Medical cannabis topical products are specifically formulated to penetrate through your skin’s layer and interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in your endocannabinoid system. These products are sometimes prescribed to topically treat a variety of skin and health conditions.
Why are there different topical medical cannabis products?
There are different types of topical medical cannabis products that cater to a range of patient needs. Topical cannabis products are made to be applied directly to the skin. Patients who struggle with swallowing capsules or consuming edibles may turn to topical alternatives for effective treatment. Topicals may also help give targeted relief to certain areas of the body along with other medical applications. These products allow patients to choose from a range of forms including creams, patches, gels and balms.
How do topical medical cannabis products work?
Topical cannabis products work by interacting with your endocannabinoid system. They affect your body by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors found in your epidermal cells and sensory nerves, which may provide targeted relief. There are also transdermal topical products which penetrate all skin layers and enter your bloodstream. The direct application of topical products leads to localised effects at the place of application. The exact therapeutic results of topical medical cannabis is dependent on factors like cannabinoid content and additional ingredients. Most topical cannabis products are considered non-psychoactive. This means patients are unlikely to experience the ‘high’ commonly associated with cannabis use, even if the product contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a psychoactive cannabinoid. However, this may differ if patients are using a transdermal product.
Help is at Hand
Get free information and assistance quickly by filling out the contact form below.
Types of topical medical cannabis products
There are a range of available topical cannabis products. Creams, gels, patches, and balms come in a variety of THC and CBD-dominant forms to offer patients flexible treatment pathways. Topical products are a discreet way of taking medicine that may also provide targeted relief. Some topicals are also applied transdermally to deliver cannabinoids straight to your bloodstream, while others may provide slower acting, subtler relief.
Cream
Cannabis creams are used in a variety of applications. Creams are a popular choice for patients who require localised treatment, dislike the taste of medical cannabis, or struggle with swallowing other dosage forms. The exact ingredients of these creams and lotions, other than cannabis and water, is typically up to the discretion of the manufacturer. Some manufacturers may include additional ingredients such as shea butter or essential oils like lavender oil and tea tree oil in cannabis creams. Creams or lotions may be applied to various parts of the body, including the face.
Balm
Cannabis balms are similar to creams, although their consistency differs. Balms are often made from cannabis mixed with different oils, waxes, and butters to produce a thicker, harder consistency than a lotion. Balms are recognised more for their ability to provide targeted relief through the skin’s barrier, whereas creams and lotions are mostly used for hydrating and moisturising due to their high water content. Patients may benefit from using cannabis balms if they prefer topicals with a thick consistency than lotion. Like creams, balms may also contain different additional ingredients like essential oils.
Patch
Cannabis patches sit directly on the skin and deliver CBD or THC to the bloodstream transdermally. This is believed to deliver faster relief than edible products, since the cannabis doesn’t need to pass through the digestive system first. Unlike other topicals, patients may experience cognitive impairment from cannabis patches that contain THC. THC may also be present in drug tests, which could cause conflict for patients who need to drive and work in Australia. Currently, in most parts of Australia, it is illegal to drive with any amount of THC in your system, even if you have a prescription and are not currently experiencing effects. Having THC in your system is also against many Australian workplace policies. However, driving with CBD in your system is perfectly legal so long as the patient isn’t impaired, and there may be CBD-only transdermal patches available for prescription.
Gel
Cannabis gels are typically made with cannabis oil. Like patches, they also offer transdermal delivery of cannabis directly to your bloodstream. They are available in a range of THC and CBD options for a variety of health conditions. Gels have a more watery consistency than creams, which results in faster absorption. They are also applied slightly differently than creams, being rubbed into the skin rather than slowly massaged. Gels are also clear, whereas creams tend to retain a white colour. If patients require localised, fast-acting relief, their medical practitioner may explore cannabis gel treatment options.
Why are topical medical cannabis products prescribed?
Topical medical cannabis products are prescribed for a number of reasons. In Australia, any registered medical practitioner may prescribe cannabis medicines if they feel it will benefit their patient’s condition. If a patient has struggled with a chronic condition over three months, and has been unsuccessful with other treatments, their doctor may recommend cannabis as a possible option. Patients in Australia may only access medical cannabis through a valid prescription. This means patients seeking treatment from topical cannabis products have a number of treatment options. Before prescribing topical cannabis, a doctor will take into account a patient’s health condition, medical history, and other medications to help find the right product for them.
Contact Us For Free Assistance
"*" indicates required fields
Additional Cannabis Product Type information
Explore the range of legal medical cannabis products available in Australia, including oils, inhalers, topicals, and edibles. Learn how these different formulations address various patient needs and conditions.
Medical Cannabis Product TypesExplore medical cannabis vaporisers, their types, and how they work. Learn about dry herb and extract options available with a prescription in Australia.
Medical Cannabis VaporisersDiscover various edible cannabis options like capsules, wafers, and chewables. Learn about their effects, onset times, and legal considerations for patients in Australia.
Edible Medical Cannabis ProductsUnderstand the legal landscape of medical cannabis products in Australia, including regulations for different product types and state-specific laws.
Medical Cannabis Product LegalityLearn about the effects of different medical cannabis products in Australia, including oils, inhalants, and topicals. Understand how they interact with the body and their potential side effects.
Medical Cannabis Product Types Effects