Cannabis Topicals Review and Where to Buy Them in the USA
Cannabis has come a long way since the legalization of recreational and medicinal marijuana. We can find cannabis in many kinds of products in the market today. We see them in vape products, foods, beverages, and even in topicals.
We all know cannabis was banned in the past due to the psychoactive effects of THC, its most popular cannabinoid. However, research on the medicinal benefits of CBD has brought back interest in the legalization of the plant and its derivatives.
CBD or cannabidiol is the second most known cannabinoid from the cannabis plant. It is non-psychoactive and has many benefits to the body. Most users take CBD for pain relief and anxiety.
The Rise of CBD Topicals
CBD products are pretty famous for their medicinal value. Most people consume CBD oils and CBD edibles. However, CBD topicals are also becoming popular in the industry right now. CBD pain relief creams and other topical CBD products are in demand because they can target specific body parts.
Users apply topicals to alleviate muscular aches and pains, as well as treat skin issues. Consumers are attracted to the external application of cannabis because it can provide faster relief to specific pain points. It can also fight external inflammation on the skin and the muscles under the skin.
The use of CBD topicals is not new. External preparations of cannabis date back to the Han dynasty in ancient China. There is also archaeological evidence that the Egyptians used marijuana for external applications.
While ingestion of cannabis can benefit the body as a whole, the topical application provides soothing effects on the skin where it is directly applied. This review will discuss what topicals are, how they work, what benefits they provide, and where. We can buy them.
The Endocannabinoid System and How it Affects the Skin
Before we go further and discuss the details of this review, we have to understand how the endocannabinoid system (ECS) affects the skin. Skin covers our entire body and protects against external elements.
The endocannabinoid system has a significant influence on the health of the skin. It impacts hair growth, oil production, wound healing, skin pigmentation, and skin protection. Endocannabinoids such as 2-AG and anandamide can be found in various skin cells. These compounds regulate the inflammatory processes of the body.
As long as the endocannabinoid system is working efficiently, inflammation on the skin, muscles, and all over the body will decrease significantly. It will also modulate the production of new skin cells, the shedding of dead skin cells, and sebum production by the sebaceous glands.
[Acne][1], skin tumours, dry skin, oily skin, itchy skin, psoriasis, and other skin diseases can improve with the increased activity of the endocannabinoid system. The ECS can stimulate the central nervous system and allow the body to deal with inflammation and skin issues.
When the ECS does produce enough endocannabinoids to protect the skin from inflammation and diseases, we can rely on external cannabinoids from cannabis for help. The topical application of CBD and other cannabinoids can help treat or improve skin inflammation and other conditions.
Cannabinoid Absorption on the Skin
Beneficial cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, and CBN can be taken in different forms. In whatever way you take them, they enter the body and influence the cannabinoid receptors in the body. This leads to a series of events that decrease inflammation, pain relief, healing, and many more.
When the cannabinoids are ingested, they enter the digestive system, get assimilated, and are processed in the liver before entering the bloodstream. However, when cannabinoids are applied to the skin, they may have difficulty entering the skin barrier. It is because cannabinoids are hydrophobic and oil-soluble. Note that the layer of the skin is water-based.
Topicals act on the epidermal skin layer and usually do not penetrate the dermal layer. The ability of cannabinoids to penetrate cell membranes is called permeability. CBD has ten times better permeability than THC. So can you get high from using cannabis topicals? The answer is no.
Externally applied cannabinoids do not cross the dermal layer and enter the bloodstream. Hence, they cannot influence the central nervous system. It means that it is impossible to get high from CBD cream, even when it contains THC and other psychoactive cannabinoids. Therefore, it will not show up on a drug test.
The same cannot be said of transdermal patches. These CBD products can permeate the dermal layer of the skin and enter the bloodstream. Patches are usually used to affect the deeper tissues underneath the skin. Since they bypass the liver, they deliver faster results. However, if the patch contains THC, it can make you high, and you may test positive on a drug test.
Uses for Topicals
People take CBD products to alleviate pain. However, ingesting CBD may relieve pain from certain body zones but may not be effective in particular areas of concern. In the case of arthritic patients, they may take CBD oil sublingually for overall pain relief. However, if the affected area involves the knees, topical application may alleviate local pain more effectively.
Types of Topicals
There are mainly three types of topicals. Type I is THC-dominant. Type II is a combination of THC and CBD. Type III is CBD-dominant. Most of the topicals we find on the market are CBD-dominant and combinations of THC and CBD.
Every person reacts to cannabinoids differently. Hence, it is crucial to try out different CBD creams to determine which works best. Some respond well to CBD creams that contain no THC. Others respond to CBD creams with a mixture of THC. Each CBD cream will differ from the rest because it may contain other ingredients that enhance the effect of the cannabinoid.
