Cannabis Topicals: A Comprehensive Guide to Potency, Labels, Dosages, And More

As a cannabis user, you've probably used many types of cannabis products, but have you ever used cannabis topicals? 

They stand out as a separate category, crafted just for the skin — the largest organ of the human body. 

In contrast to smoking, vaping, or consuming edibles, topicals are directly applied to the skin. They come in many different forms like balms, salves, lotions, creams, oils, and patches. The key ingredients in topicals are cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) combined with many beneficial elements to formulate solutions that target specific skin issues and conditions.

Although cannabis topicals can be very beneficial, it's often ignored, probably because many people are unaware of the benefits. In addition, they are way too expensive, making it difficult for the common user to afford them. 

In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about cannabis topicals and how they can help. If you're constantly pampering your skin with the best products, this one might be worth your while. 

But, before we begin, you should be aware that this article doesn’t constitute medical advice. If you have serious skin issues or are dealing with chronic conditions like arthritis and pain, you should speak to your physician to check whether it’s feasible to use cannabis. Moreover, we need a lot more research on cannabis and its effects. As of now, there are certain FDA-approved cannabis medications but there’s a dearth of such products in the skincare segment. As always, speak to your doctor to see if using cannabis is the right decision. 

What Are Cannabis Topicals?

Cannabis topicals are nothing but products infused with cannabis that are meant to be applied on the skin. These formulations are crafted to offer targeted relief from conditions such as pain, inflammation, and skin ailments. As mentioned already, unlike other methods of cannabis consumption, topicals are nonpsychoactive ensuring there is no "high" as a significant amount of cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream.

Types of Cannabis Topicals

• Balms and Salves

Cannabis balms and salves are like your regular products, except they are infused with cannabis. They are designed to penetrate your skin to alleviate muscle and joint discomfort. 

As balms and salves are typically denser than creams and lotions, they penetrate deeper into the skin and offer better effects. Plus, this consistency makes it easy to apply to specific areas. They form a thick barrier on the skin to retain moisture and enhance the effects. Usually, cannabis balms also contain other skin-loving ingredients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and beeswax so you get the added benefit of moisturizing your skin.

• Creams and Lotions

Again, cannabis lotions and creams are infused with cannabis and you can spread them on your skin. They are typically prescribed for skin issues and often contain moisturizing elements like aloe vera and shea butter.

Their smooth and creamy consistency makes it simple to apply over your body. Typically, cannabis lotions and creams contain a blend of water, oils, emulsifiers, and cannabinoids. They frequently include skin-nourishing components like aloe vera, shea butter, and vitamins. Not only are they perfect for hydrating the skin, thanks to all these lovely ingredients, but they may also help with certain skin conditions. 

• Oils

You can apply these oils for a relaxing massage or to relieve an ailment, depending on the type and amount of cannabinoids used to formulate the product. You can also mix them with other carrier oils to improve absorption.

Generally, cannabis oils meant for topical use also include other oils like jojoba, almond, or coconut oil blended with cannabinoids. Essential oils can be included for their scent and extra health benefits. They are great for massaging muscles to ease discomfort and enhance skin moisture and flexibility. 

• Patches 

Patches release cannabinoids through the skin gradually, so you get long-lasting relief. Most of these patches can be worn for at least 24 hours unless the manufacturer specifies otherwise. They offer relief from pain and inflammation in a discreet manner and are ideal for those who prefer frequent application of topicals.

You also get transdermal patches that are crafted to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream to produce various effects while also targeting specific areas. These are similar to your regular patches, but the difference is that transdermal patches penetrate the skin barrier and reach the bloodstream.

• Bath Products 

Bath products like infused bath bombs and salts disperse cannabinoids in bathwater to help you relax and also benefit your skin. 

These products often contain cannabinoids, Epsom salts, oils, and other beneficial components like baking soda and citric acid. They promote relaxation, muscle relief, and skin nourishment. By easing muscle tension, reducing stress, and enhancing skin health, these bath items provide a unique way to integrate cannabis into self-care routines.

