If you are suffering from joint or muscle discomforts in a specific area or from skin irritations, consider utilizing cannabis-infused topicals. Topicals are a great alternative to smoking and vaping which both can impose a health risk. Topicals are absorbed through the dermal and subdermal layers of skin and are intended to have an effect on the application site only.
Here is what you need to know if you are planning on utilizing CBD and/or THC topicals.
Topicals come in many forms like creams, salves, massage oils, bath bombs etc. and can be applied to hair, skin and nails. They are great for treating localized pain and inflammation along with many other skin disorders like eczema and psoriasis. They are not intended for deep penetration such as hip discomforts.
Our bodies have what we call an endocannabinoid system. In simple terms, we have two neurotransmitters in the ECS (endocannabinoid system), 2AG and AEA that bind to cannabinoid receptors called CB1 & CB2. CB1 receptors are found in our brain and nervous system as well as other organs and tissues. CB2 receptors are found on immune cells and are also found in certain areas of the brain which will help with pain relief, inflammation and work as a neuroprotectant.
As we dive deeper into cannabinoid research, we have found both natural and plant cannabinoids provide multiple biological effects on our skin. Our skin naturally produces endocannabinoids such as 2AG and AEA, they are synthesized by a few cell types such as the epidermis, hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Skin also contains CB1 and CB2 receptors in nearly all skin cell types. CBD binds with CB2 receptors, this is the more predominant receptor in your skin. CB1 receptors are present in the skin, but at a much lower level, CB1 receptor binds to THC. When topicals are applied to the skin the cannabinoids are absorbed through the different layers of skin. Response times are quick and can be a very effective form of pain relief. In some cases effects can be felt as early as 10-15 minutes.
When you ingest cannabis, the cannabinoids get metabolized by the liver which can reduce the effectiveness. Approximately only 15% bioavailability makes its way to the body and can take up to 2 hours to feel the effect. Utilizing cannabis-infused topicals are a more effective alternative as it does not enter our bloodstream. Topicals are not absorbed through the liver, instead they loiter within the fat cells and do not make their way into the blood stream. You will not experience any psychoactive effects that you would if you were to inhale or ingest cannabis.
Cannabis topicals are available from some Licensed Producer’s and have been legal since October 2018. Although, it is quite easy to whip up your own batch of a cannabis topical and customize it to your own needs. You can add your favorite essential oils or other ingredients like beeswax, shea butter and many other natural ingredients that provide lots of therapeutic benefits. Cannabis topicals are not a cure, but more so utilized for symptom relief. If you are interested about implementing a cannabis-infused topical into your daily care plan, contact your local CHC clinic for more information or recipes for cannabis topicals.