BY MICHELLE ANN RIZZIO
Transdermal cannabis patches allow for cannabinoids to be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream for an immediate and long lasting therapy. I personally have come to really love these patches for their discreet and effective pain relief. Transdermal cannabis patches can be found in a variety of options from THC, CBD, CBN, THCa, and ratios of the before mentioned cannabinoids. With slow release being a main feature of transdermal cannabis patches, they assist in allowing the user to receive doses throughout the night, or day.
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds created by the cannabis flower which provides wellness benefits to many everyday issues such as pain, nausea, anxiety, and inflammation. Our bodies have an endocannabinoid system in which phytocannabinoids found in cannabis work with. By utilizing phytocannabinoids we are able to regulate our endocannabinoid system to create a sense of overall wellness and health. Anywhere there is a deficiency in the endocannabinoid system, phytocannabinoids from cannabis find their way to the receptors and can assist in solving the problem at hand. Phytocannabinoids bind to receptors found throughout our brain and major organs in our body’s endocannabinoid system. The receptors are called CB-1 and CB-2.
Patches utilize science to deliver the cannabinoids from the patch to the bloodstream, most through a process where the cannabinoids are ready to absorb into the skin because of the patches being an inhospitable environment. Benefits are far reaching, such as with a THCa patch. The THCa delivers no psychoactive influences to the body and relieves inflammation and pain instead. Whereas the CBN patch offers major relief to those with insomnia and nights where they cant help but toss and turn. Not only is it sedative nature helpful for insomnia and other sleep related concerns, CBN can also be taken alongside THC to be anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, and antibiotic! These variances of cannabinoids and ratios allow for the individual to really finetune their experience with their cannabis therapy. While THC is the famous sibling of the cannabinoids with its notoriety being that it gets you high, other cannabinoids do not serve the similar function.
While some cannabinoids are only stimulated by decarboxylation (being heated), others do not need heat to be utilized. In most cases THCA and CBDA are the most abundant cannabinoids found. Unfortunately THCA turns into THC when decarboxylated so wellness benefits associated with THCA such as inflammation and pain relief aren’t received through smoking. This is why cannabis patches are so helpful in relieving pain and offering a way for cannabinoids to be absorbed without combustion.
Next time you’re at the dispensary ask your cannabis consultant about their selection of transdermal cannabis patches.
