THC in Cannabis Topicals

THC in Cannabis Topicals: Why It Matters

CBD has been popular for several years now, but THC also plays a role when it comes to using topicals. Cannabis has more than 500 different components in it, and cannabinoids make up about 85 of these components. Of course, the most well-known ones are CBD and THC. CBD is a buzzword in the topical market. Many patients who suffer from pain believe that this cannabinoid might help them.  CBD offers many potential advantages of CBD, and it is also non-psychoactive. However, THC could still help with your pain. The two can vary quite a lot in how they interact with your body.

About THC

This is an isolated compound, and it was discovered in 1964 in Israel. The researchers who discovered it extracted THC from the plant and could study only that substance. The discovery of THC also led to researchers discovering the endocannabinoid system in both humans and some animals. This is a system that occurs naturally in your body and will organically communicate with the compounds in cannabis.

THC is a chemical that you can find in many cannabis plants. When you ingest it or smoke it, the THC will stimulate your brain. Your brain will then release dopamine and make you feel high. If you apply THC to your skin, it will not enter your bloodstream, which means it can’t go to your brain and alter your mind. However, it may penetrate the deeper tissues and allow you to feel some relief from inflammation and pain. 

About THCa

Think of THCa as the precursor to THC. It is not psychoactive in this form, but once you heat it to the right temperature, it will become THC. This process is known as decarboxylating or decarbing. When you use THCa in its pure form, it might work better at relieving your pain with a lower dosage than if you were to use CBD or THC. 

THC in Cannabis Topicals: Why It Matters
THC in Cannabis Topicals: Why It Matters

About CBD

There is often not as much CBD in cannabis strains as there is THC. But with breeding, recent years have seen the development of strains that have much CBD and little to no THC in them. CBD is not psychoactive, and it can give you a full-body effect.

Pain and THC 

Pain is simply a communication between your body and the brain that shows that there is something wrong. You might feel pain in different ways. For instance, you might feel pain in your nervous system, in the organs and tissues, or even in your imagination.

The way that THC works is by intercepting the communication and preventing you from feeling pain on the physical level. The endocannabinoid system is one of the ways that your body can regulate pain. When you ingest or inhale it, THC will come with side effects, such as an increased appetite, sleepiness, and, of course, euphoria. But for patients who have conditions such as cancer or AIDS, these effects may be lifesaving.

For other patients, these effects can just be a bother. For instance, if you are a parent, then you will need to have more energy. If you have to undergo routine drug screenings, you will not be able to smoke or ingest marijuana. And if you are looking to lose weight, you will not want to have an increased appetite. This is where topicals that are rich in THC can come into play. 

CBD vs. THC

The right cannabinoid for you will come down to what your needs are. Often, people who need a cannabinoid that doesn’t come with mind- or mood-altering effects will take CBD. But THC can be more potent. You do not need to take as much of it to potentially feel relief, and some patients believe it can help to sedate and calm them. That is especially important if you have intense psychological episodes or severe pain.

By using a THC topical, you can get the best of both. It can directly target the source of the pain, and it will not make you feel high. Since it will not enter your bloodstream, these topicals can’t be detected in a drug test. Plus, it will not impact your ability to go about your daily life. Patients with a range of different conditions choose to use THC topicals.

THC in Cannabis Topicals: Why It Matters

Who Might Benefit from THC Topicals?

Some patients who have arthritis and chronic pain like to apply a THC topical directly to the muscles or joints to get immediate results. For menstrual cramps, women can apply THC to the site to decrease them. Cramps are caused by minor contractions that cause muscle aches, and THC might reduce the pain in the muscles. Athletes also often use topicals after workouts.

Many people who have skin conditions like to use THC topicals. For instance, acne, eczema, and psoriasis might do better when you use a topical with THC in it. These conditions often signal that there is a bigger problem. A topical will only fix the symptoms, not the cause of the issue itself.

Finally, you might want to use a THC topical after a migraine headache. Some people like to apply the topical to the temples to reduce the intensity and even the frequency of the headache.

Closing Thoughts

Whether you like the idea of pain relief specific to one area, want to be high, or feel like having a full-body high, you should always do your research. Even if you do not like all of the effects of THC, do not rule it out as an option just yet. CBD might not be strong enough for what you want to treat. Cannabis can come in many forms, and there are a lot of options out there for you to choose from. 

Your preferences and needs will determine which one is right for you. THC might be what you need. It is important to do some research, ask questions, and continue being open to what CBD and THC might do for you.

One thought on “THC in Cannabis Topicals: Why It Matters

Leave a Reply

Get Kush