Picture this: you're dealing with chronic pain that flares up at the most inconvenient times. Maybe it's menstrual cramps that leave you curled up in bed, or persistent back pain that makes every day a struggle. What if there were a cannabis delivery method that could provide relief for up to four days straight, without the psychoactive effects or digestive issues that come with other consumption methods?

Enter transdermal cannabis patches – the innovative delivery system that's revolutionizing how we think about cannabis therapeutics. While most people are familiar with smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis, transdermal patches represent a sophisticated approach that bypasses the digestive system and delivers cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream through the skin. Here's the skinny on how they work and why they matter.

Rub it on or stick it on?

While both topicals and transdermal patches are applied to the skin, their end goals are quite different. Topical cannabis products work locally on the skin's surface. They penetrate only the top layers of the epidermis and don't typically enter the bloodstream. This makes them excellent for localized issues like muscle soreness or skin conditions, but they won't provide systemic relief throughout your body.

Transdermal patches, on the other hand, are engineered to deliver cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream. This process allows the active compounds to bypass the digestive system and liver, resulting in more consistent and long-lasting effects. This systemic delivery means the effects aren't just local; they can provide whole-body relief that lasts for hours or even days.

Patches are designed with advanced technology to ensure that cannabinoids can penetrate the skin’s outer layers. They usually consist of multiple layers, including an adhesive layer that secures the patch to the skin and a reservoir or matrix that holds the active ingredients. The result is a controlled release of cannabinoids into the bloodstream, providing a more consistent and sustained dose compared to other methods of consumption.

The science of skin

Your skin is your body's largest organ, covering approximately 20 square feet and containing a sophisticated network of receptors that are part of your endocannabinoid system (ECS). Recent research has revealed that both CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors are distributed throughout human skin, in nerve fibres, immune cells, hair follicles, and sebaceous glands.

The ECS in your skin is constantly working to maintain homeostasis, regulating everything from moisture retention to immune response and even the production of natural oils. When functioning well, it contributes to a healthy, radiant complexion and supports proper wound healing and inflammatory responses. 

Cannabinoids that are delivered transdermally can interact directly with the ECS receptors in the skin, offering targeted, therapeutic relief. This interaction can help alleviate localized pain, reduce inflammation, and promote overall skin health.

For example, CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it particularly beneficial for conditions such as acne, eczema, and psoriasis. Additionally, THC may support pain management and relaxation, further enhancing the skin's ability to repair and rejuvenate.

One of the most significant advantages of transdermal delivery is its ability to bypass what scientists call "first-pass metabolism." When you consume cannabis orally – whether through edibles, oils, or capsules – the cannabinoids must travel through your digestive system and liver before entering your bloodstream. During this journey, liver enzymes break down a substantial portion of the cannabinoids, reducing their bioavailability and effectiveness.

Transdermal patches sidestep this entire process. By delivering cannabinoids directly through the skin into the bloodstream, they avoid the liver's initial filtering. This results in higher bioavailability and a more consistent delivery of cannabinoids over time.

Set it and forget it

Perhaps the most impressive feature of modern transdermal cannabis patches is their ability to provide sustained relief for up to 96 hours. That's four days of continuous, steady dosing without the need for frequent reapplication. This extended release is achieved through a sophisticated reservoir patch technology and multiple layers that include:

Backing layer: Provides structural support and prevents the patch from losing its contents to the environment.

Drug reservoir: Contains the cannabinoids suspended in a specialized carrier system that controls release rates.

Adhesive layer: Hypoallergenic adhesives ensure the patch stays in place while allowing controlled permeation.

Release liner: The protective layer you remove before application.

The magic happens in the drug reservoir, where cannabinoids are formulated with natural carrier ingredients like coconut oil, sunflower lecithin, and other penetration enhancers. These carriers facilitate the absorption of cannabinoids through the skin's protective barriers into the bloodstream, providing a steady and controlled release of the active compounds over time.

Real stories, real results

The true test of any therapeutic product isn't just in the laboratory; it's in how real people experience relief from their symptoms. The testimonials from transdermal patch users paint a promising picture of this technology's potential:

Sarah's Story: "I get really bad ovulation pains (I know TMI) that last for days. A friend told me to try CBD. I was skeptical at first, but I put a patch on and in a few hours, they are gone. I've done this for 2 months now, so it definitely works. Thanks so much!"

Maria's Experience: "AMAZING FOR MENSTRUAL CRAMPS!! Seriously, this stuff is perfect for painful menstrual cramping. I have diagnosed PMDD, and a heating pad has been my best friend until I met these patches. The first time I tried them, I had extreme cramping where I was curled over in my bed. I then put the patch near where the cramping was taking place and within 15 minutes the pain had COMPLETELY subsided."

David's Journey: "The most effective pain relief I've tried. I have chronic back and neck pain and have tried numerous products over the years. Most products offer some relief, but nothing I have tried compares to these patches. I was skeptical at first due to the size of the patches compared to other brands, but I tried them anyway. I put them on before bed and was literally amazed when I awoke with no pain. I did not have any pain for the entire four days I wore them."

These testimonials highlight several key advantages: rapid onset of relief (within 15 minutes to a few hours), sustained effectiveness over multiple days, and efficacy for various types of pain, including menstrual cramps, chronic back pain, and inflammation.

Which patch fits your needs?

At Herbal Dispatch, we are pleased to be working with NaturalRem to offer the following two patches tailored to your needs:

CBD-Only Patches: Ideal for mild to moderate chronic pain and inflammation, these non-psychoactive patches are suitable for users who want therapeutic benefits without any mental effects. The 60mg of CBD provides steady, long-lasting relief and is suitable for managing localized pain or soreness.

1:1 THC:CBD Patches: These combination patches are formulated for balanced pain relief and relaxation. With equal parts THC and CBD, the 1:1 ratio is perfect for users looking to experience both the therapeutic effects of CBD and the calming or uplifting properties of THC. While these patches do contain THC, the transdermal delivery produces little to no psychoactive effects compared to other consumption methods.

Both formulations use natural ingredient profiles including coconut oil, shea butter, sunflower oil, sunflower lecithin, beeswax, peppermint oil, and lavender oil. These carriers play crucial roles in enhancing cannabinoid absorption, providing skin-conditioning benefits, and contributing to the patches' sustained-release properties.

A new era of wellness

Transdermal cannabis patches represent a paradigm shift in cannabis therapeutics. Whether you're managing chronic pain, inflammation, or looking for long-lasting therapeutic benefits, transdermal patches offer a scientifically backed solution that's both elegant and effective. For those ready to experience the future of cannabis delivery, the patch is here, and it's sticking around.