CBD topicals are one of the newest trends in the CBD industry and there’s no denying that they’re here to stay. With the recent passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, it has become legal to grow industrial hemp and more people are taking advantage of this opportunity than ever before.
CBD topicals are one of the many products that have risen to prominence as a result of this legislation and they have been gaining popularity rapidly!
So let’s take a look at what CBD topicals are, what they can do, and why you should be using them if you aren’t already!
Why Use CBD Topicals?
CBD topicals are cream, lotion, balm, oil, or other topicals which contain highly concentrated amounts of cannabidiol (CBD). They are applied to the skin to provide relief from a variety of physical ailments such as arthritis, eczema, and acne.
CBD works through a process called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which was first discovered in the 1990s by scientists seeking to understand how cannabis induces its well-known psychotropic effect.
The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors that regulate many functions throughout the body, including mood, sleep, immune function, metabolism, and more.
Scientists have now uncovered two types of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 receptors are mostly found on cells in the brain and nervous system while CB2 receptors are mostly found on cells throughout the immune system.
Research has shown that CBD binds to these receptors with an affinity not seen with any other substance, meaning it can activate them even at low doses.
Research also shows that these pathways exist not only in humans but also in animals and insects; this means CBD can provide benefits across the animal kingdom.
How do they work?
CBD is a natural analgesic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipsychotic product derived from the cannabis plant.
Although its extraction process can vary depending on what form you buy and how it’s prepared for use, its most common method is as an oil that can be added to food or applied directly to the skin.
For this reason, there are many forms of CBD topicals such as lotions, lip balms, oils, and creams. When applied correctly these products have shown to provide relief from pain, redness, and other symptoms associated with various conditions such as eczema.
It has also been used to soothe psoriasis outbreaks in some patients by applying topical cream containing cannabidiol (CBD) directly onto the affected area or by mixing it with carrier oils like coconut oil before application.
CBD topical cream has also proven effective at reducing joint pain when applied regularly in those who suffer from arthritis. For those who suffer from chronic migraines, studies show that CBD may help lessen headache frequency and severity.
However, whether it does so more than a placebo remains unclear. Research suggests that because of its neuroprotective qualities, CBD may be helpful in the treatment of various neurological disorders including Alzheimer’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
Furthermore, if scientists can find out how CBD works in our brains and where exactly cannabinoids fit into our endocannabinoid system then they might even be able to figure out why we experience chronic pain and develop new treatments for it.
And lastly, many people prefer using CBD topicals over ingesting hemp extract due to its taste but please note that not all high-quality CBD will taste good.
What do they do?
Topical cannabis products can offer a wide range of benefits. For starters, topicals have been known to reduce pain or inflammation by affecting receptors in the skin or muscles.
These can be used for soothing aches and pains as well as for relief from conditions like muscle spasms, arthritis, and tendonitis. They are even able to relieve soreness caused by over-exercising or chronic conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome!
With this being said, it is important to note that not all topical solutions are created equally. While some only need one application per day, others may require up to two applications every day for maximum effectiveness.
In terms of dosages and potency levels, most will fall between 5mg/mL and 25mg/mL concentrations with 10mg/mL being an average concentration.
It is also worth noting that these should not be confused with tinctures which are meant to be taken orally. Most importantly, you should always consult your doctor before trying anything new because they know what works best for you!
Tips on how to use them properly
After finding a high-quality topical, there are a few things to keep in mind to get the most out of your experience. Try spreading a small amount on your hands and rubbing it into your arms and legs before heading out for the day.
Be sure to reapply throughout the day as needed. If you suffer from localized discomfort, try rubbing just a little bit on the spot that needs help before bedtime.
Remember that these products don’t work like oral medication—they won’t get you high. The tingly sensation is simply because the oils interact with nerve endings.
While they have been known to help people sleep more soundly, this may not be the best option for those who already have trouble sleeping.
And last but not least, if you plan on using them on your skin or hair, remember that they are very potent so a little goes a long way!
Conclusion
CBD topicals are a wonderful way to relax and de-stress without feeling the effects of any other type of medicine. It’s also a great option for those who have trouble getting therapeutic benefits from edibles.
For anyone that doesn’t know much about CBD, here is a simple explanation. CBD is short for cannabidiol, which is an oil extracted from cannabis plants.
Cannabis plants naturally contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which has psychoactive properties but does not get you high.
In contrast, CBD does not have these psychoactive properties because it does not interact with the same pathways in your brain as THC.
And this leaves you clear-headed with all your faculties intact! In addition, there is absolutely no risk of a high effect since CBD does not act on the same pathways in your brain as THC.
However, if you’re looking for that high effect then be sure to try our delicious weed brownies instead!
