Topical cannabinoids come in various forms, including creams, patches, and gels containing cannabinoids intended for therapeutic use. Topical cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors in sensory nerve fibers, inflammatory cells, and adnexal structures within the skin. This binding reduces pruritus, attenuates pain, mediates cellular response to ultraviolet B irradiation, inhibits epidermal keratinocyte proliferation, and promotes apoptotic death of keratinocytes. Binding of cannabinoid receptors also promotes anti-inflammatory effects relating to keratinocyte cytokine production and immune cell modulation.

Your body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) creates homeostasis (balance) by regulating appetite, mood, pain, and pleasure receptors, among other functions. Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are the chemicals that activate that system. Your body makes its natural versions of these compounds, called endocannabinoids. Both phyto and endocannabinoids are similar, in that they both interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system.  

Some benefits of the use of cannabinoids in topical application include:

Treating pain and inflammation: Topicals can treat breakthrough pain, neuropathic pain, and chronic pain. Studies have shown that cannabis is better for treating chronic pain than opioids. Since arthritis pain is frequently caused by joint inflammation, treating the inflammation itself relieves pain. In fact, CBDA (the raw counterpart to CBD) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects via COX-2 enzyme inhibition, which is the same mechanism of action as the arthritis drug Celebrex. CBG is another cannabinoid that has been shown to relieve pain and inhibit lipoxygenases, enzymes that produce inflammatory molecules. Cannabis oil or infused topicals are often seen to reduce pain for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or multiple sclerosis.

Treating skin conditions:   Cannabinoids have also demonstrated effectiveness for a variety of skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory, antipruritic (itching), anti-aging and antimalignancy properties through their interaction with the endocannabinoid system.   Researchers have found that cannabinoid topicals can effectively treat a variety of diseases including psoriasis, severe itching, atopic and contact dermatitis. 

Preventing and reducing acne:  Research has shown that cannabinoids (especially CBG, CBD and CBDA) can help prevent or reduce acne in a variety of ways.  Cannabinoids help regulate the sebocytes, preventing an overproduction of sebum which can clog pores leading to acne. Their anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal effects in addition to being high in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals all contribute to their powerful acne fighting properties.

Mitigating Symptoms of Eczema and Psoriasis: Cannabis can help to treat the most common form of eczema called atopic dermatitis (AD) by its strong anti-inflammatory, antihyperalgesic and antipruritic properties.  Additionally, the antimicrobial characteristics of cannabinoids (especially CBDA and CBG) can help manage staphylococcus aureus bacteria – a complication and driving factor for eczema.