Cannabis Topicals: THC, CBD, or Both?
Recently we brought you our Complete Guide to Cannabis Topicals for Beginners – and in that guide we touched on the question about what makes the difference between THC and CBD infused topicals, and those that have both. Now, we’re going to dive a little deeper – understanding how these cannabinoids work individually, and together, to provide the relief that topical cannabis is primarily used for.
When to Use High THC Topicals
Cannabis topicals have been found to be the most effective for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by damage or disease affecting the peripheral nervous system and is generally described as a shooting or burning pain. In most cases, neuropathic pain is a chronic condition.
THC topicals have proven useful for many chronic pain conditions including various types of arthritis and fibromyalgia, as well as muscle tension and soreness and post-operative pain.
When to Use High CBD Topicals
While THC is known for having pain killing and muscle relaxing effects, it is not necessarily known for its anti-inflammatory effects. Rather, CBD is the cannabinoid that is found to be successful in reducing inflammation – making it an equally beneficial option for many chronic pain conditions. Certain types of arthritis may respond better to CBD because the pain is rooted in joint inflammation rather than deterioration alone.
How THC and CBD Work Together
Since both cannabinoids offer their own benefits, it is no wonder that most cannabis infused topicals offer a combination of the two cannabinoids. Strains that are both high in THC and CBD are the best option for topicals – even if it is not a 1:1 ration of THC and CBD, pairing the two will certainly bring more benefits than either on its own.
Most commonly, people will look for a topical that offers a 1:1 or similar ratio of THC to CBD, rather than a topical that solely offers one cannabinoid or the other. In the end, it is always up to the individual to determine how their body responds to any specific ratio of THC and CBD in topicals and adjust as needed for the desired relief.
Evergreen Organix Herbal Relief Salve is dosed at 100 milligrams of THC and 25 milligrams of CBD per container – offering the potent pain killing and muscle relaxing effects of THC, complimented by the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD for a well-rounded topical that is perfect for aching joints and muscle stiffness.