Pros of Using CBD Cream
Effective local treatment
It can be applied multiple times a day
Very few side effects
No dosage limitations
You can try many CBD cream varieties
No systemic effects
May enhance systemic effects of oral CBD
Cons of Using CBD Cream
It affects local areas only
You may need multiple applications per day
You have to experiment with CBD creams to find out which works best
Like most topicals, they may cost more than other CBD products
Common Kinds of Topicals to Choose From
Cannabis topicals come in. different kinds. When CBD is extracted, it is usually infused into oil or alcohol to make it viable for topical preparation. CBD tinctures are alcohol-based and are used to soothe sore muscles and alleviate joint pain. However, most topicals today are oil-based. Here are some of the most common oil-based topicals and how they work:
CBD Creams
Creams are made by combining oil and water with other ingredients. CBD creams are made of oil and water infused with CBD. Topicals can be made into different consistencies depending on the desired effect. A CBD cream usually has a thick consistency and can stay longer on the skin. It is best for people who have dry skin.
A CBD pain relief cream can soothe chronic pain and reduce inflammation in local areas. It can be absorbed through the skin and provide pain relief in the affected area. When buying CBD pain creams, always check the label to determine if ingredients may cause allergic reactions.
CBD Lotions
The main difference between CBD lotions and CBD creams is consistency. Lotions are made up of oil and water, plus alcohol and an ingredient for moisturizing. They have a non-greasy texture and can be easily applied throughout the body. Lotions are designed to be applied to large areas of skin and are ideal for oily skin types.
CBD Salves and Ointments
These topicals have no water and have a semi-solid consistency. They are made up of petroleum, paraffin, and oil infused with cannabinoids. CBD salves and ointments are thick and greasy. They are suited for dry skin and can treat inflammatory skin conditions.
What Cannabis Topical Should You Use?
The kind of topical you should purchase for use will depend on your skin type and the skin condition you are experiencing. If you have dry skin, you should use CBD cream. If you have oily skin, you should use lotion. Most CBD creams today may also have a non-greasy texture and may be used by people with oily skin as well.
When shopping for CBD creams and lotions, always check the list of ingredients on the product labels. Some of the skin-friendly ingredients in CBD creams include jojoba oil (or jojoba seed oil), sunflower seed oil, coconut oil (or MCT oil), avocado oil, blood orange essential oil, and other organic ingredients.
The best CBD creams use organic hemp extract and other organic ingredients. Always use the top CBD creams manufactured by reliable CBD companies. Make sure that you buy from licensed dispensaries and not from some shady online dealer, especially if you are using CBD cream for pain. It should be lab-tested for safety and potency.
The CBD industry is full of shady dealers, so be on the alert. Topical products that have not gone through lab-testing may contain harmful chemicals. Full-spectrum hemp extract or broad-spectrum hemp extract must be tested before it is used as an ingredient for any topical product.
Best Benefits of CBD Tropicals
CBD topicals can do many wonders for the skin. A high-quality CBD cream will not only reduce pain and inflammation. It can also alleviate arthritis and treat burns. By using the best CBD cream, you can enjoy life a little better. Here are nine of the best benefits of CBD topicals:
Localized Pain Relief
A CBD pain cream is designed to treat inflammation and pain on the skin layer. Apply the CBD cream on the affected area to alleviate localized pain. If you suffer from knee or back pain, you can also rely on CBD pain relief cream.
Most CBD topicals work very quickly. As soon as you apply the CBD product to a specific area, the skin absorbs the cannabinoids readily. CBD interacts with the cannabinoid receptors on the skin to provide quick pain relief.
Whether you are using full-spectrum CBD or broad-spectrum CBD oil-based cream, it will not penetrate deep enough to enter the bloodstream but on a peripheral basis only. This means that you will not experience psychoactivity even if the topical cream contains THC. Hence, you can apply pure CBD cream or full-spectrum CBD cream liberally on the skin without worrying about potential side effects.
Treatment of Mild Skin Irritations
If you have scratches, insect bites, and minor skin abrasions, you can apply CBD cream or CBD salve on the affected area to reduce the pain and the swelling. Some CBD topical creams may contain other ingredients that may have antibacterial properties as well.
However, suppose you have sensitive skin or skin allergies. In that case, you may want to check on the CBD cream product description to determine if it contains any ingredient that may exacerbate your skin condition. Although some products contain all-natural ingredients, some contain synthetic compounds that may not suit your skin.
Relief from Arthritis Pain
Millions of people have arthritis. Although this condition is often experienced during old age, even children today are affected by this ailment. Common symptoms include inflammation of the joints, swelling, and pain.
When you apply CBD cream or CBD lotion to the affected area, the cannabinoids bind to the CB2 receptors in the joints to fight inflammation and reduce pain and swelling.
Heal Burns Faster
Burns are very common accidents, especially in the kitchen. When your skin gets burned, it immediately sends pain signals throughout your body and may take weeks to heal, depending on how severe it is.
The pain caused by burns is due to the inflammation of the skin. A CBD ointment can help lessen inflammation and reduce pain. Certain CBD products are designed to treat burns. They contain menthol and camphor to produce a. cooling sensation to the burnt area. The best burn creams may also help heal the affected area faster.
