If you are looking for cannabidiol (CBD) products to manage pain and inflammation on specific parts of your body, a CBD patch is the best alternative. CBD patches are classified as transdermal patches with varying levels of CBD. When you apply these products to your skin, they release CBD into your bloodstream directly.
Patches offer a more discreet method of using CBD products and are as effective as CBD lotions, gummies, vaporizers, and oils. Most people may prefer the patches as they offer immediate relieving effects to localized pain and inflammation.
A Beginners Guide to CBD Patch
According to a study conducted in 2018, oral CBD is metabolized in the digestive system before its delivery to a specific region. Some of these oral CBD, which is ingested, is broken down, and some of it excreted as waste products. Thus the bioavailability of consumed CBD oils may be lower, consequently decreasing its effectiveness.
CBD patches bypass the digestive system and are delivered quickly to the bloodstream. This increases its bioavailability in the blood and effectiveness in managing pain and inflammation. The patches offer a consistent solution when compared to other CBD products.
Also, the patches remain on your body for a prolonged period. You will get a steady infusion of medicinal marijuana that targets explicitly specific muscles.
However, the patches’ transdermal delivery might be slow, and may be unable to bypass the skin barrier effectively. Thus CBD brands such as botanicam.com add permeation enhancers to promote the permeability of the CBD to your bloodstream.
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How Does CBD Patches Manage Pain?
CBD patches are a preferred option when managing localized pain rather than general body aches. If you are suffering from back, knee, or shoulder pain, the transdermal method is the most effective.
Although research about CBD patches’ effectiveness in managing pain is still in its infancy stage, the existing studies claim that CBD has pain reduction and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Pain reduction: CBD targets the endocannabinoid system and temporarily blocks all pain receptors. When all pain receptors are inactivated, your body cannot sense any pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: Inflammation on specific muscles causes a rise in pressure, and the main side effects include pain, redness, and temperature rise. The patches work by reducing the inflammation of the muscles and thus reducing pain.
In general, CBD patches are effective in managing chronic pain from the following conditions:
- Arthritis
- Temporamandibular disorder (TMD)
- Migraine
- Neuropathic pain
How to Apply CBD Patches on your Skin?
When using CBD patches, your primary goal is targeting the inflamed or aching muscles or tendons. Apply the transdermal product directly on the soft skin, and ensure you cover the entire region of pain. You can use the patches in combination with prescribed pain relief medications to increase their effectiveness. However, it is intrinsic to ensure that you consult your doctor to treat the underlying cause of the chronic pain.
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How to Buy Safe and Effective CBD Patches Online?
When buying CBD products, it is paramount to ensure you are buying safe products. Remember, the federal government only allows the sale and consumption of medical cannabis products with a tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of less than 0.3%.
Also, since some states restrict medical or recreational marijuana use, it is wise to check your state laws before purchasing these products. Some other vital factors to check when buying CBD patches include:
Certificate of Analysis
In 2018, a Hemp Farm Bill was created that stated that all CBD brands should have an authentic certificate of analysis (COA). COA is a report that analyzes the ingredients of the CBD product and the contaminant profiles. A licensed, independent third-party laboratory prepares it.
Every online or brick-and-mortar CBD brand should provide a comprehensive COA for its customers. It works as a quality control tool that assures you of the safety and credibility of the product. Some of the information included in the COA include:
- The potency of the CBD patches
- Contaminants profile
- Heavy metal profile
- Extraction process
- Terpenes profile
Brand Reputation
Shady CBD providers and manufacturers are slowly mushrooming in the cannabis space. Most of these brands sell unsafe products with vague descriptions. The first warning sign of untrustworthy CBD brands is failure to provide a COA. A trustworthy brand should have the following primary qualifications:
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- Proper certifications
- COA prepared by a reputable third-party body
- Not subject to a warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Positive customer reviews
- Does not make vague health claims
- Regularly inspected by FDA
- Manufactures CBD patches in FDA approved environment
- Has certification in Good Manufacturing Process (GMP)
- Quality testing in Farm to Shelf
Proper Labeling of CBD Patches
All CBD patches must be labeled per the specific FDA rules. Any brand that intentionally labels its products in a wishy-washy manner might be selling unsafe products. To be 100% assured that you are buying authentic patches, ensure the information on the label is the same as the COA. Although, in some instances, the FDA allows a 10% deviation.
Some of the information that must be included on the CBD patches or other CBD products label include:
- Net weight of the product
- The complete information of the CBD manufacturer, provider, or distributor
- Batch code
- Type of CBD
- Other cannabinoids contained in the product
- Ingredients added to the product
- The specific use of the CBD patches
Importantly, when purchasing CBD patches, be cautious about the various permeation enhancer added to the product. Some of these ingredients added to enhance the absorption of the product may have allergic reactions to your body. Some may cause irritation or burning sensation on the application site, especially for those who have extra sensitive skin.
Key Takeaway
CBD patches are effective medicinal products for managing localized pain or soreness. They are sold in different potencies, but their effectiveness is impressive. However, it is intrinsic to consult your physician before using these pain-relieving medications for managing chronic pain in your body.
