Cannabis products have come a long way in recent years thanks to the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana products in many states across the U.S. Now, you aren’t just limited to the option of only joints or blunts, but a whole new world of THC and CBD products like topicals, edibles, and oils.
While you might already be familiar with CBD oil, you might not have THC oil on your radar yet. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a compound in marijuana that creates the high feeling you get from using some cannabis products. Cannabidiol is a similar compound but doesn’t cause you to get high. Both oils can help:
- Ease anxiety, pain, and migraines
- Reduce nausea and inflammation
- Help with insomnia
Extracting oil from the cannabis plant makes it easy to use and consume in a number of different ways. This includes topicals, a popular way of using oil for pain relief. But can you absorb THC oil through skin? Or how do topicals like this work? Here’s what you need to know about THC oil topical benefits and how it works.
How Is THC Oil Made?
There are different ways that THC oil can be extracted from cannabis plants. These are:
- Solvent extraction
- C02 extraction
- Hydrocarbon extraction
- Ethanol extraction
- Lipid extraction
The safest process is the lipid extraction method, which uses fats or oils to pull cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. This way, producers can pull out the THC without the need to use harsh solvents. Since no solvents are involved, there’s less chemical exposure to the people who consume or use the THC oil later on. C02 extraction is also widely used throughout the industry to ensure safety.
THC oil can be used to produce a number of products once it is extracted. One group of products that’s of interest to many folks is topicals. Some examples of topicals are:
- Lotions
- Creams
- Gels
- Sprays
- Lip balms
- Bath products
- Patches
Each kind of product has its own unique use, so it’s important to understand how they work and their purpose. Knowing these facts will help you find the right product for you depending on your goals.
Can You Absorb THC Oil Through Skin?
When you apply topical products, you put them directly on your skin and rub them in. The oil penetrates your skin and works its way down to your muscles and joints, but it cannot be absorbed into your bloodstream. This means that you won’t get high from using THC oil in this way, but you will feel a soothing, relaxing sensation spread across the area where you applied the cannabis topical.
When you apply a topical, you feel the benefits of cannabis thanks to your body’s neurotransmitters and endocannabinoid receptor system (ECS). This system goes throughout your entire body and plays a role in everyday functions, like feeling pain or sleeping. Your skin contains cannabinoid receptors that allow the THC oil to work its magic only where you apply it.
Topicals with THC oil only affect the area you apply them to since they are not absorbed into your bloodstream. Most people use them to treat local pain or inflammation, but products with THC oil are also becoming a popular alternative to traditional skincare products.
Is THC Oil Good for Skin?
More research is needed on the topic, but what information experts do have is really promising. Current studies show that cannabis-based topicals, like those with THC oil, can help improve several skin conditions, such as:
- Psoriasis
- Eczema
- Scarring from skin conditions
- Inflammation
- Dermatitis
- Acne
Within these same studies, participants reported that they didn’t have any allergic reactions or irritations when using cannabis products on their skin, like those that traditional skincare products can trigger.
Products with THC oil are safe to use on your skin on other parts of your body to relieve pain and inflammation. More research is needed to know if THC oil is safe to use as a part of your daily skin routine. Current testing is looking at dosage and how often you should use these products on your face.
Cannabis Skin Care Tips
One of the biggest reasons that people are turning to cannabis products for skincare is because of their anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can cause things like acne, signs of aging, redness, or dryness. If you know that you’re prone to these things, THC oil can help alleviate them. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to try it out.
- Leave it on. According to experts, products with cannabis oils work best for skincare when they’re allowed to stay on the skin for longer periods of time. For this, you’ll want to try creams, serums, and oils that you can rub into your skin for lasting power.
- Find a mix. Experts also say that you should look for products that have other naturally healing ingredients mixed in, like oatmeal or moisturizing oils. This way, you’re not only getting the anti-inflammatory benefits of the THC oil, but you’re also soothing and moisturizing your skin along the way.
- Read the labels. Since using cannabis products for skin is relatively new and unregulated, be careful with the products that you buy. Read the labels and make sure that the product is third-party tested, free of heavy metals or other dangerous chemicals, and doesn’t have more than 0.3% THC. As a precaution, you should make sure that all of the products that you use on your face come from companies that have certificates of analysis.
Grab Your Favorite Oils and More at DDM Cannabis
If you’re looking to try a new cannabis product, or simply want to learn about the latest in the world of cannabis, stop by DDM Cannabis. Our unique location in Blackstone, MA allows us to serve the surrounding communities in both Massachusetts and Rhode Island. We’re proud to stock a great selection of top-notch products at competitive prices while always staying on top of the latest trends.
Part of our job is keeping up with the latest news and products when it comes to all things cannabis. Our knowledgeable staff stays informed so that we can answer our customers’ questions and help them find the best products for their needs. Whether you’re looking for something new or simply stocking up on your favorites, stop in DDM Cannabis to find exactly what you’re looking for at a great price point.