis acts on one’s physical and psychological well-being.

That being said, preclinical evidence suggests that CBD’s therapeutic, neuroprotective, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects are very promising. Overall, the medical community agrees that CBD can provide powerful relief for many conditions and poses little to no health risk.

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What Are Some of the Most Popular CBD Topical Products?

When it comes down to choosing a CBD topical, the main factors will be the CBD:THC ratio, the type of cannabinoid that should work best for your condition, and the product’s scent (although that last one usually isn’t a critical factor for many of us). Here are a few highly-rated CBD containing topicals: