Cannabis Transdermals

Description:

Newer to the cannabis market are methods of accessing therapeutic cannabis through the skin. Transdermal patches can release CBD or THC over a controlled and consistent long period of time, or there are gels that work similarly—by encapsulating the cannabinoids so they can cross into the bloodstream without degradation. Both allow the body to access essential cannabinoids and experience full-bodied effects via the bloodstream, using a clean delivery system with no extra mess or work.

How it’s Made:

Patches and transdermal medicines have been around for some time, and cannabis transdermals work the same way. Their positive medicinal effects allow many cannabis users to benefit from this format.

The patches can come in:

• Reservoir patches that release in steadily controlled doses
• Matrix patches that have cannabinoids within the patch adhesive, allowing access to your skin and bloodstream instantly

Advantages:

THC and CBD patches allow a controlled and discreet direction of cannabis consumption and can give pain relief effects throughout the day without additional action. It’s also an efficient way to utilize cannabinoids. THC patches don’t create psychoactive effects if you’re looking for a purely medicinal path and don’t want to feel high. Because the patches are pre-packaged, the dosage has no guesswork. You can also remove the patch at any time, and the effects diminish in around half an hour, allowing you complete control over how long it affects you.

Disadvantages:

Not everyone will be pleased about the fact that THC patches don’t end up with the feeling of getting high. Beneficial symptoms of THC like heightened smell or hunger are muted with the patch application compared to other forms of marijuana consumption.

History:

Even before their creation, it was noted that the chemical structure of cannabinoids would work well for transdermal patches. Cannabis consumption has long been used to provide pain relief benefits for many people. ⁽¹⁾ While THC was not the right path for everyone, application of this new transdermal format enabled beginners to access pain relief without risk of feeling too high. Others who benefitted were people with chronic pain who needed to use cannabis throughout a busy day to achieve long-term pain relief. ⁽²⁾

Looking to the Future:

Transdermal patches can continue to be used for local pain relief as well as full-body effects. They promise to continue to provide a smoke-free, high-free way to passively utilize the benefits of cannabis.