Common Ingredients Used in Cannabis Topicals 

If you want to purchase cannabis topicals, you're probably interested in knowing more about the usual ingredients that accompany them. Manufacturers use these components so you get the added benefit of many different therapeutic ingredients that work in tandem with cannabis. 

This is how the key ingredients list will probably look like:

1. Cannabinoids: The compounds CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) present in cannabis are recognized for their pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory and skin-calming properties.
2. Carrier Oils: Oils like coconut, olive, or jojoba oil help your skin absorb the cannabinoids better and also offer additional moisturizing advantages. 
3. Essential Oils: Popular essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint can offer benefits such as relaxation, pain relief, and antimicrobial properties. 
4. Botanical Extracts: Various plant extracts of aloe vera, chamomile, and arnica have soothing and healing properties. 
5. Humectants and Emollients: Emollients like shea butter, cocoa butter, and glycerin help protect the skin. 
6. Waxes: Beeswax is a common ingredient in lip balms and even creams as it makes the skin smooth and soft. 

Advantages of using Cannabis Tropicals

In the past, cannabis was used for a variety of purposes, including topicals, where ancient civilizations harnessed the therapeutic properties of cannabis. Modern-day cannabis topicals have undergone tremendous advancements by blending cutting-edge research with traditional wisdom to produce topicals that deliver a precise amount of cannabinoids for skincare advantages.

And it's not just about skincare; the main objective of topicals is to offer localized relief from ailments without inducing the typical psychoactive effects associated with other forms of cannabis consumption. When applied to the skin, cannabinoids engage with the endocannabinoid system present in our body. ECS plays an important role in regulating pain, inflammation, and overall skin well-being. Let's take a quick look at some of the benefits you can gain from using cannabis topicals:

• Relief from Pain

Cannabis topicals may have the ability to ease pain. Although you will have to talk to your physician about specific conditions like arthritis, topicals have the potential to help with muscle soreness and chronic pain. 

As they interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors, cannabinoids can block pain signals from reaching the brain, thereby providing analgesic effects in localized areas. This could be particularly useful for addressing issues like arthritis, muscle soreness, and nerve-related pain. However, more research is needed in this area to study how cannabinoids can reduce pain. 

• Anti Inflammatory Properties

Cannabis topicals are recognized for their anti-inflammatory effects, which might make them beneficial for conditions characterized by inflammation. The cannabinoids in these products inhibit the production of inflammatory cytokines while promoting the release of anti-inflammatory compounds. The cannabinoids also interact with CB2 receptors in the skin. This interaction helps regulate the response and reduce inflammation levels and can possibly help to reduce acne, swelling, redness, and irritation. 

• Skin Health and Beauty

Apart from their therapeutic uses, cannabis topicals are also becoming popular in the beauty industry. They often contain ingredients like oils, aloe vera, shea butter, vitamins, and antioxidants that nourish and rejuvenate the skin and also maintain skin elasticity and softness.

Moreover, cannabinoids possess antioxidant properties that can combat damage caused by free radicals and minimize signs of aging such as lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation when used regularly. In addition to this, CBD has shown promise in regulating sebum production which can be beneficial for acne treatment.

• Muscle Relaxation and Recovery

Athletes and individuals with demanding routines commonly turn to cannabis topicals to help relax muscles and recover. These products can assist in soothing muscles, reducing spasms, and speeding up recovery after physical activities. 

Moreover, the anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving qualities of cannabinoids can alleviate muscle tension and spasms after strenuous physical activity or for individuals dealing with muscle issues like cramps.

It’s possible that by reducing inflammation and discomfort, cannabis-infused topicals can speed up the healing process after exercise or injury, allowing athletes to get back to their routines quickly. Consistent use of these products may also help maintain muscle flexibility and reduce the likelihood of injuries during activities.

