​Sometimes ingesting or inhaling herbs isn't an option. It's still possible to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of herbs, including cannabis, without putting it in your body. We call this transdermal application topicals. Topicals can include herb-infused lotions, salves, massage oils, etc., that are applied to the skin, usually directly to the area of discomfort. Cannabis topicals are minimally invasive and most of the time non-psychoactive. The cannabinoids, such as THC, CBD, or CBN, are absorbed into the skin, but usually don't have a cerebral effect, making it a great option for those who can't or don't want to feel any psychoactivity.
Topicals allow for quicker and more focused relief. They may be effective for localized nerve pain, tension, muscle ache, inflammation, and even some skin conditions. When absorbed through the skin, cannabinoids bind to the abundant CB2 receptors near the skin's surface. This may help explain the non-psychoactive nature of topicals, since a high occurs when THC binds to CB1 receptors. The cannabinoids are also not typically crossing into the bloodstream unless applied directly to a vienous region or in people with very thin skin, like seniors. It is advised, that seniors or people with thinner skin start with caution to evaluate psychoactivity. Begin with a small test area of skin to evaluate the cerebral effects from any THC-rich topical.
The effects of localized relief in topicals may be felt rather quickly.  Continued reapplication may be necessary, but topicals are a convenient and covert way to use medicinal herbs whenever necessary. Topicals may not be the best standalone method for someone experiencing deep tissue, widespread, or chronic pain because the product may not reach that deeply or address the root cause of the pain or spasms. A better approach may be pairing a topical with an internal method, like a tincture. However, heat is a useful tool for increasing the effectiveness of topicals. A good time to apply your lotion or salve is after a hot shower when your pores are open. Try pressing a heating pad to the area after applying the topical to help ease muscles or inflammation.
Topicals are a friendly and effective way to use medicinal herbs, including cannabis therapeutically. It provides an opportunity for new or wary users to see for themselves how medicinal cannabis can be effective.