Lip balm, skin lotion, infused oils, sprays – all of these are examples of topicals.
When topicals have oil derived from cannabis or industrial hemp included as an ingredient, they can work to help alleviate inflammation, soreness and pain. Since topicals contain extremely low levels THC (if any), you won’t experience a high like you do when ingesting cannabis.
According to Marijuana Times: “Some users even seem to believe that topicals are good for treating psoriasis, dermatitis, headaches and cramps.”
While topicals may not have much THC, they do contain CBD and other ingredients that have shown to have medicinal benefits. Many the therapeutic components found in cannabis topicals are also found in hemp.
One excellent use for cannabis or hemp topicals is to soothe tired, achy muscles. As a result, they are increasingly being incorporated into massage therapy (in states that have legalized usage).
Just like different strains of cannabis can differ, so can the topicals that are made from them. The components that make each cannabis plant vary, including terpenoids (which give cannabis its distinctive smells and tastes) and phytocannabinoids (which are terpenoids acting as neuroregulators for the neurological system). THC is a phytocannabinoid. The variations in cannabis plants mean that some patients will need to try out various topicals before they find one works best to meet their needs.
The rise in popularity among topical usage has caused some issues, however. These issues primarily derive from a flood of products on the market, which may not be produced by legitimate producers. For this reason, is important to purchase cannabis or hemp topicals from a reliable and trustworthy vendor.