Two years after cannabis legalization in Canada, companies are currently looking for new methods of cannabis consumption. We are moving further away from the notion that marijuana is solely something that gets you high. CBD topicals are an example of how the new mass-produced modes of consumption are revolutionizing the world of medical cannabis.
The largest organ of the body, your skin, does a fantastic job protecting you from foreign bodies and infections. While eating the right food satisfies your digestive system, the suitable lotions and creams are necessary to keep your skin shining and healthy. With its reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, CBD makes an ideal option for use in beauty cream.
The Origins of CBD
The plant Cannabis Sativa is classified as either hemp or cannabis/ weed. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, if a plant contains less than 0.3 percent THC by dry weight, it is ‘hemp,’ but if it has more than 0.3 percent THC, it is ‘marijuana.’
Presently, CBD products are made from selectively bred plants high in CBD content, other minor cannabinoids, and terpenes, while remaining under the legal THC limit. During the harvest season in October, the plants’ flowering tops are picked, and the valuable cannabis compounds are pulled from it into oil called the crude extract through the extraction process.
Different extraction methods are used to accomplish this, but the basic idea is to pass a solvent through the dried flowering tops to separate the active compounds. The resulting dark oil called ‘crude’ contains the desired cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds like chlorophyll and fatty acids.
The crude oil is further processed to turn it into a final product or create a broad spectrum of CBD oil extracts.
Understanding CBD Creams, Lotions, Balms, and Salves
CBD topicals are cannabis-infused balms, lotions, oils, sprays, and salves that get absorbed through the skin. It works by binding to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body activated either by the body’s naturally-occurring endocannabinoids or by cannabis compounds known as cannabinoids—for instance, THC or CBD.
Even if a topical contains active THC, it still won’t induce the intense ‘high’ you’d get from smoking or ingesting cannabis. In most topicals, the cannabinoids don’t reach the bloodstream but penetrate to offer localized relief.
CBD topicals are often used for the localized relief of pain, soreness, tension, and inflammation. They are non-intoxicating and chosen by patients who want to tap into the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without the euphoric feeling.
When you buy topical CBD creams in CA, be mindful of how they are processed and the ingredients that go into it. Depending on these factors, different topicals offer different benefits. For instance, a THC-rich rub infused with peppermint and cooling menthol is a great way to relax and rewind from the brutal work life.
Experiment with various topical ointments, rubs, and creams to find what works for you the best. As time goes on, the country will see more and more options for topical remedies. For people who suffer from pain and inflammation, the CBD topical arena is worth exploring.
Is There a Difference Between CBD and THC Topicals?
Topical cannabis products are great for localized relief as they are less likely to cause systemic side effects (It penetrates only a few layers of skin). Usually, the onset of a topical happens within 10-20 minutes and can last for two to three hours.
Cannabidiol (CBD) and Cannabinol (CBN) can penetrate the skin ten times better than delta-8 THC. Thus, a CBD dominant topical is more effective than THC topical products to relieve severe pain, itchiness, and inflammation. Furthermore, the potency of the topical also plays a crucial role in its effectiveness for symptom relief.
As many patients continue to use topical cannabis, it is found that CBD dominant topicals can also relieve skin-related conditions like dermatitis, acne, eczema, and psoriasis effectively. In fact, in the case of these conditions, CBD-dominant topicals work better than THC topicals.
Determining whether to use CBD topical vs. a THC topical depends on your personal preferences. If you have tried and found THC topical ineffective, consider trying a CBD topical and vice versa.
Tap Into the Benefits of CBD the Topical Way
Topicals are an excellent alternative to intake cannabis without smoking it, especially if you are looking for ways to make your skin look healthy. Whether you are a beginner in the CBD products arena or hope to relieve pain and stress without getting high, CBD products will be exciting. CBD Topical products are as non-addictive and effective as they are natural and beneficial. Be sure to give them a try!