Cannabis Topicals and Chronic Pain
Cannabis Topicals and Chronic Pain
When people are thinking about using cannabis products for relief, softgels or oils are generally the first things that come up, but these are only the beginning of the options on hand. This is great, considering all the different benefits you can see from using cannabis, from reducing inflammation and supporting insomnia to mental health support and reducing the symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
One major surprise here is that a lot of these benefits are taken not just through smoking or using an oil, but by applying the product directly to your skin. This applies to either using the oil as topical or topical products that have CBD oil. This gives you a viable method to handle a variety of different issues, from generic soreness to skin issues such as eczema and psoriasis and perhaps supports your treatment for other issues like PTSD. Here’s a closer look at the ideal way to use topicals to handle these issues.
How Does It Work?
Before we talk about how a CBD cream or similar product works, it’s important to get into detail about how exactly it impacts the body. This begins with the endocannabinoid system. This is a signaling system that links together the immune system, nervous system, and other parts of the body. This is regulated by a set of chemicals called endocannabinoids, which manage a variety of different aspects, from soreness to memory to mood to hunger. Medical science is also discovering a variety of different applications day by day. In some scenarios, if the system has problems or the body isn’t able to process endocannabinoids, it leads to problems. The silver lining here is consuming or applying CBD to the body can help further balance.
On that topic, this balancing act has the ability to contribute to several different health benefits, mainly by reducing the breakdown of endocannabinoids inside the body. It’s important to note that as things progress, you may be wondering if the psychoactive side of cannabis factors in. As things turn out, this isn’t the case. By nature, many CBD oil products, topicals as well, have little to no THC, not enough to cause any effects at least. Another thing to notice is that the skin serves as a natural barrier. This reduces any trace of THC to nothing. Consider it similar to how you can put rubbing alcohol on a cut, but still are able to drive afterward.
Because there’s no psychoactive effect risk, topical CBD is a great option for those interested in cannabis benefits but have no interest in getting high. This can apply to parents, those who are regularly drug tested, or the elderly. Another nice benefit is that it’s a lot easier to store cannabis topicals than a marijuana plant or flower.
If you plan on buying a cannabis topical, you have a lot of different options to work with. As an example, if you want a standard option, moisturizing lotions with added CBD are available. However, you can also use salves, balms, and ointments with specific uses. These include treating cuts or a hot and cold sensation. These combine CBD’s benefit with the botanical properties of other plants.
If you want to purchase from the widest set of cannabis options possible, it’s a good idea to look for a dispensary in places where cannabis sales are legal. Just remember these aren’t the only options you have to work with when it comes to potential topical items. Depending on the nature of the product and legality where you live, you can also order topicals online, sorting by the dosage you want, added ingredients, and price. Along with this, some other products adjacent to the category, such as hemp cream, can be purchased anywhere, even in a regular beauty shop.
How to Apply CBD Topicals
After you purchase your topical, it’s time to start using it. On some occasions, people going for options like these end up disappointed the first time around not because of any flaw with the product itself, but the fact that they don’t use it properly. This is why you need to take things slow when putting a new product into your health regimen.
As a start, make sure you decide on the impacted area you wish to apply the topical too. In some cases, it’s an easy decision to make, like a sore shoulder. However, sometimes, it’s not as clear. If you have a headache, the issue may be a migraine, but the source may also be tension in your neck. In some cases, it’s a good idea to look to a medical professional first to make sure you’re approaching the proper root issue.
If someone doesn’t have an acute issue, and just wants to get in the habit of introducing CBD to their skin, some good places to start include the joints, shoulders, neck, temples, and feet. While preparing to apply, before starting, be sure to get cleaned up to avoid applying any bacteria from the world around you. You don’t need to do a ton here, just scrubbing where you want to apply with a moist washcloth and drying things off.
Note that when you apply a cannabis topical, dotting things on isn’t the way to go. It’s common in many cases to add a second or third application. Afterward, you also want to massage it into the skin. When you’re done here, make sure you take the time to wash your hands. Different compounds in CBD topicals may be great in terms of smell and other effects, but that doesn’t mean they’re meant to get in your eyes or other sensitive regions.
Lastly, when we talk about cannabis topicals, reasonable expectations matter. Chronic pain isn’t going to disappear over time. The good news is that you’re likely to see a slower positive change. Remember, cannabis products aren’t cures, but complementary health support.