Almost everyone is familiar with the most common forms of cannabis, but there’s a world of emerging products you should consider.
When it comes to cannabis consumption, smoking, vaping, and edibles get all the love. But at HCH, we’re all about the unsung heroes of the cannabis world—and that includes topicals!
Cannabis topicals come in a variety of forms, including lotions, balms, and beyond. These products react with endocannabinoid receptors in the skin to create a calming experience that is less psychoactive than cannabis consumed orally or via inhalation.
Whether you’re looking to ease inflammation, treat skin conditions, or enjoy some heightened TLC, the soothing quality of cannabis infused topicals makes them perfect for everyday use.
Here’s what you need to know about topical products, including how they work and why you should make them part of your self-care routine.
Quick links
- What is a cannabis topical?
- How do THC topicals work?
- What are the benefits of using THC topicals?
- What are the potential side effects of using THC topicals?
- What types of THC topicals are available?
- Balms
- Lotions
- Transdermals
- Bath Products
- Do topicals get you high?
- How long do the effects of THC topicals last?
- Which cannabis topical should I use?
What is a cannabis topical?
Before we get down to the nitty gritty, let’s talk definitions: What is a cannabis topical, anyway?
This umbrella term describes any cannabis-infused product that’s applied to the skin. Typically used to treat pain, inflammation, and everyday muscle soreness, cannabis topicals are a rapidly growing category that includes ointments, lotions, lubricants, bath salts, balms, patches, and more.
These products can be used for just about any occasion. Athletes often use topicals to relax inflamed tissue after an intense workout. And romantic types reach for cannabis lube when they’re in the mood for love.
Whether you want to soothe, unwind, or heighten an everyday activity, THC topicals are hard to beat.
How do THC topicals work?
Like any other type of cannabis you might consume, cannabis topicals work by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors within your body’s endocannabinoid system.
When you apply a topical treatment, your skin absorbs the active ingredients, including THC, CBD, and any other terpenes or minor cannabinoids the formula contains. This provides instant localized relief.
The formula then travels through the bloodstream and interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the body, which triggers an acceleration of the collagen cells that assist in processes such as pain relief.
What are the benefits of using THC topicals?
Cannabis topicals enter the bloodstream through cannabinoid receptors in the skin and offer fast-acting, localized relief. They’re a fantastic way to enjoy the therapeutic qualities of cannabis without the psychoactive effects.
While studies are ongoing, cannabis topicals appear to offer several potential benefits. They may be a promising alternative to traditional pain and inflammation treatments, help soothe skin conditions, and intensify sexual response when used in products such as lubricants.
Basically, no matter what you’re looking to do, there’s probably a topical for it!
What are the potential side effects of using THC topicals?
Because they offer little to no psychoactive impact, there really aren’t any side effects associated with the use of cannabis topicals.
These products would have to be more seriously studied to know for sure, but based on our own experience and the anecdotal evidence we’ve heard, there are no apparent downsides to THC topicals.
The only exception is for those who have seriously sensitive skin or an allergy to some other ingredient the topical contains. If you’re afraid of experiencing a reaction, make sure to do a “patch test” before use. Apply a little of the product to a few inches of skin and monitor for a reaction before you slather on a whole bottle.
What types of THC topicals are available?
There are so many types of THC topicals on the market these days, and you can probably find whatever you’re looking for on the shelves at HCH. Here are some classics we particularly recommend:
Balms
With a smooth, light consistency that absorbs easily into the skin, cannabis balms are perfect for soothing inflammation after a workout. Mary Jane’s Nano Salve is perfect for soreness, cramps, headaches, and more.
Lotions
Highly concentrated and bioavailable, lotions allow you to control the dosage of your topical and apply it wherever you need relief. We’re big fans of the 1:1 Unscented Relief Cream from Escape Artists, which delivers a wonderful blend of cannabinoids.
Transdermals
Highly concentrated and bioavailable, lotions allow you to control the dosage of your topical and apply it wherever you need relief. We’re big fans of the 1:1 Unscented Relief Cream from Escape Artists, which delivers a wonderful blend of cannabinoids.
Bath Products
What’s more relaxing than a bubble bath? A THC-infused bath time extravaganza, of course! For the ultimate self-care special, try adding Coda’s Balance Bath Balm to your next soak.
Do topicals get you high?
Cannabis topicals are great for easing aches, pains, and inflammations, but do they actually get you high?
Well, it all depends on what type of topical you use. CBD- and THC-based topicals produce no psychoactive effect whatsoever. Instead, they create a soothing, relaxing, and sedating experience.
While THC-based topicals contain the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, the effects are typically very mild. You may experience some mild euphoria, but the potential negative side effects of higher dosage cannabis aren’t possible with topicals, which makes them a perfect choice for light users and people seeking intoxication-free relief.
If you’re looking for a long, strange trip, you may be better off with edibles and smokable cannabis. But if you want something considerably more chill, topicals could be the perfect solution.
How long do the effects of THC topicals last?
Because of the way they’re absorbed and processed by your body, you’ll probably feel the effects of THC topicals pretty quickly—generally within 10–30 minutes.
How long those effects last varies according to the topical type, dosage, and, as with all THC products, your individual tolerance. But generally, you’ll enjoy the relaxation topicals provide for about 4–6 hours.
Which cannabis topical should I use?
There’s no one right way to choose a cannabis topical! Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference, but here are a few factors our budtenders say to consider:
- See what cannabinoids the topical contains. Different cannabinoids create different effects, so shop around and sample a few to find the perfect blend for you.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment! All those potions, lotions, and balms create their own unique experiences.
- Read your labels. Ingredients matter when it comes to topicals, so look to make sure your formula of choice is packed with the good stuff, including active THC or CBD and any complimentary essential oils you might be interested in trying out.
Last but not least, the very best way to select a cannabis topical is to get a personalized recommendation from your friendly neighborhood budtender. Stop by an HCH location, tell us what you’re looking for, and we’ll hook you up!
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