• Non-psychoactive Properties

Cannabis topicals have an advantage as they don't cause narcotic effects linked to THC. The same applies even if you're worried about taking a drug test. Topicals don't affect the results like other forms of cannabis consumption. Thus, you can experience the best effects without feeling "high.” However, certain transdermal patches with high amounts of cannabinoids have the potential to sometimes show up in tests, so keep this in mind while using them. 

How Do Cannabis Topicals Work?

Cannabis topicals interact with the endocannabinoid system — you know this already. But, how does it really work? 

Well, the ECS is a complex network that regulates various important functions in the human body and helps in maintaining physiological balance or homeostasis. Primary, it comprises three elements. First, you have the endocannabinoids which are natural compounds within our bodies that bind with receptors. The main two endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2 arachidonoylglycerol (2 AG). 

The second element is the cannabinoid receptor. Cannabinoid receptors, which are spread throughout the body, can be broadly classified into CB1 receptors located in various regions of the brain while CB2 receptors are present in the immune system. 

Then come the enzymes. They synthesize and break down endocannabinoids. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is vital in regulating functions such as pain perception, inflammation control, immune response modulation, mood regulation, and skin health maintenance. By influencing these processes, the ECS significantly contributes to our well-being.

But, how do these cannabinoids react with our skin? Well, the skin houses an abundant network of receptors with a hefty amount of CB2 receptors in particular. When cannabis-infused topicals are applied to the skin, cannabinoids like cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) engage with these receptors to produce targeted effects. There are certain points of interaction that produce specific effects including anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, improved skin health, and more.

The efficacy of cannabis-based topicals relies on their capacity to penetrate the skin barrier and deliver cannabinoids effectively. The outer layer of the skin, known as the stratum corneum prevents various substances from passing through easily by acting as a barrier. Nonetheless, certain factors influence bioavailability and absorption in cannabis topicals:

Formulation: Incorporating carrier oils (such as coconut or olive oil) and emulsifiers aids in dissolving cannabinoids and facilitating their absorption into the skin. Other ingredients like terpenes and essential oils can also boost penetration.

Application Technique: Applying pressure while massaging the topical into the skin enhances absorption by improving blood circulation in that area, allowing cannabinoids to reach deeper layers of the skin.

Concentration: Topicals with abundant cannabinoids can enhance absorption and strengthen the therapeutic benefits. While cannabis topicals are mainly used for localized treatment, certain formulations like patches are designed to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream for enhanced effects. As you know already, transdermal patches utilize modern technology that includes permeation enhancers to help cannabinoids penetrate through the skin barrier and reach the bloodstream offering widespread relief.

When you apply a topical, the cannabinoids bind to the receptors present in the epidermis and dermis. Furthermore, cannabinoids also enhance skin health by encouraging cell renewal, reducing stress, and maintaining skin moisture levels.

This targeted interaction helps alleviate pain and inflammation in the area where you apply it. When you use other cannabis products like a joint or an edible, it affects your entire body; however, topicals focus only on one specific region. In short, the key benefit of topicals is their ability to offer localized relief. 

As you can see, cannabis topicals provide an efficient way to utilize the healing properties of cannabinoids for localized treatment. As they are available in various compositions, they can be tailored to your needs, making them valuable additions to both medical treatments and skincare routines.

In essence, the wide variety of cannabis-infused topicals helps you select something based on your requirements and preferences. Whether you're looking for pain relief, skin rejuvenation or simply to moisturize your skin, there's a solution for your every need. 

Key Points to Consider

Onset and Duration: Cannabis topicals typically provide relief within minutes of application and even last for hours. Transdermal patches last for more than 24 hours, depending on the manufacturer you purchase from.

Compared to other consumption methods like smoking that deliver quick effects but don't last long, topicals are way ahead of the competition. However, they don't provide narcotic effects, so the point is moot for recreational users. 

Bioavailability: Compared to other methods of using cannabis, like tinctures, for instance, cannabis topicals have low bioavailability. This is because they mainly impact the area of application with systemic absorption.

