Cannabis Lotions, Balms and Salves: How do they work and what are the benefits?
You don’t have to spark up a joint to reap the medical rewards associated with regular cannabis use. Contrary to what most people believe, marijuana is safe for consumption when it is infused into everyday products. What’s more, this non-addictive and non-natural alternative to pharmaceutical-grade drugs is actually helping to put an end to the opioid epidemic that has resulted in many opiate-related deaths.
Topical solutions are just one example of the many ways in which a medical marijuana patient can use the herb for personal benefit. Alternative options include vaporizing cannabis oil, using tinctures, swallowing cannabis capsules, eating cannabis-infused edibles and using rectal cannabis suppositories.
If the thought of rectal suppositories is a bit of a shocker, let’s stick to the subject of cannabis topicals for now! Before you buy cannabis lotions, balms and salves from San Francisco marijuana dispensaries, enlighten yourself on the way topicals work to enhance health.
What are cannabis lotions, balms and salves?
When you browse the products sold inside a medical marijuana dispensary, you will notice an array of cannabis treatments that you can apply topically. Basically, these products are created to deliver the necessary cannabinoids (Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or Cannabidiol (CBD)) to the bloodstream and brain via the skin. They will have been infused with active cannabis compounds, which will have first been extracted from the plant.
To understand how topicals work, you must first understand the endogenous cannabinoid system, or the endocannabinoid system as it is more commonly known. Naturally occurring in the brain, organs, immune cells, connective tissues and glands, endocannabinoids work to maintain full-body balance. When this balance goes out of sync in some way, you can replenish the lack of cannabinoids in your network’s receptors by using medical marijuana. Pretty cool, huh?
Why should I choose topical solutions to benefit my medical marijuana needs?
Topical solutions will not make you feel high quite like you might feel if you were to smoke the plant. The reason for this is because balms, lotions and salves connect with CB2 receptors, not CB1 receptors. Since THC cannot get into the bloodstream as easily as CBD can, topical solutions offer patients an opportunity to bolster health without experiencing potential negative side effects.
Another reason why you should think about visiting San Francisco dispensaries to buy topical cannabis products is because they are available in a wide variety. Many products are scented, too. You will be able to drive and perform everyday duties as normal when you apply cannabis topicals, making them well-suited for people with a busy schedule.
What medical ailments and conditions can these cannabis products be used to treat?
If you are unsure about whether or not your medical condition/ailment can be treated using topical cannabis products, check out the following things that these products have been proven to do:
- Reduce inflammation
- Prevent and treat migraines
- Make the skin look younger
- Treat psoriasis
- Boost sexual pleasure
- Ease chronic pain
- Heal burns
- Minimize the appearance of acne
- Relieve menstrual cramps
- Stop itching and soothe insect bites
Examples of products that are effective at providing the aforementioned benefits include Mentholated Body Balm from The Green Cross, Natural Pain Cream from Dr. Kerklaan Therapeutics and Touch Sensual Massage Oil from Sutra Sensuals.
Where can I buy medical cannabis products?
There are numerous medical marijuana dispensaries that sell cannabis topicals. However, not every dispensary will be as reliable as others. Make sure that the store is licensed and adheres to all regulations/standards set out by international cannabis organizations. This is especially important if you intend on buying topicals online. A reliable dispensary will abide by the correct health and safety regulations. Seek out a dispensary that informs its customers of where the cannabis was cultivated, because the environment in which the plant grows will make a major difference to its medical effects.
Is the medical cannabis tested to ensure my health is not at risk?
This is a question that you must ask the budtender before buying your buds and cannabis topicals from San Francisco dispensaries. All of the buds used to make products sold at a dispensary must be lab-tested, not only to make sure they are of a high quality but also, to ensure they are safe for human consumption/use. Avoid buying products that were grown in an environment where they risk being exposed to pesticides, solvents and toxic chemicals.
