Relief Without the Haze: The Magic of Marijuana Topicals
Marijuana topical treatments are extremely popular with people of all ages seeking the healing effects of marijuana, but who would rather do without the “high”. Since our skin is our largest organ, it only makes sense to take advantage of a form of pain relief that is applied directly on the surface of the skin. New and interesting ways of consuming cannabis to relieve chronic pain are being developed daily, and these medicinal, topical treatments are providing relief to some of the most unlikely consumers, including senior citizens. Our medical marijuana doctors in Colorado Springs and Pueblo have seen great results with marijuana topicals in many patients.
The healing properties of marijuana topicals are available in a wide variety of applications, including balms, ointments, lotions, creams, oils, and salves, all imbued with the active pain relieving ingredients marijuana is known for, and designed to bring relief to seniors without the “haze” associated with ingesting marijuana via smoking or eating. Because they are non-psychoactive, marijuana topicals are a great choice for treating chronic, localized physical pain, like the stiffness, swelling, and achy joints that come with arthritis.
Topical applications containing cannabis are absorbed through the skin and offer a solution for localized pain, joint and muscle soreness, tension, and inflammation. When a person’s range of motion becomes limited due to the pain and swelling of arthritis, marijuana topicals can provide a practical alternative to traditional medications for treating these symptoms, due to the anti-inflammatory and pain relief abilities of these radical new therapies.
Marijuana topicals work by binding to the body’s CB2 receptors found throughout the body. These receptors are activated by cannabis compounds, and even if a topical treatment contains active THC, the user will not experience the intense “high” associated with ingesting cannabis, as the cannabinoids only penetrate to the system of CB2 receptors, and do not enter the bloodstream. The exception to this rule is the transdermal patch, which does deliver cannabinoids to the bloodstream.
In addition to finding a new way to relieve the pain and stiffness of arthritis, senior citizens are discovering that marijuana topicals can provide relief of headaches and muscle cramps. Many manufacturers are blending natural scents such as peppermint, lavender, and wintergreen into their topical products to produce a treatment that not only provides pain relief, but leaves a pleasant scent that lingers on the skin after application. Contrary to popular belief, which is changing daily with more and more states legalizing medical marijuana, these cannabis-infused topical treatments can be extremely effective in alleviating chronic pain, and will not become physically addictive with repeated use.
For recommendations on which marijuana topicals may be best for your chronic pain, contact Medical Alternatives Clinic today at (719) 246-0393 in Colorado Springs or Pueblo with your questions, or to set up an appointment. We are here to assist you in any way we can, and will provide you with a copy of any paperwork necessary for your records.