Potential Side Effects of Cannabis Topicals

Although cannabis topicals are generally considered safe and have very few side effects when you compare them with other ways of consuming marijuana, you should still be mindful of potential issues. After all, we are all different and something that might work for others may not be suitable for you. 

Here's a detailed overview of some side effects that you might experience with cannabis topicals:

1. Skin Irritation: The primary side effect is skin irritation presenting as redness, itching, or a rash. This is typically attributed to additives in the product like oils or preservatives rather than the cannabinoids themselves.
2. Dry Skin: Certain cannabis topicals may lead to dryness particularly if they contain alcohol or other drying agents. Opting for products with moisturizing properties can often alleviate this issue.
3. Temporary Sensations: You may feel a warming, cooling, or tingling sensation once you apply cannabis topicals, especially if the product includes menthol or capsaicin. However, these sensations are usually harmless and short-lived.
4. Allergies: While uncommon, allergic responses to cannabis-infused topicals can happen and should be taken seriously.

Indications of an adverse side effect or allergic reaction may include itching, swelling, rashes, and breathing difficulties. If any of these signs appear, stop using the product immediately and talk to your doctor. 

Allergic reactions are frequently triggered by various components in the product such as fragrances, essential oils, or preservatives. This is why it’s crucial to check the ingredient list and conduct a patch test before using a new item. Apply a small amount of the topical on an area of your skin and wait for 24 hours to observe any reactions.

Interactions with Medications

Compared to consuming or inhaling weed, cannabis topicals are less likely to interact with medications; however, there are still some factors to consider.

As topicals are mainly used for targeted treatment and generally do not enter the bloodstream significantly, the risk of drug interactions is low. Nevertheless, transdermal patches designed for the delivery of cannabinoids could present a risk. Talk to your doctor to see how it can affect you as different medications could have different effects when they interact with cannabis. 

When cannabinoids enter your bloodstream, they have the potential to interact with other medications you’re consuming. And, they are metabolized by the liver as well, which means that they can affect the metabolism of other drugs you’re taking, including antidepressants, blood thinners, and even antiepileptics. For this reason, you should be sure of the THC content present in the topicals you use, especially if you’re taking medications for serious ailments. 

Overall cannabis topicals are generally safe, with minimal side effects, but you should be careful if you’re taking other medicines. In essence, understanding side effects, allergies and interactions with other medications can ensure a safe and beneficial experience with cannabis-infused topicals.

Tips for Choosing the Perfect Cannabis Topical

When selecting a cannabis topical, it's important to consider a variety of factors to ensure that it aligns with your requirements and preferences. Below is a guide to assist you in making an educated decision:

Key Considerations

• CBD versus THC

Cannabidiol: Renowned for its anti-inflammatory, pain-relieving, and skin-calming properties, CBD is non-intoxicating and versatile for addressing various needs such as pain management, skin ailments, and overall skin wellness.

Tetrahydrocannabinol: Although psychoactive when consumed orally, THC typically doesn't induce a sensation when applied topically. Despite having a notorious reputation, some studies show that it’s effective in alleviating pain and can enhance the benefits when paired with CBD.  

Other Ingredients: Many cannabis topicals incorporate elements like menthol, arnica, or essential oils for heightened pain relief. So, when you buy a product, you should read the label thoroughly to ensure these ingredients are suitable for your skin type and condition.

Allergens and Irritants: Be sure to check for allergens or irritants particularly if your skin is typically sensitive to new products. You can also go for products that do not contain any type of fragrances, parabens, or other harsh chemicals.

• Understanding Labels and Dosages

You should always read and comprehend the product label to ensure you're selecting a notch and effective product. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to pay attention to:

Cannabinoid Content: The label should clearly indicate the quantities of CBD and THC per unit of product per ounce or gram. This information helps gauge the strength and anticipated benefits. For example, a label might state "300 mg CBD per ounce" or "10 mg THC per gram." 

