DISCLAIMER: To preface this blog, we at Bud Bar would like to state that this blog does not constitute medical advice and that we are simply revealing experiences that our staff and customers have had with these types of products.

Ever wander into the topicals section of a cannabis shop and ask yourself, “what do topicals even do?”

Although not new to the cannabis world, topicals still drum up a lot of curiosity and at times, confusion. While they are a cannabis product, their use and effects are very different compared to vapes, edibles, and the conventional joint. If you are unfamiliar with topicals or you are looking for more information before you go ahead and snag some, keep reading!

What Are Cannabis Topicals?

Topicals are a type of cannabis product often made with cannabis extract (CBD or THC) that is applied directly to the skin for localized relief.  Topicals come in a wide range of products, including lotions, gels, bath bombs, and body washes. They work by penetrating the surface layer of our epidermis where they deliver their effect through active ingredients which then interact with cells that are located deep in the pores of your skin, instead of internally like most other cannabis products do.  

How Do Topicals Work?

Cannabis topicals come in a wide range of products, each with slightly different applications. These application methods will have variable influences on how the cannabinoids interact with the body and any other ingredients present in the product. 

Studies show that cannabis topicals may alleviate pain and symptoms often associated with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or fibromyalgia. Topical treatments often last longer than other types because they absorb into our bodies at a slower rate. This also means topicals will take effect quicker once applied, so there’s no waiting around for relief.

While topicals are marketed as transdermal products, it is very rare for a topical to make someone high, and that only seems to happen if they are applied in especially sensitive areas (like mucous membranes and very thin skin), which we do not recommend unless the product is explicitly built for those regions.

Transdermal, in this instance, simply means that the method of interaction in the body is through the skin rather than inhaled or ingested.

The Science Behind Cannabis Topicals

These products have more localized effects that shine through when applied to the affected area, where they interact with the endocannabinoid system present in your skin. The cannabinoids in your topical will interact with the fat cells in the area. 

These cells keep the cannabinoids from wandering into your bloodstream and getting you high, and instead, make sure their effects remain wherever you happen to apply the product! 

The endocannabinoid system in human skin is most receptive to CBD but will uptake a bit of THC. Your body is filled with different endocannabinoid receptors. It is a topic we highly recommend anyone interested in biology and how cannabis works in the body to research. 

Generally speaking, we find that THC and CBD work best when used in tandem, but individual results may vary.

(Think you’ve had too much cannabis? Here’s some guidance on “What To Do When You’ve Had Too Much”!)

What Conditions Can CBD Topicals Help With?

Topicals are an interesting and growing market that is sadly overlooked despite their benefits. While they cannot provide a cure for illnesses and ailments, they can provide relief for a lot of pressing issues. More and more individuals have switched over to topicals as a means of relief due to the effective and natural approach.

CBD topical cream benefits have been shown to help a variety of conditions, such as:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Arthritis
• Acne
• Burns
• Scrapes
• Insect bites
• Allergies
• Swelling

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of CBD cream may help to relieve the symptoms of these conditions. CBD cream is also known to be effective in treating chronic pain, which is one of the main reasons it has become so popular. They are easy to use and could provide relief from a variety of conditions. 

Why Should I Use Cannabis Topicals?

Use of topical cannabis is a great way to reduce pain and discomfort while also improving your mood. The act of applying this product on demand can be more convenient than other methods such as inhaling or smoking marijuana which may have negative side effects in some cases.

They carry less risk or adverse effects on the body since they don’t need an orally delivered psychoactive substance in order to work.

Which Cannabis Topical is Best for Me?

The best cannabis topical for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for an all-purpose product, a CBD lotion is probably the best option. If you are looking for targeted relief, a balm or oil may be a better choice. And if you want to enjoy the therapeutic properties of cannabis while relaxing in the bathtub, a bath bomb might be the perfect choice.

If you are interested in trying a cannabis topical, be sure to check out our selection at Bud Bar. We carry a variety of products from top brands, and we are always updating our inventory with the latest and greatest.

