Introduction to Topicals: Cannabis-Infused Skincare
Cannabis topicals, encompassing lotions and oils infused with cannabis extracts. Designed for external application to the hair, skin, and nails, these products provide an alternative to inhaling cannabis. This article explores the nature of topicals, their impact on the body, distinctions from other cannabis forms, the pros and cons of usage, and key considerations for purchasing.
What Are Topicals?
Highlights:
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Topical cannabis products are legally available in Ontario for production, sale, and purchase.
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They offer a smoke-free alternative to inhaling cannabis.
Legalisation has paved the way for the production, sale, and purchase of topical cannabis products. Topicals, comprising lotions, creams, and oils, are crafted for application to the hair, skin, and nails, featuring infused cannabis extracts rich in cannabinoids like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
How Do They Work?
Cannabis extracts present in topicals are absorbed through the skin, binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB2) within the immune system’s endocannabinoid system. This localised interaction distinguishes topicals from other cannabis consumption methods, ensuring effects are primarily experienced in the applied area rather than throughout the entire body.
How Are Topicals Different?
Topicals diverge from other cannabis forms in their localised impact. Unlike ingested cannabis extracts, which can produce whole-body effects, topicals exert their influence specifically on the targeted application area. Factors affecting the intensity and duration of effects include weight, gender, dietary intake, and metabolic rate.
Pros and Cons of Using Topicals
Pros:
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Smoke-Free Alternative: Topicals provide a lung-health-friendly substitute to inhaling dried cannabis.
Cons:
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Localised Effects: The impact is confined to the application area, limiting overall body response.
