How Marijuana Topicals Actually Work: A Deep Dive Into Your Body’s CB2 Receptors
The health space is buzzing about the pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabis-infused lotions, balms and oils, collectively known as topicals. But many people are understandably confused by that jar of salve or bottle of massage oil with the green leaf printed on the side.
“How does putting marijuana on your epidermis actually work?”
Science confirms that cannabis has pain-relieving properties. But to fully understand the role CB2 receptors play in pain relief, you need to know about the endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis interacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is a network of receptors located throughout your body from your head to your toes. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for a number of functions involving the brain, endocrine and immune systems. Researchers have found that the ECS modulates homeostasis, or balance in the body.
The ECS has two types of receptors, or “message receivers:” CB1 receptors and CB2 receptors, both of which are present throughout the body. CB1 receptors are predominantly located in the brain and nervous system, and CB2 receptors are found mostly in the peripheral nervous system. The “messages” these receptors receive are actually chemicals that bind to the receptor and either activate it or shut it down, producing a corresponding effect within your body.
Some describe the way cannabinoids interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors as a “lock and key” effect, where the receptor is the lock and the cannabinoid is the key. The two kinds of receptors differ in which cannabinoids, or “keys,” will unlock them.
When you apply a cannabis topical, the CB2 receptors in your skin and muscles are “unlocked” by the cannabinoids in topicals. Unlocking CB2 receptors reduces inflammation, an immune response that plays a role in many diseases and conditions (and, of course, pain). But unlike CB1 receptors, the activation of CB2 receptors does not appear to produce psychotropic effects.
Unlike consuming cannabis via smoking or edibles, topicals allow you to localize and directly target an afflicted area to reduce inflammation. Inflammation is often painful; the swelling of your tissues pushes against sensitive nerve endings, which send pain signals to the brain. So by utilizing the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, topicals can help provide relief for pain.
Topicals such as Mary Jane’s Medicinals give consumers a way to access the analgesic, anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabinoids without getting high. And unlike anti-inflammatory medications, cannabis topicals can be used long-term without risking unpleasant potential side effects or overdose.
There is promising research indicating that cannabinoids may also speed the healing process. In a study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, researchers found that administrating cannabidiol (CBD) significantly helps heal bone fractures. Another study that focused on CB1 and CB2 receptors in the gastrointestinal system found that cannabinoids can promote the healing of epithelial wounds (epithelial cells line the surfaces of organs and blood vessels throughout the body, and our skin is composed of epithelial cells.) So while we need further study, a quicker healing response could be an additional benefit of cannabis topicals.
Bonus: The short list of other natural ingredients we use at Mary Jane’s Medicinals, including grape seed oil, avocado oil and coconut oil, as well as therapeutic essential oils, provide added skin and relaxation benefits. So apply generously, breathe deep and feel the relief.