Using cannabis topical for pain is not a foreign concept. Its use goes back to 1500 when the Egyptians primarily used topical cannabis to treat inflammation.
In modern times, topical cannabis remains an alternative to standard medicinal treatments like pain relievers. Presently, some people are using cannabis products like topical cannabis products to alleviate several health symptoms.
So if you’re considering using cannabis topical for pain and other ailments, it’s best to know how they work. You can learn more about them below.
What Are Cannabis Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are cannabis extract-infused medications applied to the skin for targeted treatment. Cannabis topical products can be salves, lotions, oils, and balms. Not all topical cannabis is the same; each type is made with different formulas that provide different results.
Some of the common topical cannabis ingredients include:
- Herbal extracts (e.g., chamomile, calendula, arnica, or aloe vera)
- Menthol or camphor
- Emulsifiers or waxes
- Carrier oils (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil, hemp seed oil, jojoba oil, and grape seed oil)
- Cannabis extracts like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), or sometimes, a combination of both
- Moisturizers (shea or cocoa butter)
How Do Cannabis Topicals Work?
When you apply topical cannabis to your skin, it interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is a complex receptor and chemical network that controls pain, inflammation, and immune responses. Cannabinoids in topical products, such as topical cannabis oil, interact with cannabinoid receptors, influencing signaling pathways related to pain and inflammation.
What Can You Use the Cannabis Topical Cream For?
1. It reduces acne.
Reducing swelling and inflammation is crucial in managing acne, and cannabinoids significantly reduce these symptoms. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory properties, cannabinoids effectively soothe the skin, reducing redness and swelling.
2. It prevents premature aging.
Along with preventing and treating acne, cannabis topicals, like creams and lotions, can also help prevent premature aging because of their antioxidant characteristics.
3. It reduces anxiety and depression.
Besides dealing with bodily ailments and making you look better, cannabis topicals can also help lessen anxiety and depression through their mood-boosting qualities. Topical cannabis engages with anxiety receptors in your body, which helps you relax better.
4. It relieves migraine.
Cannabis topicals are efficient migraine relievers because they help reduce swelling and block pain signals, lowering the severity and duration of migraines. In addition, some cannabis topicals contain compounds that have a cooling effect and can help ease the pain associated with migraines.
5. It helps reduce psoriasis and eczema.
If you have psoriasis or eczema, cannabis topicals can help reduce the symptoms like skin inflammation, redness, and itchiness. The cannabis extracts have special properties that soothe and calm the skin, alleviating discomfort in affected areas.
6. It moisturizes the skin.
Another aesthetic benefit of cannabis topicals is that it moisturizes your skin. This is because the ingredients in topicals aim to seal in moisture and prevent dryness when applied to the skin, which leads to deep hydration.
7. It helps heal wounds.
Cannabis topicals promote faster healing of wounds by stimulating blood flow to the injured area. When applied to a cut or scrape, they dilate the blood vessels, enhancing circulation and bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the wound. This increased blood flow helps in speeding up the healing process.
8. It alleviates symptoms of neurological disorders.
Extensive research and studies in recent years have shed light on the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD. According to the findings, one of the primary phytocannabinoids in cannabis effectively alleviates symptoms for those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-loss-causing illnesses.
Does Cannabis Ointment Help With Pain?
Cannabis topical for pain, such as cannabis ointment, is a type of cream made from cannabis plants that might provide relief for pain when applied to the skin. These cannabis topicals effectively treat pain by reducing pain in the affected areas. When you apply cannabis topical for back pain directly to your back, the cannabinoids in these products interact with receptors in your skin, providing localized relief.
Do Cannabis Topicals Work for Arthritis?
Topical cannabis oil for arthritis can help soothe muscles, ease tension, and reduce swelling, allowing for more comfortable movement. While some people have reported positive experiences with cannabis topicals for arthritis, more research is needed to determine the right approach for each individual.
How Long Does It Take for CBD Pain Cream to Work?
Most people start feeling better within 15 to 45 minutes of applying CBD pain cream, but it can be longer for other people. Every person will react differently to the effects of cannabis topical creams: some people may experience the results right away; some might take a few more hours. Additionally, the effects of cannabis topicals depend on the amount of CBD in the cream and the degree of pain.
What Are the Side Effects of Topical THC Cream?
Some of the common side effects of topical THC cream include:
- Feeling high: Because THC is the ingredient in cannabis that can induce psychoactive effects, using a THC cream may make you feel drunk or disoriented.
- Skin redness, itching, or irritation: In some cases, using THC cream may develop skin redness, itching, or irritation. This varies according to individual sensitivity and THC concentration in the product.
- Dryness and oiliness: THC creams can alter the balance of oil production in the skin, resulting in either dryness or increased oiliness.
- Allergic reactions: In rare situations, THC cream may cause an allergic reaction, resulting in redness, edema, or difficulty breathing.
The Bottom Line
Cannabis topicals for pain relief have been proven effective since ancient times. In the modern era, cannabis topicals are alternative methods for relieving pain and discomfort. Thanks to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, they can treat and ease different conditions and neurological disorders.
Although there are many options for cannabis topicals, you should choose those made with high-quality ingredients to maximize their benefits for your health.
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We have experts in charge of formulating the finest hemp-derived products on the market. If this is your first time trying CBD or THC-infused products, we can assist you in choosing the best product for your needs. Give us a call to try our products!