Cannabis Topicals for Beginners
What are Marijuana Topicals?
Topical cannabis is a specialty product available at most dispensaries. It is an extract of cannabis meant to be applied directly to the skin to treat localized pain and/or inflammation. These kinds of products include lotions, salves, oils, sprays, and transdermal patches. It is always a good idea to find out what a topical is made with and how those ingredients will affect you, but common ingredients include coconut oil and beeswax. Some may also contain essential oils like lavender or tea tree oil.
Do Cannabis Topicals get you High?
Cannabis topicals do not make you high. Cannabis does not produce its psychoactive or intoxicating effects through local applications, so people can safely get relief from cannabis lotion or salves without getting high. People have used cannabis-infused lotion to address everything from arthritis pain to post-workout soreness, and they can do so without being concerned about the drug’s psychoactive effects like dizziness or altered perception of time.
In other words, THC can be absorbed through the skin, but that doesn’t mean THC topicals get you high.
How to Use a THC Topical
For the most part, you can apply cannabis topicals just as you would any other topical cream or salve. Simply use your finger to scoop some up and rub it into your skin wherever you need it to work. Rub it in a circular motion to ensure that it enters the skin quickly and properly, and doesn’t just sit on top waiting to be absorbed.
Here are some best practices to keep in mind when using a THC topical:
1. Clean The Area Beforehand
Before you apply any kind of topical cream, you should take a moment to clean the area beforehand by washing and drying it. Dirt, grease, and oil that commonly sit on top of the skin will make it harder for the cream to be absorbed, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
2. Reapply Every Few Hours
If pain and inflammation continue even after application, don’t be afraid to apply more cream to your trouble spots. Give it an hour for the cream to have a chance to work before applying more. And if it works, reapply the topical every 3–4 hours or whenever pain returns.
3. Be Generous
If you aren’t experiencing the relief you’re looking for, you may not be using enough balm per application.
4. Wash Your Hands
Make sure to wash your hands after you apply a cannabis topical in order to ensure that you don’t transfer any sticky or oily substances to other objects, and to keep your hands smelling nice and clean.
Additional Resources
5 Best Practices for Using Cannabis Topicals by Leafly
How to Dose Cannabis Topicals by LeafWell