Cannabis products directly on the skin, and many claim the effects are better than many other products, combined.
Anti-inflammatory properties are generally what make this treatment work and are most commonly used for:
- Twists and sprains
- Insect bites and stings
- Joint pain (arthritis)
- Muscle pain
- Burns
- Bruises
- Swelling
Extreme cases of inflammation will likely require reinforcement, some of the common anecdotal ways cannabis patients use these anti-inflammatory topicals
Balms and topicals can get you high, and can ease a myriad of other problems. Cannabis-infused creams and balms make for potent first-aid treatments and can even be used in cosmetics.
Cannabis topicals are balms, creams, lotions, salves, oils, and sprays.
These products can be used for a variety of purposes, including first aid, skincare, and cosmetics.
While many people are familiar with the concept of medical cannabis, fewer realize the vast potential of topical applications.
How do cannabis topicals work?
Firstly, most of these infused topicals are not going to get you high.
Cannabis topicals work because of the unique phytochemicals found in the plant.
These include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the primary psychoactive in the herb, the culprit behind the famous cannabis “high.”
Yet, when applied topically, the psychoactive does not have any mind-altering effects.
Instead, the cannabis compound works locally to reduce inflammation and ease the pain.
Similarly, CBD, the second most abundant cannabis compound, does not exert systemic effects when applied topically.
Both of these main cannabinoids, as well as other minor cannabis compounds, can engage specific receptors on the surface of the skin.
These receptors are called cannabinoid receptors.
Researchers suggest that these cannabinoid receptors regulate inflammation in the skin, which is part of the body’s immune response.
Evidence suggests that cannabinoid receptors also lend a hand in the production of sebum, which is the natural oil produced by the skin.
Sebum helps waterproof the skin and is implicated in acne and the occasional breakout.