Let’s face it, not all of us can consume high-THC cannabis before an important task.
If you found this page, you might be someone dealing with chronic pain and looking for ways to consume cannabis products for relief but without feeling impaired from THC, the cannabinoid that makes us feel “high”. You want to get relief from the pain so that you can continue to work, study, and get things done – but you want to stay focused and sharp, avoiding couch-lock effects or euphoria. You want to consume cannabis responsibly, and maintain healthy boundaries for yourself, so that you can still meet your maximum productivity and wellness.
Topicals are a great alternative for that, acting on the top layer of our tissue without getting cannabinoids into our bloodstream, where they would otherwise trigger the psychoactive effects of the plant.
You can find infused lotions, balms, massage oils, cooling gels, roll-ons, bath bombs, and more!
Topicals are massaged on the epidermis, the top layer of the skin. Our skin has cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, that interact with the cannabinoids in the topical, relieving pain or itch, muscle tension, reducing inflammation, promoting homeostasis on the area applied, and of course, moisturizing your skin to make it look nice and healthy!
CB1 can be found:
- In keratinocytes within the epidermal layers (keratinocytes are epidermal cells that produce keratin, a protein that makes up our skin, hair, and nails);
- In hair follicle cells (cells responsible for continuous regeneration of the hair follicle during cycling);
- In sebaceous glands (a gland that secretes lubricating oil for our skin and hair);
- In sensory neurons (nerve cells activated by sensory input – example: reacting to touching a hot surface);
- In immune cells (important to fight ailments and allergies);
- In the brain and central nervous system, skeletal system, reproductive system, and more all throughout the body! But let’s focus on the skin so we don’t get thrown off-track by the many wonders of the Endocannabinoid System…
CB2 can be found in keratinocytes, sebaceous glands, sensory neurons, and immune cells.
Through the endocannabinoid system, nerve cell signaling is modulated in the central nervous system, promoting HOMEOSTASIS – which is the balance between the functions of all the different systems in our body, supporting physical and emotional wellness!
What kind of topicals are available? What should I get?
There are many different types of topicals available in the Massachusetts cannabis industry. The key to finding what works best for you, and this applies to any type of cannabis product (or medication for that matter), is to experiment with your different options! See how your body responds, get to know your Endocannabinoid System. Studies do show that CBD and CBN absorption through the skin is 10x more effective than a THC topical, but if CBD alone does not affect you, you can try a THC-only product, or a product that has a mix of the two! You still won’t feel any impairment from a topical containing THC. Products containing more than one cannabinoid will usually be labeled with “1:1” for equal amounts, “2:1” when the product has double the amount of one cannabinoid compared to the other, and so forth. You can even find products that have a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC that can be ingested and will provide you little to no impairment. That happens because the CBD has the ability to block THC (learn more about that by clicking here).
For an even more effective topical, look for products that contain essential oils and other herbs in the mixture. The anti-inflammatory properties of those products combined to the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids might be a game-changer for your pain relief routine!
What if I struggle with deep-set pain that does not respond to topicals?
A discreet but more potent option for deep-set chronic pain is a transdermal patch. Have you ever seen those lidocaine patches that can stay on your skin for hours and hours slowly providing you with the relief you need in a more localized area? Cannabis transdermal patches are very similar to those! One thing to keep in mind is that some individuals do report feeling a mild “high” from these patches, but nothing too overwhelming and absolutely nothing close to the feeling of smoking a joint. This happens because the transdermal patches are more deeply absorbed and deliver those cannabinoids into your bloodstream.
Transdermal patches can be a little more difficult to find, but feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in giving it a try and we will help you find that product at a dispensary near you!
We hope that this guide can help you on your journey towards a happier, healthier life! Finding the right product might take a lot of trial and error, but we are here to help you in every step of the way if necessary. Give us a call at 774-321-6057 with any questions or concerns. If you’d like to get certified for the Medical Cannabis Program in Massachusetts, we will be more than happy to assist!
Written by Letticia Freitas, Social Media and Outreach Manager at Canna~Wise Medicine and Canna~Collab Education.
Contact: letticia@cannawisemed.org – 774-321-6057
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