As the interest around the medical benefits of the marijuana plant continues to rise, many consumers, healthcare professionals, and legislators all have the same question: Can a CBD topical cream render a high?
Correcting misconceptions: THC vs. CBD
In the media, cannabis has been reduced to a dangerous gateway drug without consideration of the thousands of years during which our ancestors used the same plant for medicine. Cannabis is made up of more than 80 different cannabinoids, and not all of them render a high.
Chemistry is a confusing, wonderful thing. CBD, just like the “high” – causing compound THC, is found in the marijuana plant. But they vary ever so slightly in their molecular makeup (i.e., the placement of a singular atom), resulting in completely different effects on the human body.
Some of the confusion regarding the difference between THC and CBD is also because medical marijuana products are saturating the market in some states. Many people want to benefit from the various health benefits cannabis has to offer, but do not want to experience any mind-altering effects.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with our biological Endocannabinoid System (ECS) which receives different cannabinoids to support vital bodily functions. Within the Endocannabinoid System, there are two primary receptors classified as CB1 and CB2, respectively.
CB1 receptors are found within the brain and are responsible for our mental and physiological processes. CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are placed throughout our central nervous and immune systems. When internally and externally-produced cannabinoids interact with these receptors, we experience major health benefits, including pain and anxiety relief or mood management.
Going back to chemistry – the molecular makeup of THC and CBD determines how exactly they interact with and affect our cannabinoid receptors. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors, sending signals to the brain that result in the mind-altering effects known as “getting high.” But CBD does not bond with our CB1 receptors and ultimately does not result in the same “high” feeling. This is why CBD can offer some of the same health benefits as THC but does not alter our state of mind.
Zero Ingestion, Zero High
Like all other lotions, balms or creams, CBD topicals are only placed on the surface of the skin and should not be ingested. Therefore, if there are even minute traces of THC in your CBD topical (which wouldn’t produce a high anyway), the likelihood of the chemical being introduced to your bloodstream is extremely low. If the traces of THC are unable to enter your body, there is no possibility of getting high.
Think of this: Many topicals contain traces of alcohol inside them, but they don’t get anyone drunk!
Could I benefit from using a CBD topical cream?
Before taking the final step of going to HYPERLINK “https://relevium.co/products/”buy CBD oil online for mysterious health benefits, you may be wondering what exactly CBD can do for your health and well-being.
Well, according to research, many things including:
- (Chronic) Pain relief
- Fight inflammation
- Natural treatment of anxiety and depression disorders
- Alleviation of skin conditions such as eczema or psoriasis
- Relaxation and sleep-aid
When introducing new skin care products to your regimen, you should do so slowly. The same applies to CBD pain relief rubs and other related products even though they generally do not irritate the skin.
Start with a patch test on a piece of skin that is not easily visible. Put some of your CBD topical cream on the region and wait for 24-hours. If there is no visible irritation or discomfort, you should be able to use your CBD product whenever and wherever you want.
Before purchasing a CBD-infused topical, also make sure to look into the legislation in your area. Regulation and legislation still tend to be a bit foggy in some states. But generally, a pure CBD oil or infused product is perfectly legal to purchase for effective private use.
