While inhaling and ingesting are the more popular ways of consuming medical marijuana, topicals can also be a great way to gain the medicinal benefits of cannabis. Cannabis-infused topicals can come in forms such as creams, lotions, salves and dermal patches which are absorbed through the skin. Since topicals do not enter the bloodstream, it will not produce any psychoactive effects and patients won’t experience a ‘high’ feeling. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the benefits topicals can provide for medical marijuana patients.
1. Helps To Alleviate Pain
One of the biggest benefits cannabis topicals have to provide is its ability to help alleviate pain and soreness. For example, if you suffer from back or neck pain, topicals can be applied directly to the affected area to provide localized relief that lasts for hours.
2. Reduce Inflammation and Arthritis
Some of the most common symptoms associated with arthritis are pain, inflammation and swelling of the joints. This can occur in several areas such as the hands, feet, wrists, knees and more. While arthritis is more common in adults over the age of 65, it can also develop in young adults, teens and children. Cannabis topicals that contain CBD can provide pain relief in the joints and can help fight inflammation.
3. Can Help Treat Mild Skin Irritations
Research has shown that topicals can also help with mild skin irritations such as burns, cuts, and other skin abrasions. By applying the cannabis-infused topical to the affected area, it can alleviate pain and help reduce swelling. Certain terpenes found in cannabis such as caryophyllene and linalool, have pain killing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammation properties which can complement the treatment.
4. Use Topicals For Therapeutic Massages
It is now becoming more common to see massage therapists offer CBD-based massages. Incorporating CBD oil during massages can help reduce cases of inflammation and alleviate pain within muscles and joints. This method can be ideal for patients who are experiencing full body aches and pains.
Topicals are a popular choice for medical marijuana patients due to its convenience and easy application. The usage of cannabis-infused topicals is a way patients can get relief and treat their symptoms without having to experience any unwanted effects.