Everything you need to know about the transdermal patch.
The future of cannabis as a medicine looks nothing like what you might imagine. Case in point: the trend in transdermals — skin patches infused with THC and cannabidiol (CBD). The second most common active ingredient in cannabis, CBD can treat inflammation, muscle spasms, pain and anxiety. These patches are applied to any venous area of the body, and provide consistent, continuous and relatively long-term pain relief and relaxation.
How they work:
Like nicotine and opioid patches, transdermals use a carrier substance that moves the cannabinoids from the skin into the bloodstream. While the patch is on, it can provide relaxation and pain relief throughout the body. It doesn’t cause the lift in mood one gets from smoking THC-rich flower. (Transdermals work near the site of the patch and generally do not cause psychological effects.)
The benefits:
Transdermals are discreet, with no smoke and no high. They work fast and last for a long time. And they come in exact doses.
Who’s using them:
Patients use these transdermals to manage chronic pain, muscle spasms, inflammation and sports injuries. A 2017 National Academies of Sciences report supported these claims of pain relief, saying that there is significant evidence that CBD and THC can effectively reduce pain and spasms.
Downsides:
While transdermals are fast acting, they do not affect you as fast as inhaling cannabinoids. Those who need immediate relief may not find them the right fit. Transdermals may not be as widely available as other cannabis products. Once you do find them, they may be more expensive as well. And the manufacturing process often destroys some of the plant’s aromatic compounds, called terpenes, which can play a role in cannabis therapies.
Brands to try:
Mary’s Medicinals makes 10-mg and 20-mg patches in a variety of cannabinoid blends. Pure Ratios is a good choice for reservoir patches. These transdermals deliver cannabinoids to your system for up to 96 hours.
Cost:
Transdermals typically cost $15 to $20 per patch. But price can vary brand to brand, and even dispensary to dispensary, so check with the dispensaries near you.
Did you know?
Patches can also include other, more exotic cannabinoids and terpenes, like THC-A, which offers the pain relief of THC without the lift in mood of THC. Emily Earlenbaugh is an East Bay freelance writer and cannabis educator.