Cannabis Topicals: Everything You Need to Know

Cannabis topicals are quickly gaining popularity throughout the industry as a discreet and effective consumption method. People are especially drawn to this method for its ability to induce symptom relief for muscle or skin issues.

Cannabis topicals weren’t always so novel. Throughout the 18th century, hemp seed oil was used as a topical medicine. It was almost completely disregarded through the rise of modern medical technology. But now, it’s making a come-back bigger than ever!

 Because cannabis topicals are so new to the industry again, you may still have a lot of questions about how topicals work.

1. What are the best uses for cannabis topicals?

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Cannabis topicals, also known as marijuana salve or weed lotion, is perfect for anyone who suffers from any muscle or skin issues like tension, inflammation, and/or soreness.

People who treat disorders like arthritis or eczema with cannabis topicals have found great relief in their pain.

They’re the perfect medicinal consumption method because of how familiar and easy it is to apply to the body.

If you’ve ever put on lotion before, you already know how to apply a cannabis topical.

2. How does your body absorb cannabis topicals?

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Since cannabis topicals have such a unique consumption method (by lathering on the skin), the way it’s absorbed into your body is a little different than if you were to smoke flower, or eat cannabis-infused edibles.

Topicals are absorbed through the skin, which means it doesn’t pass what’s known as the “blood-brain barrier”.

This brings us to our next point…

3. Can you get high from cannabis topicals?

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If you’re one of the many people looking to benefit from marijuana’s many medicinal benefits without getting high, then cannabis topicals may be perfect for you, because they won’t get you high!

Because topicals are absorbed through the skin, the cannabinoids won’t pass the blood-brain barrier that is usually surpassed by other methods to get you high.

No matter how much THC is present in the topical, your mood, perception, or behavior won’t be affected.

You’ll just get the medicinal effects and nothing else.

4. Can using cannabis topicals show up on a drug test?

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We have never heard of anyone testing positive for THC in a drug test after using a cannabis topical.

In a study published in 2017 by Forensic Scientist International, three volunteers who all applied two types of cannabis topicals every 2-4 hours over a three-day period were tested for THC with both a urine and blood test.

None of the subjects tested positive for THC in their system.

This is strong evidence showing that cannabis topicals may not show up on a drug test.

5. How strong are cannabis topicals?

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Depending on the amount of pain that you have, cannabis topicals can come in a variety of strengths and potencies.

For example, Mr. Natural, a Sacramento-based cannabis brand geared toward wellness and holistic healing, has a cannabis topical available in “regular” and “extra strength”.

Some people have even found that Mr. Natural’s topicals can help with reducing brown skin spots, Rosacea, moles/skin tags, blemishes, bumps, and other skin issues.

6. How long does it take for cannabis topicals to take effect?

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Depending on the strength of the topical, some people have claimed that they can feel the localized pain relief almost instantaneously.

Others report it takes around 10-15 minutes for it to take effect.

To be safe, you typically won’t need to wait longer than 30 minutes to achieve the pain relief you’re looking for after applying a cannabis topical.

7. How are cannabis topicals made?

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Typically, cannabis topicals are made by melting down a series of waxes (beeswax, for example) and infusing it with cannabis oil (and other essential oils if wanted).

The process for making a cannabis topical isn’t all that complicated, but it also requires a knowledge of basic chemistry and a background in skincare doesn’t hurt.

8. Where can you find cannabis topicals in Sacramento?

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Cannabis topicals aren’t hard to find in Sacramento because we’re home to some of the most high-quality cannabis dispensaries in the country. The finest Sacramento dispensaries that typically have cannabis topicals in stock are as follows:
Florin Wellness Center

Doctor’s Orders

CC101

Golden Health and Wellness

Cloud 9

THC: Twelve Hour Care

Safe Accessible Solutions

Alternative Medical Center

House of Organics