Topicals are non-intoxicating, cannabis-infused balms, creams, oils, salves, sprays, bath bombs, and lotions that are absorbed through the skin for localized relief of inflammation, pain, tension, and soreness as well as in skincare and cosmetics. Many new sorts of topicals are becoming popular as well, including transdermal patches, cosmetics, and lubricants.

Patients use topicals to create localized relief and reduce inflammation, pain, tension, and soreness from many different ailments. However, there is evidence to show that there may also be benefits to treating psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne, itching, arthritic pain, headaches, cramping, and more with topicals. Different topicals have different benefits depending on the ingredients they are made with and how they are processed.

Similar to any cannabis-infused product, the potency will generally depend on the amount of THC in it and the consumer’s tolerance. However, topically applied cannabis-infused products like balms, creams, salves, oils, and spray usually do not contain active THC and are meant to provide relief, not psychoactive effects like traditional cannabis. 

The exception to this rule is transdermal THC-infused patches and other products that absorb into the bloodstream. These can be potent and produce that familiar effect that normal cannabis products do, depending on the level of active THC included. 

Topical and transdermal products are both made to be applied topically to the skin. However, topical products do not penetrate the skin and absorb into the bloodstream as transdermal products do. Transdermal cannabis-infused products can produce psychoactive effects with enough levels of THC, whereas topical creams, salves, balms, and other topical cannabis-infused products do not.

Topicals like lotions and balms work by binding to cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid (CB2) receptors are found throughout the human body and are activated by natural endocannabinoids, like those found in food, or by cannabis compounds like THC or CBD. These types of topicals are generally non-intoxicating and made with inactive THC so you can enjoy the benefits without the effects associated with it. With most topicals, even if there is a small amount of active THC present in the recipe it still will not have psychoactive effects similar to when THC is eaten or smoked because it doesn’t enter the bloodstream.

However, transdermal patches do deliver cannabinoids to the bloodstream and are the exception, since they can have intoxicating effects depending on the product’s THC content.

Different types of topicals include:

Cannabis-infused topicals do not produce psychoactive effects. They are typically created with CBD and non-active THC in order to provide the patient or consumer a non-intoxicating experience and relief from symptoms of inflammation, mild pain, headaches, etc., without other effects.

Though some transdermal products may produce a psychoactive effect or the euphoria that comes from consuming active-THC. Transdermal cannabis-infused products, like transdermal patches, do absorb directly into the bloodstream and may produce a psychoactive effect depending on the amount of active THC in it and the user’s tolerance level.

There is evidence to suggest that many patients benefit from the use of topicals to help reduce pain, inflammation, soreness, tension, and provide localized relief for these issues. Further research is needed, but they are also being studied as a potential anti-aging and anti-inflammatory product in skincare and cosmetics, and many use them to treat symptoms of psoriasis, eczema, and acne.

Anyone who wishes to find an alternative or natural pain management product to provide localized relief for pain, inflammation, soreness, headaches, cramping as well as more specific skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne. Those who are also looking for a relaxing product that may provide relief without any psychoactive effects. Cannabis-infused topicals could be a great supplement to your daily routine and could provide many benefits without any additional effects.

Depending on the type of product, they can be created in a variety of ways. Some consumers also make DIY versions of their cannabis or CBD-infused topicals. 

But a product like a balm, salve, or lotion is mixed with an oil that already contains cannabis or CBD such as infused olive, canola, or grapeseed oils as a vehicle to get cannabinoids into the body. Some manufacturers infused their own oils as well.  Other ingredients may also be added to the mixture that provides relief, a therapeutic or skincare benefit, like terpenes.

If you need a product that is easy to apply and has therapeutic benefits that may relieve pain from arthritis, skin conditions, aches, and pains without any psychoactive effects, then topicals may be the product you’ve been looking for. Those looking for a more natural or alternative topical pain reliever may also find the need to use cannabis-infused topicals or those looking for products that promote relaxation.

Planet M CBD topicals are our staff’s favorites! Whether you choose a lotion, balm, bath bomb, or a tincture to infuse your own products with you will get a top-quality product made to help maximize your self-care routine and enhance wellness.