This will indicate the strength of the cannabinoids like CBD and THC in each unit of the product (measured per ounce or gram). Remember, products with higher concentrations of cannabinoids usually deliver stronger effects. For example, a balm containing 500 mg of CBD per ounce will likely offer better relief than one with 100 mg per ounce. 

Needless to say, high potency also equates to higher prices. However, you only need a small amount for it to work, which can help balance out the cost over time. 

Dosage Per Use: Some labels also offer suggestions on the amount of cannabinoids delivered with each application aiding in dosage management. For instance, using a pump from a lotion bottle may dispense a specific quantity of product; the label can specify how much CBD or THC is present in that amount.

• Spectrum versus Isolate

Full Spectrum Items: These products contain cannabinoids and terpenes naturally found in the cannabis plant. The combined action of these substances referred to as the "entourage effect " can boost the advantages. Full spectrum items are commonly favored for their range of benefits.

Isolates: These products contain one cannabinoid like CBD or THC without other cannabinoids or terpenes. Isolate products are suitable for individuals who are sensitive to or want to avoid certain cannabinoids. They offer the advantages of the cannabinoid without the impacts of the full spectrum.

• Third-Party Testing

Third-party laboratory testing guarantees that the product contains the specified quantity of cannabinoids and is devoid of pesticides, heavy metals, and residual solvents. This is essential for safety and effectiveness.

Trustworthy companies will grant access to their results via a QR code on the packaging or a link to the company's website. These reports, known as Certificates of Analysis (COAs) should outline the profile, potency levels, and outcomes of testing.

Brands that prioritize third-party testing showcase openness and a dedication to quality. Thus, it's best to choose products that have up-to-date test results to make sure you're using an effective topical.

Dosage Recommendations: How Much Should You Use?

Figuring out the dosage for your needs involves considering the seriousness of your condition and how your body reacts to cannabinoids. But, you shouldn’t do this on your own as your physician will be able to help. Nevertheless, here's how you can approach dosing:

• Start slow with small amounts: If you're new to using cannabis topicals, you should start with a product that contains a small amount of cannabinoids. Proceed with regular use only after you do a patch test. If needed, you can slowly increase the strength of the cannabinoids or switch to a product with a higher concentration.
• The seriousness of the Condition: For skin irritations, mild muscle discomfort, or basic skincare needs, products with approximately 50 to 100 mg of CBD per ounce are often enough. For instance, for pain and inflammation, products with medium potency with at least 100 to 250 mg of CBD per ounce are effective. If you’re suffering from a severe condition, though, you’ll need higher potency amounting to at least 250 mg or more CBD per ounce. 

Keep a record of how much you use, how you use, and what effects you feel. This way you can adjust your dose accurately as needed. 

Also, keep in mind that cannabinoids, or any medication for that matter, can affect people differently. The response will depend on many factors including body weight, your metabolism, and the cannabinoid receptors that are present in your skin. This is why you should observe how the topical affects you and then continue to use it if it works. 

Pro Tips:

• For pain relief, use products containing both THC, CBD, and other anti-inflammatory ingredients like arnica or menthol. For muscle soreness and spasms, consider using topicals with warming or cooling agents such as capsaicin or menthol combined with CBD for relief. Products with oils such as eucalyptus or lavender can help as well. For lasting relief, consider using patches.
• For conditions occurring due to inflammation, opt for products with soothing and hydrating elements like aloe vera, shea butter, and CBD. Avoid ingredients that could irritate your skin like alcohol or synthetic fragrances.
• For beauty products, use topicals with antioxidants such as CBD along with vitamin E and essential oils to help reduce lines and enhance skin elasticity. Using CBD to regulate sebum production on acne-prone skin is a good idea too. Search for products containing comedogenic oils and antibacterial components. 

DIY Cannabis Topicals

Crafting your cannabis topicals at home can be great if you have some experience making your own topicals. It can be fulfilling and inexpensive, as topicals as certainly on the pricier side. 

