Topicals!
What are they, and what do they do? Topicals are lotions, balms, and oils infused with marijuana that are applied directly to the body’s surface, including the hair, skin, and nails. Let’s talk about topicals and how they work.
What Are Topicals?
Infused with cannabis extracts, topicals are lotions, creams, and oils that are applied to the hair, skin, and nails. These products constrain cannabinoids, specifically tetrahydrocannabinol ( THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
How Do Topicals Work?
What makes topicals unique from other cannabis products is they never enter the bloodstream. We notice the effects of cannabis when we smoke, vape, or eat an edible because activated cannabinoids enter our bloodstream, which is not the case with topicals.
Cannabinoids interact with our endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors throughout our body that aids in regulating digestion and immunity systems. CB1 receptors, found mostly in the brain and nervous system, interact with THC, resulting in the high and euphoria felt during consumption. Additionally, CB2 receptors are located throughout the body’s organs and immune system. CB1 and CB1 receptors are also found in the skin, but they interact with cannabinoids in their own way.
The top layers of the skin are called the epidermis and dermis and protect our bodies from chemicals and debris. In turn, that makes it more difficult to absorb cannabinoids.
You won’t get high from commercial topicals, but they still reach local cannabinoid receptors in the skin. However, topicals have their own strengths. They can provide site-specific relief from inflammation, nerve pain, arthritis, muscle cramps, and migraines.
What Are Topicals Used For?
Topicals are some of the simplest cannabis products to use. Most people apply them to different areas of the skin to relieve pain or inflammation. Besides cannabinoids, many topical formulas contain cooling, moisturizing, and soothing ingredients such as menthol, hyaluronic acid, and essential oils.
It’s best to apply topicals to clean skin. Although scientific research is still pending, using a topical after a bath or shower may better the effects of topicals. The skin contains more moisture when wet, and the pores open.
Do Topicals Get You High?
Topicals do not get you high. Topical formulas are absorbed into the dermis and only interact with receptors inside it. The blood barrier is unaffected, and the user is not intoxicated, so it will not appear on a drug test.
Our Go-To Topicals
Re+Play - Muscle Rub
This cream combines the goodness of cannabinoids with soothing camphor and menthol. It offers deep hydration and potentially reduces inflammation. Made for application in sports, it's like giving your skin a luxurious, yet butch, spa treatment.
RHO Phyto - Deep Tissue Relief Gel:
Think of this gel as your ammunition in the war against pain. Its cooling sensation upon application provides quick relief. The clove and other natural ingredients won't leave a greasy residue, so you can go about your day without any fuss.
Rebound by Stewart Farms - Lavender + Arnica Balm:
If you're seeking a more intensive experience, this balm is your go-to. Packed with a potent blend of cannabinoids and nourishing oils, it works wonders on sore muscles and joints. Plus, you get a cool, reusable tin once you’re done!”