Fight Bacterial Infections on the Skin
Some of the common bacterial skin infections include impetigo, folliculitis, cellulitis, and boils. These skin infections can spread if left untreated. Cannabinoids have antibacterial properties that can help get rid of bacterial infections on the skin.
Remember that the cannabis plant produces cannabinoids as a way to fight off pests and bacteria. Hence, these compounds are naturally antibacterial. Applying to the affected skin area will kill the bacteria effectively but will not lead to antibiotic resistance.
Helps Alleviate Psoriasis Symptoms
Psoriasis is a common skin condition characterized by excessive skin cell buildup, itchiness, and painful red patches. Having this condition can impact your confidence. It is not only uncomfortable but embarrassing, as well.
THC and CBD prove to be influential in alleviating the inflammation and pain caused by psoriasis. These cannabinoids can inhibit the buildup of dead skin cells and clear the skin of painful red patches. Although a few studies show the relationship between cannabis and psoriasis, there is a lot of anecdotal evidence.
Maintain Youthful Skin
It is not the fountain of youth or the elixir of life, but it can prevent premature ageing. Cannabis contains a lot of powerful antioxidants. These compounds fight off free radicals that damage the cells. When free radicals are not controlled, they cause premature ageing.
Antioxidants do not only protect against free radical damage. They also help enhance the healing process of damaged cells and tissues. CBD, for example, is far more powerful as an antioxidant than Vitamins C and E.
If you want to have supple young-looking skin, apply CBD cream on your face and other parts of the body every morning after taking a bath and just before going to bed. The cannabinoids will not only kill bacteria but will also hydrate your skin and fight off free radicals.
Factors to Consider when Buying CBD Topicals
Before you buy any cannabis topicals from a dispensary, you should be able to determine which products are of high quality. Here are some factors to consider before buying any cream, lotion, or salve.
Type of CBD Extract
There are three types of CBD extracts to consider: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. Full-spectrum CBD contains all other compounds found in hemp. Broad-spectrum CBD includes all other compounds in hemp except for THC. CBD isolate contains pure CBD.
The main difference is the potency of the CBD. When you use full-spectrum products, you are getting the full benefit of the entire hemp plant. It does not only contain CBD but the beneficial terpenes and other cannabinoids. Suppose you are worried about THC. Getting into your system, then broad-spectrum is the next best thing.
Extraction Method
The best CBD brands make use of the safe and solvent-free CO2 method. This method does not use any toxic substances, which makes it safer to use.
Source of the Product
Is the CBD brand manufactured by a licensed company? A CBD company has to be permitted by the government to operate. Licensed CBD manufacturers have to comply with government regulations which means they produce safe and top-quality full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products.
Where to Buy Cannabis Topicals in the USA
If you are looking for the best CBD topical products on the market, visit our local dispensary at Kirkland or Bellevue, Washington. You can also check out our products on our e-commerce website. Some of the products we sell include the following:
CBD Moon Cycle Lunar Balance Balm Roll-On
The Moon Cycle Lunar Balance Balm is a blend of THC and CBD in one product. The cannabinoids are extracted through CO2 extraction. It contains a mixture of herbs designed specifically to support women through their lunar cycle issues like headaches, tensions, and cramps.
By using this product, you can experience full-body relaxation. Cannabinoids in the product can relax the muscles and ease mental tension. Once applied to the skin, CBD and TCH will work straight away to provide you with immediate relief.
Super Infusionz Indica
If you are looking for an Indica-infused oil for topical use, this is the perfect product for you. The Indica variety of cannabis is known for its calming and relaxing effects. As a transdermal product, you apply it to a veiny part of your body for the best absorption. The active ingredients will immediately provide you with a relaxing and euphoric effect.
At Higher Leaf, we provide you only with the best cannabis products on the market. We sell flower, preroll, concentrate, vape, edible, beverage, tincture, and topical products. We make your satisfaction our priority.
Last Words
CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids are beneficial, not only on the internal parts of the body but also on the external parts of the body. We find these compounds in vapes, concentrates, edibles, beverages, and tinctures. Today, we also find them on topicals.
Cannabis does not only work on a systemic level. It can be applied directly to the skin to treat localized pain and inflammation. As you use CBD cream on your skin, the cannabinoid will immediately bind to the CB2 receptors and provide immediate soothing effects.
If you are worried about getting high, know that CBD and THC do not penetrate deep enough to enter the bloodstream. This means that you will not get high from using CBD pain cream. The THC will also not show up during a drug test.
Cannabis topicals are beneficial in treating localized inflammation, swelling, and pain. They can also provide other benefits. They are antibacterial and anti-ageing, too. If you want to buy the best cannabis creams, lotions, roll-ons, and the like, visit us at Higher Leaf Kirkland or Bellevue, Washington. You can also check us out online at any time.