Gone are the days when you could only enjoy marijuana by smoking it. Although smoking weed is still commonly done, today, there are a wide variety of cannabis products on the market that offer people a plethora of ways to enjoy all that marijuana flowers have to offer. Shoppers will need to explore the benefits of each option and choose the product that best meets their needs.
Cannabis topicals are among the “newer” marijuana products. They are a popular way for people to enjoy the benefits of THC and CBD (two compounds found in marijuana plants) without getting high or having to smoke or ingest anything.
The term “cannabis topicals” encompasses many different products, all of which are similar. We’ll take a look at what a cannabis topical is, what products are included in this category, and ways you can get the most out of your experience.
What are Cannabis Topicals?
A topical, in general, is a product that can be applied directly to the skin. A cannabis topical is a product you apply directly to your skin that has been infused with cannabis.
Cannabis topicals include marijuana-infused products such as:
- Lotions
- Balms
- Oils
- Soaps
- Patches
- Creams
What are the Benefits of Using Cannabis Topicals?
There are many reasons cannabis topicals have seen an increase in use, such as:
- Their effects: They can be used to help relieve pain from sore muscles and inflammation. Topicals can also soothe red, irritated skin and, some people report, help keep skin clear and youthful-looking.
- Their speed: While some cannabis topicals may take time to take effect, the majority of marijuana topical products are fast-acting, with users feeling some relief immediately after it is applied.
- Their application: Cannabis topicals allow users to target specific areas of the body. Have a sore shoulder from raking leaves? You can apply the topical directly to the area and find relief, whereas eating a cannabis edible would travel throughout the body (and take longer to take effect).
- They don’t get you high: One of the biggest reasons people use topicals is that they offer all the benefits of marijuana without causing a high. Though topicals can contain THC, the compound responsible for getting people high, it’s not enough to induce a high feeling like smoking would.
- Their use: Cannabis topicals are easy to use and can be fun. Most people can figure out how to use cannabis topicals intuitively, and when you use a product like a cannabis exfoliator or bath bomb, they can be quite enjoyable to use.
5 Tips for Using Cannabis Topicals
You’ve decided cannabis topicals sound like something you want to try. You did your research and have purchased the perfect product for you. You’re ready to use it for the first time. Here are some tips to ensure your topical is effective and that you get the most out of your cannabis topical purchase.
- Pinpoint the best place to use it. While some people use cannabis topicals like lotion all over their body for full-body relaxation, others may use their topical to target issues in a specific area. If you are the latter, make sure you pinpoint the area that is actually causing problems. For example, is your neck sore because you have a headache? In this case, you may need to apply it in other areas than simply your neck itself, and you’ll want to make sure to treat the underlying cause of your issue as well as the issue.
- Wash up. This includes both washing the area you are applying the cannabis topical to as well as washing your hands. Washing up before using your topical removes any debris and germs from the area, preparing it to better absorb the topical once it’s applied. Clean hands and skin will help you get the most out of your topical product.
- Be generous. You may have heard the phrase, “a little bit goes a long way.” Though this is good advice in some instances, it is not when it comes to cannabis topical usage. Don’t hesitate to apply a generous amount of your topical to the area to help it absorb faster. You can always add more if you feel you didn’t use enough the first time. You should also make sure you rub the topical into the skin thoroughly.
- Wash up (again). This second wash-up is just for your hands. You’ll want to wash your hands well once you’ve applied your cannabis topical. Though it won’t hurt you being on your skin, depending on the other ingredients in the product, it can irritate your skin and eyes if you rub your face. (Ever applied peppermint oil to your neck and then touched your eyes? It burns.)
- Set proper expectations. Many people use cannabis topicals to relieve pain or treat red skin. But it’s important to remember that cannabis oil is not an all-powerful cure. In fact, it’s not a cure at all. Don’t expect your cannabis-infused lotion to erase years of shoulder pain. Instead, you will likely notice subtle changes. If you apply a cannabis topical and expect a miracle, you will be disappointed. If, however, you go in with realistic expectations, your experience will be much better.
In Conclusion
Cannabis topicals are becoming popular not just in the marijuana world but also in the health and beauty industries. Cannabis-infused lotions, oils, body butter, creams, and even bathing products offer unique benefits and a one-of-a-kind experience to users.
Cannabis topicals are used for many reasons, including:
- Relieving pain from sore muscles
- Soothing red, irritated skin
- Relax tense muscles
Some people choose CBD or cannabis-infused products as part of their overall wellness regime thanks to their relaxing and balancing abilities.
Topicals are appealing to users because they allow users to target specific areas of concern, are easy to use, take effect quickly, and are available in many different products to suit user’s preferences.
Once you’ve purchased your cannabis topical product, don’t forget to follow our tips to help you get the most out of your topical.
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