What Are Some Popular Cannabis Topicals?

Topical Lotions

Topical lotions have more specific calming and soothing effects where they’re applied. Things like CBD and 1:1 THC/CBD creams are excellent options for areas that you may find need a little bit of help to relax after a difficult day, such as tired shoulders from shovelling snow or after a not so restful slumber. Depending on the ingredients, these topicals may have warming or cooling agents that can influence the lotion effects.

The Apothecanna 1:1 cream contains 25mg of THC and 25mg of CBD in the container and has a lovely cooling sensation from the peppermint extract, providing the user with near-immediate relief from discomforting sensations. Certain product applications may have more deeply-penetrating effects as well, which some folks may find beneficial around more flexible and well-used areas, such as fingers, knees, or other joints. 

How to use it?  Massage the lotion on areas of pain and discomfort for targeted relief. 

Other products are less immediately obvious when applied and only provide temporary relief of minor aches and pains in muscles and joints.

The LivRelief creams, which come in both 1:1 THC:CBD and CBD only product lines, allow you to tailor the product to your needs. The 1:1 cream contains a full 125mg of THC and 125 mg of CBD in the container, while the CBD cream contains a full 250mg of CBD in the container.

How to use it?  Apply a small amount of LivRelief creams on the affected area not more than three or four times daily.

Cannabis Bath Bombs

Bath bombs and bath salts can be considered in much the same way as topical creams and lotions—but for a more full-body experience. These products contain CBD or THC extract and dissolve quickly in water, releasing their ingredients into the bathtub. This allows you to soak in the therapeutic properties of the cannabis extract.

Being enveloped by the full-body chillaxation of a nice heavy J is one thing, but sinking into the warm abyss of a bath that makes you feel the same way, without the headier experience or feeling stoned, is another entirely.

The sensation of a warm bath is enough to soothe anyone’s ruffled feathers after a difficult day, but the added benefits of cannabis help to leave you clear-headed and more functional. The only real danger of bath products is that the oils can make your tub slick—please be careful getting in and out! 

Topicals can find their way into your home in many moments of intimacy and times that aren’t limited to just the bath.

Intimate Topicals

One of the more unusual topicals to hit the market is a product by Latitude: a slick, aromatic, and multipurpose intimacy oil. Not only is it infused with the sensual botanicals of rose and jasmine, but it is also specially formulated to be used across the entire body, and boasts a secret aphrodisiac: Damiana flower. A plant with a long-standing history as something present in secret moments between partners…perhaps even as long of a history as cannabis! This oil is infused with a whopping 400mg of THC, intending to heighten sensitivity wherever it is applied. 

While it can be applied anywhere on the body, this oil is intended to be used as an intimacy enhancer in more erogenous areas. As with all topicals, effects are not instantaneous but can take as little as 30 minutes to appear.

Can Cannabis Topicals Get You High?

THC topicals can’t get you high because they only penetrate the skin for localized relief. But transdermal patches do deliver the cannabinoids to your bloodstream and might have intoxicating effects with a high enough THC content.

What are Some Possible Side Effects of Cannabis Topicals?

A 2017 review found that some CBD products can have side effects including tiredness, diarrhea and dry mouth. Less serious ones include vomiting or decreased appetite or weight. However, these same reviews also note the fewer negative impacts than prescription drugs for treating conditions with similar symptoms.

Topicals can make a great addition to your self-care routine. Consider test driving a few and making them part of your overall wellness regime.

Bud Bar is your trusted Calgary dispensary. We pride ourselves on creating an open and welcoming environment where you have comfortable and safe access to recreational cannabis. We set ourselves apart with personalized customer service with our budtenders providing one-on-one sessions so that you can learn about our cannabis products and accessories. We offer a selection of high quality yet affordable products, including flower buds, pre-rolls, oils, capsules, as well as accessories like vaporizers, bongs, and pipes. As your trusted Calgary marijuana dispensary, we can make it easy and safe for you to get recreational cannabis. Visit our marijuana stores in Calgary Northwest today, or place an order online!