From delicious cannabis edibles to quick and easy THC tinctures, cannabis users now have many options to choose from. However, if you’re looking for a soothing cannabis product that you can apply directly to your skin, nothing beats cannabis topicals. Even if you don’t usually enjoy THC products, these products can be incredibly relieving and have various perks.

Cannabis topicals come in a variety of forms from creams to roll-ons to bath bombs. Most topicals don’t get you high (except for transdermal patches) but provide soothing relief to whichever part of the body you apply them to. They can easily be incorporated into your daily wellness routine or even just used for fun. Want to know more? Here’s a cannabis topicals guide for beginners.

Cannabis Topicals Explained

Cannabis topicals are among the most fascinating types of cannabis products you can use. These are topical products such as creams, balms, sprays, and lotions that have been infused with high-quality cannabis extracts. They combine cannabinoids like THC and CBD with other helpful ingredients like shea butter and essential oils. As a result, you get powerful topical products that are great for your skin.

One of the most interesting things about cannabis topicals is that they don’t necessarily get you high. Most marijuana-infused products allow you to ingest THC into your bloodstream, leading to a range of intense psychoactive effects. In contrast, most cannabis topicals let you absorb cannabinoids into your skin where they interact with cannabinoid receptors without reaching your bloodstream.

Although cannabis creams, roll-ons, sprays, and other such products don’t get you high, they can still be helpful for a variety of purposes. Many people use cannabis topicals to relieve pain, especially since you can apply them directly to the affected area. What’s more, since these products contain other ingredients that are helpful for your skin, many people use them as part of their skincare routine.

Various studies have revealed interesting findings about cannabis topicals. For example, a 2023 study in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that topical CBD was well-tolerated by athletes, many of whom used it to manage pain and inflammation. Research also notes that cannabinoids may have therapeutic potential for skin health and skin disorders .

THC vs. CBD Topicals: Which Should You Buy?

THC is the psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, known for inducing psychoactive effects like intense euphoria, physical relaxation, and mental stimulation. CBD is a completely non-psychoactive cannabinoid that doesn’t get you high, although it’s still said to be helpful for a range of purposes. Generally, the choice between THC and CBD products comes down to whether you want psychoactive effects or not, but it’s a little different with cannabis topicals.

Most THC topicals, such as creams, salves, sprays, and bath bombs, won’t get you high. The THC in these products is absorbed through your skin, where it interacts with cannabinoid receptors under the skin. While these products can still be highly beneficial, they won’t get you high as they don’t reach the bloodstream.

As such, there’s generally not much difference between THC and CBD topicals. Both give you an easy and enjoyable way to absorb cannabinoids into your skin without psychoactive effects. You can choose which to buy based on whether you prefer THC or CBD, but you can also use both in unison.

The lone exception to this rule is THC transdermal patches. These give you a long-lasting dose of THC that’s absorbed through your veins into your bloodstream. These are good for users who want a mild yet enjoyable high, but those looking to avoid psychoactive effects should avoid these products.

Types Of Cannabis Topicals

With many types of cannabis topicals, beginners may be unsure about the best choice for them. The ideal product to buy mainly depends on your preferences and your purpose for using topicals. For instance, products like face creams and lotions are good for those who want skin benefits. If you’re experiencing pain in a hard-to-reach area, you may prefer sprays or bath bombs. Here are some of the most popular types of cannabis topicals to consider.

Creams/Balms/Lotions - Some of the most popular types of THC/CBD topicals you’ll see are creams, balms, and lotions. There’s not much difference between these products other than the consistency and texture. These products are excellent for applying directly to your skin wherever you want to absorb cannabinoids. For instance, if you have a wounded arm or a sore knee, you might want to apply some THC balm or CBD lotion directly to the affected area.

Roll-Ons - While creams, balms, and lotions are helpful for many purposes, some users might not enjoy the sticky or moist feeling they leave behind. Roll-ons are a great choice for those who want a quick, easy, subtle topical they can apply directly to their body. They’re easy to apply and often help you avoid wastage.

Sprays - If you’re trying to apply cannabis to hard-to-reach areas, such as your back, products like creams and roll-ons might not do the job. Fortunately, cannabis sprays are great for these purposes. You can spray them wherever you want to absorb the THC/CBD then rub them into your body afterward.

Bath Bombs/Bath Salts - Cannabis bath products are perfect for absorbing the perks of cannabinoids all over your body. You can simply drop these into your bath, mix them into the water, and soak up the goodness. They come in many alluring aromas and make your bathtime much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Transdermal Patches - Transdermal patches can be applied to a venous area of your body (usually your wrist) for a long-lasting, slow-acting dose of cannabinoids into your bloodstream. Unlike other THC topicals, THC transdermal patches can give you mild psychoactive effects. CBD transdermal patches can give you a generous dose of CBD without getting you high.

Conclusion

Cannabis topicals are enjoyable, easy to use, and perfect for applying cannabinoids and other beneficial ingredients directly to your body. Whether you’re looking for soothing relief or want to improve your skin health, it’s worth trying some THC and CBD topicals out.

The Coastal Cannabis Co. dispensary in Vista, CA offers a range of cannabis topicals for users, along with various other high-quality THC and CBD products including cannabis flower strains, edibles, drinks, concentrates, vapes, tinctures, and more.