How Do CBD and THC Work in Cannabis Topicals? Here’s What the Science Says
The realm of cannabis topicals—infused lotions, oils, salves, balms, tinctures and more—is an increasingly popular choice for people seeking natural methods for relieving pain and soothing irritated skin, as well as people looking to maximize relaxation and healing during massages and baths.
Cannabis topicals work by tapping into the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), which includes millions of receptors located from our heads to our toes, and is responsible for regulating many functions in the human body. The ECS is activated by the presence of phytocannabinoids that come from plants and endocannabinoids produced by the body.
The phytocannabinoids in Mary Jane’s Medicinals topical products—including cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)—interact with ECS receptors in the skin to produce a range of effects; scientific studies have shown benefits including the reduction of inflammation, pain, seizures, spasms, and cramps.
The Effectiveness of CBD
Research also indicates non-psychoactive CBD has neuroprotective, antioxidative, anti-convulsive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. We have known for years that CBD oil, when administered directly to the skin through topical methods, acts as an effective pain reliever for sore muscles and aching joints in many individuals. And emerging science is finally catching up to confirm this anecdotal evidence and provide some explanations for the mechanisms at play.
A laboratory animal study published in the July 2016 issue of the European Journal of Pain examining the effects of transdermally applied CBD on pain and inflammation in rats found that CBD oil in gel form “significantly” reduced joint swelling and spontaneous pain.
“Topical CBD application has therapeutic potential for relief of arthritis pain-related behaviours and inflammation without evident side-effects,” researchers concluded.
What Scientific Studies say about THC
Mary Janes Medicinals Topical TinctureResearchers also have found THC has powerful pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, demonstrating 20 times the anti-inflammatory potency of aspirin and twice that of hydrocortisone.
Mary Jane’s Medicinals topical blends contain a 1:3 ratio of CBD to THC, harnessing the combined healing benefits of each of these powerful phytocannabinoids for maximum soothing relief.
Cannabinoids found in topicals activate the endocannabinoid system by binding to CB2 receptors found in the skin to produce localized relief. But they don’t penetrate the bloodstream, and therefore, don’t produce psychoactive effects. That means people can utilize marijuana topicals to experience the pain-relieving properties of THC without any of the mind-altering effects associated with other methods of consumption.