Here are some simple recipes to create your cannabis-infused balms, lotions, and oils. You can tweak this as you like but make sure you know what you're doing. 

DIY Cannabis Balm Recipe

Tools

• Crockpot or double boiler or rice cooker
• Utensils to mix
• Cheesecloth or strainer 

Ingredients 

• 1 cup olive oil
• 10 grams of decarbed cannabis buds 
• 1 cup coconut oil
• 1 cup beeswax
• Essential oils (optional)

Instructions 

1. The first step is to decarboxylate the cannabis by baking it in the oven at 230°F to 240°F or 110°C to 115°C to activate cannabinoids if you haven't done it already. 
2. Mix the oils and add the buds to the mixture. Let the mixture heat gently for about 2-3 hours. 
3. Using a cheesecloth or a fine sieve, strain the oil to separate any plant debris. Press out all the oil. 
4. Now, add beeswax to the mix and let the mixture heat up in the double boiler again. Let the wax melt completely. Add essential oils if you have them. 
5. Wait for the mixture to cool slightly (not too much as the beeswax will begin to solidify) and pour it into a glass jar. Let it cool and harden naturally at room temperature.

DIY Cannabis-Infused Lotion Recipe

Tools

• Double boiler or crockpot
• Strainer or cheesecloth 
• Mixing tools
• Electric mixer or hand blender
• Containers for storage

Ingredients

• 1 cup of aloe vera gel (only commercial gels will work)
• 1 cup of coconut oil
• 10 grams of decarbed cannabis buds 
• 1 cup of shea butter
• Essential oils 

Instructions

1. As always, you should use decarbed cannabis so go ahead and decarboxylate it in the oven. If you have done it already, start from step 2.
2. Combine coconut oil and the buds in your crock pot or double boiler.
3. Gently heat for 2-3 hours, and stir it frequently. 
4. Use cheesecloth or a fine strainer to filter out plant material from the oil.
5. Now, add shea butter to the crock pot and let it melt. Add infused coconut oil and mix thoroughly. Allow it to cool slightly after removing from heat. 
6. In a mixing bowl, combine aloe vera gel, shea butter mixture, and vitamin E oil. You can skip the vitamin E oil and add more gel or Shea butter instead. 
7. Use a hand mixer to combine all the ingredients and keep at it until the mixture is smooth and creamy. 
8. Next, transfer the lotion into containers for storage. Let it cool down and solidify completely before use. 

DIY Cannabis-Infused Massage Oil Recipe

Tools

• Double boiler 
• Cheesecloth 
• Mixing utensils
• Dark glass bottles for storage

Ingredients

• 1 cup of coconut, jojoba or almond oil
• 10 grams of decarbed cannabis buds
• Essential oils

Instructions

1. Assuming you have decarbed the buds, combine the carrier oil with the buds in a double boiler. 
2. Heat the mixture on low flame and let it sit for about 2-3 hours. 
3. Now strain the oil with a cheesecloth and add your essential oils if you have them. Remember, you only need a few drops, no matter what recipe you're using. The same applies to the other recipes mentioned above too. 
4. Transfer the oil into glass jars once it's cool. 

Creating your own cannabis-infused topicals allows you to tailor the strength, ingredients, and scent to match your specific requirements and preferences. Enjoy! 

Summary: Cannabis Topicals: A Comprehensive Guide to Potency, Labels, Dosages, And More

Cannabis topicals allow you to experience the benefits of cannabis without feeling the “high”. You just need to purchase a topical for your specific needs as there are different types available for pain, skin, muscle recovery, etc. 

If you have some basic understanding of chemistry, you can even make your own cannabis topicals at home. You can try halving the recipes mentioned above if you are inexperienced as the ingredients including the buds can be expensive. 

On the other hand, if you have some experience with creating skincare products, you can tweak the recipes and even add ingredients like menthol to experience a cooling effect. 

Remember to talk to your physician before using cannabis products. 

Stay tuned to learn more about cannabis as we post a lot about it!