The effects of THC are now well established with more and more research emerging nearly every single day with regard to another benefit. Marijuana has been proven effective in the treatment of a large number of conditions and as awareness grows it is fast becoming the go-to medicinal substance to treat illness of all kinds, from IBS to sleeping disorders. Most of the studies and research are conducted on people who ingest marijuana via inhalation through a joint. However, there is also many benefits to the topical application of marijuana to the skin itself. This is a rapidly emerging sub-industry that is growing as legalization takes place all over the USA. More and more cannabis topicals are emerging and soon they will be available in the shop of every skin care specialist, massage therapist and holistic practitioners as well as recommended by traditional doctors.
As wonderful as marijuana may be, many people cannot afford or simply do not want to be high all the time. But there is another option, and that is cannabis topicals. Topical marijuana has a number of benefits of the skin and topical marijuana is going to disrupt the skin care industry in a major way, simply because of how effective it is compared to all its chemical counterparts. It is far more effective than even its organic and pure counterparts, such as coconut oil, shea butter, aloe vera and the like. Though it is often mixed with these in topical products as a complementary addition.
The Benefits of Marijuana on the Skin
It is CBD that is the compound mainly used in marijuana topicals. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, meaning that you can even smoke it without getting high. CBD is often used for the treatment of seizure-related illnesses and many medical concentrates are made specifically for these conditions. THC is also used but CBD is just as effective for topical application.
THC works by activating endocannabinoid receptors in the brain, producing the high effects. But it is a common myth that these receptors are found in the brain only. Endocannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, including the largest organ: THC and CBD work on the endocannabinoid system. They stimulate and strengthen the endocannabinoid system which has an incredibly large amount of knock-on effects. Among these effects is glowing skin. As a giant external organ, the skin experiences quite a bit of stress in daily life. To help it cope, specialized immune cells are present in different skin layers. Endocannabinoids engage with these immune cells to help control inflammatory response.
In a 2007 study, researchers found that mice with without cannabinoid receptors displayed an increased inflammatory allergic response to irritants. The research team also found that levels of endocannabinoids increased when mice contact dermatitis. Dermatitis is an allergic rash to a foreign entity. It naturally follows the THC and CBD, which help the endocannabinoid system, will improve the resistance of the skin to irritability. These findings attest to the endocannabinoid systems crucial role in the bodys immune system, aiding in the bodys ability to protect itself. The skin contains numerous oil-producing factories known as sebaceous glands. This oil has a number of purposes, including lubricating the skin, protecting the body and feeding the skin with vital nutrients need for it to become elastic, youthful and vibrant. The oil, known as sebum, contains antioxidants and is slightly acidic. The acidity helps neutralize any undesired bacteria that you may pick up throughout the day.
Multiple studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system aids in sebum creation. The endocannabinoid system is thought to play a vital role in managing the production of the oil, along with maintaining the effective functioning of the hair follicle. Cannabis topicals have been shown to be effective in the treatment of minor skin abrasions and rashes, and some cannabis topicals have demonstrated potent anti-bacterial properties. The topicals are also said to lessen the symptoms of the skin condition known as psoriasis, though there are few formal studies which show this comprehensively.
The Summary
The simple answer as to why Cannabis topicals are good for the skin is that cannabis is good for the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system is vital for skin health, among many other key physiological processes including temperature, pain, pleasure, the immune system, sleep, appetite, cognitive functioning and emotional processing. THC and CBD have been proven effective at stimulating endocannabinoid receptors, as this is their mechanism of action. THC and CBD infused balms, lotions and creams are highly beneficial and absolutely harmless, as you cant get high from them. There are a number of topicals that are now available for purchase if you live in a state where cannabis topicals are legal. It may spell the end of chemical creams. Not only were they expensive and damaging to the environment, but they are simply not as effective as THC or CBD infused topicals. Try them out and see the difference.
The key point to take note of is that not all cannabis topicals are created equal. Some are far, far superior to others, so get the one that works best with the highest quality ingredients and appropriate infusions of THC/CBD. The difference between a .1% infusion and a 1% infusion is a multiple of ten, but both labels on each product might simply state Powerful skin Relief Remedy, or some other generic marketing material which does not do justice to the actual potency of the topical itself.
