Cannabis is making a surprising splash in the skincare industry. According to recent market data, the global CBD topical market has already surpassed $960 million, and it’s expected to grow over 30% annually until 2030. Many A-list celebrities can’t stop talking about the many “glowing” effects they’ve noticed with weed-infused salves and balms. So, why is everyone going crazy for marijuana lotions? Is there any science behind the cannabis skincare craze?
How Do Cannabis Salves Work? — What Dermatologists Have Discovered
Initially, scientists believed the human endocannabinoid system (ECS) was primarily located in the brain and central nervous system. Although many cannabinoid receptors are in the brain, recent research suggests the ECS extends to our skin. Dermatologists believe these external CB1 and CB2 receptors can absorb the active cannabinoids found in cannabis skincare products.
So, what happens when weed-extracted cannabinoids land on our skin? There are still debates over how THC and CBD interact with the skin layer, but some trials suggest these cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory effects. For instance, a famous test out of the University of Kentucky analyzed CBD topicals on a group of rats with knee inflammation. After a few CBD salve applications, the rats appeared to have less inflammation and greater flexibility in their arthritic joints. Cannabinoids may also alter oil secretion in the skin, reducing the severity of skin conditions such as eczema or acne.
It’s essential to mention cannabis topicals only have localized effects. In other words, the cannabinoids in these creams won’t cause the same physiological effects associated with smoking joints or eating edibles. Cannabinoid molecules aren’t small enough to pass through the skin and past the blood-brain barrier. So, even if there are high concentrations of THC in a topical, it won’t make people feel intoxicated. This may be great news for patients who want to experience THC’s analgesic properties without feeling “high.”
How Do People Choose The Right Cannabis Salve?
With thousands of weed topicals to choose from in cannabis-friendly states, it can be challenging for new customers to pick the perfect product. However, people should evaluate the quality of weed topicals the same as other products like tinctures, edibles, and flowers. Always ask for third-party lab reports when screening THC or CBD lotions. Companies should send their topicals to unaffiliated labs for a thorough analysis of purity and total cannabinoid concentration.
It’s also crucial for customers to review the intended uses of their cannabis salve. For instance, some weed salves are intended as skincare solutions while others are better for muscle pain relief. Be sure the cannabis salve you’re interested in aligns with your preferred uses.
Lastly, take a look at the secondary ingredients in a cannabis skin salve. Most weed skincare products have essential oils and lotions that may add extra aromatics and enhance THC or CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects. For example, peppermint oil and menthol often add cooling properties to pain relief salves. Please be sure none of the ingredients in a cannabis skincare product will interfere with pre-existing allergies.
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