Rub on the Relief! How Cannabis Topicals May Help Provide Targeted Benefits

Cannabis topicals are becoming increasingly popular as a natural alternative to traditional pain relief methods. These products are applied directly to the skin and can provide localized relief for a variety of conditions. In this article, we’ll explore Cannabis Topicals 101: the science behind how cannabis topicals work, the types of cannabis topicals available, and why a topical application might be the best cannabis option for you.

Lotions and balms are two types of cannabis topicals.

What are Cannabis Topicals?

Cannabis topicals are products that are applied directly to the skin and contain cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, and others. These products can come in the form of lotions, balms, salves, and oils.

Do topicals get you high? No. Unlike other cannabis products, such as flower, vapes, and edibles, topicals do not produce a psychoactive effect. This is because topicals are not absorbed into the bloodstream. Instead, they work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system in the skin to provide localized relief for pain, inflammation, and other conditions.

However, be aware: while topicals do not cause psychoactive effects, transdermal products can. Read on to learn more about the difference between topicals and transdermals!

What is the Difference Between Topical and Transdermal?

While both topical and transdermal cannabis products are applied to the skin, there is a key difference between the two. Topical products only penetrate the upper layers of the skin, providing localized relief to the area where they are applied. 

Transdermal products, on the other hand, are designed to penetrate deeper into the skin and enter the bloodstream, providing systemic effects throughout the body. This includes psychoactive effects.

While transdermal products are typically used for conditions like systemic pain, topical products are more commonly used for localized pain, skin care, and inflammation. With topical products, you will not experience any psychoactive effects since the cannabinoids will not enter the bloodstream or brain.

Can topical THC show on a drug test? No, but transdermal THC can– so be careful to read the label carefully when you’re choosing a cannabis product that is applied to the skin.

How Do Cannabis Topicals Work?

How do topicals work? Cannabis topicals work by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the skin. The ECS is a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters that helps regulate various bodily functions, including pain, inflammation, and immune response. 

When cannabinoids like THC and CBD are applied to the skin, they bind to the receptors in the ECS and activate them, which can potentially help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. 

Some topicals may also contain other ingredients like specially formulated essential oils, which can provide warming, cooling, or other soothing sensations that may further alleviate discomfort.

Cannabis topicals may provide localized relief for joint pain and inflammation.

What Conditions Can Cannabis Topicals Potentially Treat?

What are cannabis topicals good for? Cannabis topicals can potentially be used to treat a variety of conditions. Because they are applied directly to the affected area, they may provide targeted relief without the psychoactive effects of ingesting cannabis. 

For this reason, many people use cannabis topicals to get localized comfort from conditions like:

• Joint pain
• Arthritis
• Muscle soreness
• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Menstrual cramps
• Headaches
• Wounds
• Neuropathy
• And more!

Do cannabis topicals really work? It seems so. While more scientific studies are needed, there have been several investigations that have shown promising results. 

For example, a nationwide survey of Canadians about topical cannabis use showed that respondents have found topicals to be “effective for joint stiffness and tendonitis, general muscular soreness, headaches, eczema, pruritus, acne, and psoriasis.”

Another study that investigated the relationship between topical CBD oil and neuropathy pain found a “significant reduction in intense pain, sharp pain, cold and itchy sensations in the CBD group when compared to the placebo group.”

Topical cannabinoids have been a centuries-old folk medicine for wound care, and a recent study inspired by this tradition found that applying THC topicals to chronic wounds provided analgesic relief and reduced the patients’ need for opioids. As the study states, “topical medical cannabis has the potential to improve pain management in patients suffering from wounds of all classes.” 

So, are cannabis topicals effective? Yes– These studies and others are quite encouraging for those who hope to find targeted relief and healing through the use of cannabis topicals.

Move by Curio™ Topical Balm contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC.

Types of Topical Products

There are several types of cannabis topicals available on the market. While CBD or THC topicals can be effective on their own, the most powerful topicals include both CBD and THC. Cannabinoids work better as a team due to the entourage effect.

Curio Wellness is proud to offer a variety of soothing and effective THC/CBD topical balms, which may provide localized pain relief and anti-inflammatory benefits with no psychoactive effects. Our topical product line includes:

• Move by Curio 1:1 Topical Balm– this odorless, non-greasy, no-mess balm goes on smoothly and contains a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC– perfect for targeting aches & pains. Easy to apply with long-lasting results!

• Synergy Heat CBD/THC Warming Balm– Infused with “hot” essential oils like cinnamon, fennel, black pepper, and ginger root, Synergy Heat has a 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC plus a pleasant warming sensation which soothes swollen joints and muscle pains.

• Synergy Cool CBD/THC Cooling Balm– Another effective 1:1 CBD:THC ratio balm, Synergy Cool also contains exhilarating essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, pine, and chamomile for an icy, fresh calming sensation.

• Synergy Relief CBD/THC Infused Balm– Providing comfort without a hot or cold sensation, Synergy Relief also contains equal amounts of CBD and THC, along with the relaxing aroma and effects of rosemary, lavender, and cedarwood.

These customized Curio Wellness cannabis topicals for pain relief, skin care, post-workout soreness, and other types of inflammation are all available at a Maryland dispensary near you. Visit us today!