Cannabis Topicals: A Natural Path To Pain Relief
In recent years, the use of cannabis topicals for pain relief
has gained significant attention, presenting a natural alternative to
traditional pain management methods. These topicals are infused with
cannabinoids like THC and CBD (among other “minor” cannabinoids), which
interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to provide targeted relief.
Cannabis topicals are non-psychoactive products, including creams, lotions,
balms, and salves, designed to be applied directly to the skin. They work by
interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors found in the skin, muscles, and
tissues. Cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, bind to these receptors, promoting
balance and reducing inflammation, which ultimately leads to pain relief.
Unlike ingesting cannabis, topical application allows users to experience the
therapeutic benefits without the “high” associated with smoking or consuming
edibles.
Cannabis
topicals generally fall into two categories, the first being simple creams,
balms and lotions that work on the outer layer of the body’s tissues (muscles,
ligaments, tendons, etc.) They are extremely localized in that they penetrate
only the top layers of skin in the general affected area and last 2-3 hours.
Other topicals fall under the “transdermal” umbrella, meaning the medicinal
delivery goes through the seven layers of skin and directly into the
bloodstream. The main benefit is to reach deep pain centers like joints,
cartilage and nerve endings. They may also radiate in a wider area of relief
for approximately 2-3 hours. Transdermal patches, however, (like those offered
by Mary’s
Medicinals and Papa
and Barkley) are placed on the inner wrist or top of the foot to
enter the bloodstream and offer full body pain relief for up to 12 hours.
One
significant advantage of cannabis topicals is their ability to provide relief
for chronic pain conditions. For instance, individuals suffering from arthritis
have reported reduced joint pain and inflammation after applying CBD-infused
creams directly to the affected areas. Additionally, athletes dealing with
muscle soreness or injuries have found relief through the use of THC-infused
balms, which aid in soothing muscle tension and promoting faster recovery. Mary’s
Medicinals Muscle Freeze has been cited as an excellent
lotion for muscle and outer tissue pain relief.
Cannabis
topicals offer the advantage of targeted relief, allowing users to address pain
in specific areas without affecting the entire body. For example, individuals
experiencing localized back pain can apply a cannabis-infused lotion directly
to the affected area, providing targeted relief to that specific region. This
localized approach makes cannabis topicals a valuable tool for pain management,
especially for those seeking non-invasive alternatives.
Neuropathic
pain, resulting from nerve damage or injury, can be particularly challenging to
treat. However, cannabis topicals have shown promise in easing this type of
pain. Patients with conditions like diabetic neuropathy or multiple sclerosis
have reported decreased nerve pain and improved quality of life after
incorporating cannabis-infused topicals like Mary’s
Medicinals Transdermal Compound into their pain management
routine.
User
Testimonials: Real-life examples highlight the efficacy of cannabis topicals
for pain relief. Mary, a 60-year-old arthritis patient, shared her experience,
stating that after using a transdermal THC-CBD balm regularly, she experienced
a noticeable reduction in joint pain and increased mobility. Similarly, John, a
former athlete, praised the benefits of THC-infused topicals, stating that it
significantly aided in his post-workout recovery, allowing him to get back to
his training routine faster.
Cannabis topicals offer a promising avenue for pain relief, providing a non-psychoactive and localized approach to managing various types of pain. As more individuals seek natural alternatives to conventional medications, these topicals continue to gain popularity and recognition for their potential therapeutic benefits. With the ever-growing interest in cannabis topicals, ongoing research will likely uncover even more benefits and applications for these remarkable products.
