#172: No High, No Problem: Why More People Are Choosing Topicals
#172: No High, No Problem: Why More People Are Choosing Topicals
You've probably noticed them while browsing the Herbal Dispatch website: balms, creams, and bath salts that promise to melt away sore muscles, calm irritated skin, or take the edge off stiff joints. Maybe you added one to your cart and wondered: Is this actually doing anything?
Good news: yes, there's real science behind cannabis topicals. The even better news? They work nothing like smoking or eating an edible, which means you can use them without any kind of high, any time of day. Here's what you actually need to know.
Relief without intoxication
This surprises a lot of people.
When you apply a cannabis balm or cream to your skin, the cannabinoids (ie CBD, THC, CBN, etc) sink into the layers of skin where they do their work. They interact with receptors right there, locally, in the tissue. They don't travel through your bloodstream and up to your brain the way inhaled or eaten cannabis does.
So there's no buzz. No couch-lock. No "wait, did I use too much?" moment.
Think of it like applying a muscle rub to your shoulder. The relief happens at the spot you applied it. It stays there. This makes topicals one of the most accessible forms of cannabis out there, especially if you're curious but don't love the idea of feeling intoxicated.
What topicals help with
Sore, achy joints: Several studies have examined CBD-based creams applied directly to arthritic or inflamed joints, with promising results. In one trial, participants with osteoarthritis in their hands used a CBD gel daily for four weeks and reported significant pain reduction and improved hand function. Another survey of people with rheumatoid arthritis found that over 60% reported effective pain relief.
Irritated or inflamed skin: There's a growing body of research suggesting cannabinoids can help calm inflammatory skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis. CBD, in particular, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are being actively explored for skin health.
General muscle tension: While the scientific research is still catching up, the anecdotal feedback from consumers is consistent: applying CBD balm to tight muscles after a long day or a hard workout simply feels good. It might be the cannabinoids, the act of massage, the warming ingredients, or a combination of all three. Ultimately, if it brings you relief, it's working.
Topicals won't replace physiotherapy or medication for serious conditions. But for everyday joint soreness that slows you down, a good cannabis balm is worth having in the rotation.
It’s all in the formula
Your skin is actually designed to keep things out. Its job is to protect you from bacteria, chemicals, and irritants. So getting cannabinoids deep enough into skin tissue to make a real difference requires a product that's been specifically formulated to get through that barrier.
A cheap balm that's basically just CBD powder stirred into coconut oil probably isn't penetrating deeply enough to do much. A well-formulated product that uses specific carrier oils, emulsifiers, or absorption-enhancing technology will actually reach the tissue where it can help.
Keep an eye out for products that contain ingredients like glycerin, lecithin, or menthol that can help with absorption. Additionally, look for products labelled as "nano", which means the molecules have been broken down into smaller sizes to increase their ability to penetrate the skin.
Bestsellers to try
At Herbal Dispatch, we offer a variety of topicals from trusted brands that use high-quality ingredients and innovative absorption technology. Here are some of our most popular topicals:
Muscle & Joint Nano CBD Cream: Rapid absorption technology delivers CBD deep into muscles and joints for quick relief from pain and inflammation.
Roll On Muscle and Joint Extra Strength: Experience the power of natural relief with this roll-on from Naturalrem, which combines CBD, menthol, lavender and other essential oils to soothe sore and achy muscles.
Extra Strength CBD Arnica Relief Stick: With the addition of ingredients such as wintergreen, arnica oil and menthol, this stick is designed to be applied directly where you need it.
CBD Transdermal Patch: For those looking for long-lasting, all-day relief, Naturalrem offers a transdermal patch infused with CBD and other natural ingredients for relief lasting up to 96 hours.
Relief Bath Bombs: Simply drop a Proofly Bath Bomb into your warm bath and let the CBD, essential oils and Epsom salts do their magic.
1:1 Relief Stick: Wildflower's 1:1 Relief Stick combines CBD and THC in a convenient roll-on stick for targeted relief of muscle pain, inflammation, and skin irritations.
Whether you’re seeking targeted relief, long-lasting comfort, or a relaxing way to unwind, these innovative CBD products offer effective and natural solutions to support your well-being without any psychoactive effects.
Final thoughts
Cannabis topicals are one of the easiest and most approachable ways to explore what cannabis can do for your body. No high, no dosing anxiety, no complicated routine. Just apply it where it hurts and see how it feels. The science is still catching up, but what's already out there is promising. So go ahead and add some cannabis-infused cream or balm to your self-care routine. Your body will thank you!
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