Physicians in the West were still bleeding patients to treat heart disease and many other conditions when a Persian physician and pharmacist wrote a medical text that would be considered forward-thinking by today’s standards.
Mohammad Hossein Aghili Alavi Khorasani’s book examines the medicinal properties of almost two thousand drugs of natural origin (animal, mineral, plant). Written in 1772, it describes topical preparations that include the leaves, bark and flowers of the cannabis plant.
Though he and other medical practitioners recognized the healing power of cannabis topicals hundreds of years ago, topicals fell out of favour in the 20th century and, along with other cannabis products, became illicit. Only now are they being rehabilitated in the eyes of the medical establishment.

Miss Envy Botanicals’ signature blend contains 100% organic blend of oils with THC, specially formulated to arouse, soothe and nourish your partner from head to toe.
Topicals have no psychoactive effect
Many lotions, balms, oils and sprays are now infused with cannabis compounds called cannabinoids. They bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate bodily functions and is tied to the nervous and immune systems. The cannabinoids Delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) are used in various combinations to treat a wide range of conditions.
These topicals bind to receptors near the skin and are not absorbed into the bloodstream. As a result they don’t cause psychoactivity and affect only the areas where they are applied. For that reason, a growing number of medical practitioners see them as a great way to relieve inflammation, muscle tension and pain such as that caused by arthritis, rheumatism and other conditions.
In addition to having anti-inflammatory properties, topical applications of cannabinoids have anti-bacterial and immunity-modulating properties so they are sometimes used to treat burns, rashes, eczema, psoriasis and skin infections.
Celebrities capitalize on popularity of topicals
The growing popularity of topicals has caught the attention of celebrities, several of whom are now associated with businesses that sell them. Comedian, actor and talk-show host Whoopi Goldberg, for example, recently co-founded a company that sells many cannabis-infused products, including a rub that relaxes uterine cramps and relieves joint and back pain associated with menstruation.
“For me, I feel like if you don’t want to get high, this is a product specifically just to get rid of discomfort,” she told the magazine, Vanity Fair.
“Smoking a joint is fine, but most people can’t smoke a joint and go to work.”
As patients and the general public pay more attention to the potential uses of topicals, the market for them is evolving and expanding. We’re now seeing long-lasting cannabis patches and strips that deliver almost immediate relief and we’re looking toward a future in which people of all ages use topicals regularly to treat everything from migraine headaches to mosquito bites.
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Was wondering if drug test at work would indicate ThC or CBD when using MJ topicals?
A friend has a crippling pain in leg/foot, caused by arthritis! Inflammation and bone spurs in heel. I have suggested she try this cream but she is a very dedicated employee and does not want to lose her position or be disciplined should a drug test be administered. Thoughts?
I have used topicals of several different types for several different ailments. From muscle aches to skin blemishes topicals are a very effective treatment. I have seen wonderful results on numerous different people. I have also witnessed my own success in using medical marijuana topicals from rubs to oils and tinctures to supplements. Like most medical treatment the results are trial and error. We all respond to different medications in different ways, What works for me may not work for you. It takes a little research and due diligence to find what works. Once you have seen the benefits firsthand you will become a believer. Thanks HD for providing quality marijuana products to Canadians who benefit greatly from your service. Keep up the great work and customer service. Give topicals a try, you have nothing to lose but everything to gain especially if it cures your ills! Peace TSB
I have stroke my brain was bleeding now I have unbalance like I fell down n get up again. I got diffuse medicine by using different essential oils. But yu have new topical so that I can’t smoke anymore but it can be treated on my neck where it’s sensitive. Had surgery and Doctor suspected I have arthritis on my neck my muscle too weak to hold my neck up too long of it will be painful. I have dizziness permanent all day n all night. I took pills from marijuana store. My stroke beats it. Can’t work. My heart stopped n revive me I get to live again. I had bad heart disease like my father s side. I have to be thin I gain back I get mad I have to watch what I eat I get fat easily.. Try the topical n maybe it’s best for me. I’ll try that thank yu…