When you come across CBD topical products in a dispensary like Moss Crossing, you may be curious to get to know these products a little better. Awesome for targeting certain ailments and not designed for euphoric effects, these products truly have a lot to offer. So, what are CBD topicals exactly? How do they differ from THC topicals? And most importantly, how do you use them? Here’s a quick guide to help you along.
What are CBD Topicals?
In short, CBD topicals are products infused with cannabidiol (CBD) designed to be applied to the skin. There are thousands of these products available since the passage of the Farm Bill in 2018, which made CBD and other hemp extracts legal nationwide. However, most products available at legal dispensaries like ours will contain a mix of THC and CBD. That’s because these two diverse cannabinoids work synergistically to target different ailments thanks to the entourage effect.
Topical CBD products are designed for different uses depending on the exact ingredients and come in a variety of forms, such as:
- Transdermal CBD patches
- CBD body lotion
- CBD facial serums
- Massage oil with CBD
- CBD salves and balms
What’s the difference between CBD and THC topicals?
CBD and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are two totally different cannabinoids even though both hail from the same family of plants. Cannabidiol is non-intoxicating and does not produce euphoric effects. THC, by contrast, is intoxicating because it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in a different way. However, when used topically, you don’t have to worry about euphoric feelings or intense psychoactive effects. The way THC is processed through the skin tends to negate any intoxicating effects, so you should feel grounded unless you’re using a THC-dominant product, like a high-dose transdermal patch.
Both cannabinoids may be valuable for targeting bodily discomfort because of their unique actions, even though the mechanisms of action may be different. For example, CBD is known to offer antioxidant properties and target inflammation, while THC seems to interfere with pain perceptions by interfering with nerve impulses sent between the nerves and brain.
How do CBD topicals work?
CBD topicals work by delivering the cannabinoid into the skin as the product is absorbed. The epidermal layer of your skin contains its own network of cannabinoid receptors that belong to the endocannabinoid system. When you apply CBD topicals to your body, the carrier ingredients and cannabinoids are absorbed by the skin where they affect the cannabinoid receptors.
What are the benefits of CBD topicals?
As noted above, CBD topicals come in many forms. This is because CBD has shown efficacy for a range of ailments, even those that may only be surface level. While the documented scientific literature regarding the benefits of CBD for the skin is just getting started, a few reasons people use topical products with CBD include:
- To target areas of bodily discomfort and pain
- To soothe skin irritation or reactions
- To relax tense, tired muscles
- To take advantage of antioxidant properties to possibly deter signs of aging
Some researchers have also proposed that CBD may be good for certain skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis, but more definitive examinations need to be performed. It should also be noted that CBD paired with THC delivers the uniquely valuable benefits of both cannabinoids as they work together.
Are CBD topicals safe?
In general, all cannabinoids have a robust safety profile. The body contains its own cannabinoid receptors because we are physiologically capable of producing our own endogenous cannabinoids that influence these receptors. Phytocannabinoids like CBD and THC are so similar in form and function to endocannabinoids that the body pretty much processes them in the same way.
There have been several studies done to prove the safety of cannabinoids like CBD, even when they are used topically over the long term. Few adverse reactions have ever been reported, and those events are almost always related to other ingredients in products beyond the cannabinoids themselves. Therefore, always pay attention to the ingredient labels on any product you plan to use to make sure the product contains agents that are good for the skin.
How do you use CBD topicals?
CBD topicals are designed for different methods of use depending on the product’s ingredients and consistency. For example, a product made with menthol cooling agents in the form of a salve can be great for targeted pain relief, while a body oil infused with CBD and THC can be perfect for an all-over body massage.
Always pay attention to the usage directions and ingredients on any specific product that you buy to make sure you know how and how often the product can be used. Most are safe to use several times a day or as needed to target specific ailments or symptoms.
Find High-Quality CBD Topicals at Moss Crossing
At Moss Crossing, we offer a collection of higher CBD products, including CBD topicals like massage oils, salves, and lotions with different ratios of CBD and THC so you can find your perfect fit. Be sure to take a look at our full menu, our weekly specials, and how to reserve your order ahead for pickup at the Friendliest Joint in Town.
