The advancements of cannabis have grown to levels that appeared socially and politically impossible 100 years ago. The world has become more conscious of cannabis for recreational as well as medicinal use. Moreover, cannabis retailers are moving past standard ingestion methods such as smoking and edibles. Companies are taking part in creating cannabis topicals and transdermal patches. However, the average consumer is not used to these methods of conveying cannabinoids for their benefit. People don’t even know the difference between cannabis topicals and transdermal. So let’s break down these new ways of consuming cannabis.
Understanding cannabis topicals
Cannabis topicals are creams, lotions, moisturizers, or other topicals that have been infused with compounds extracted from cannabis. Cannabis topicals appear in hemp lotion, CBD lotions, cannabinoid creams, or even moisturizers infused with particular terpenes to provide a scent similar to that of vibrant Lemon Kush or the earthy and herbal Granddaddy Purple. Scientists have been fine-tuning cannabis topicals for many years. Before manufacturing CBD-infused topicals and moisturizers, hemp was often infused into these products. This is likely due to the early legality as well as research associated with the benefits of hemp.
The utilization of cannabis topicals has been the product of praise by those who are not interested in receiving the effects of cannabis the old-fashioned way. By directly applying cannabis topicals such as CBD lotion or cream to the afflicted area, consumers can receive immediate relief from inflammation and moderate amounts of pain. This is thanks to the cannabinoids’ ability to travel through the many levels of the body’s skin to cooperate with the Endocannabinoid System or ECS thanks to the moisturizer or cream’s ability to be broken down and absorbed by the skin. However, cannabis topicals are not the only method of consuming cannabis via the skin. There are also transdermal Patches.
What are Transdermal Patches?
Transdermal Patches are virtually the same as cannabis topicals but different in their own right. Transdermal patches often appear like cessation patches; they are typically square or uniform in design and can mirror a huge band-aid. These patches are designed to provide the body with a controlled amount of cannabinoids over a designated period. These cannabinoids appear in the form of THC but are often infused with CBD. Moreover, cannabis topicals are more widely available compared to transdermal patches. This is likely due to the nature in which transdermal patches were designed to be used. Cannabis topicals such as hemp lotion and CBD cream were created for individuals who suffer from mild pain, restlessness, muscle spasms, and other ailments.
Like cannabis topicals, transdermal patches use the skin as a medium for conveying the cannabinoids into the body. Additionally, transdermal patches are isolated to a particular part of the body. Cannabis topicals are rubbed into virtually any part of the skin. Transdermal patches align with the use of Rick Simpson Oil (or RSO) in use. This means these patches were designed to assist patients who suffer from skin conditions, lesions, irritation, and even Cancer.
Understanding the difference
So now that you know what cannabis topicals and transdermal patches are, how are they different? Cannabis topicals and transdermal patches are other only in delivery and isolation. As aforementioned, cannabis topicals can be applied almost on any part of the body. Transdermal patches are often designed to be placed on a specific part of the body (usually noticeably afflicted.) Patients who have Psoriasis, Pityriasis Rosea, and even Cancer often use transdermal patches. The everyday consumer who may be afflicted with lower levels of bodily discomfort may partake in cannabis topicals such as CBD lotion or even hemp lotion. Despite their differences, cannabis topicals and transdermal patches will continue to unlock new doors linking cannabis and medicine for years to come.