How Cannabis Topicals Can Reduce Chronic Pain and Help You Be Unstoppable

As fitness professionals and enthusiasts, it’s easy to understand why movement is a key component of life. From helping build stronger bones to improving cardiovascular health and boosting brain power, movement is one of the easiest ways we can increase our overall longevity. But when you find yourself dealing with chronic pain– whether that be old injuries, repetitive strain or an inflammatory condition like arthritis– it can feel impossible to keep up with the activities you love.

While traditionally, many will look to over-the-counter painkillers, prescription medications or even more invasive solutions like cortisone shots for these issues, they will unfortunately come with dangerous side effects.

Enters cannabis topicals.

How Do Cannabis Topicals Work For Chronic Pain?

When cannabis topicals (creams, balms, sticks, bath bombs, etc) are applied to the skin, the cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream. Instead, they interact with CB1, CB2 and TRP receptors and, depending on the cannabinoid, provide many direct benefits:

THC:

-binds to CB1 receptors in peripheral nerve endings in the skin to lessen pain signal transmission before those signals reach the brain. This interaction can also reduce localized muscle spasticity and/or cramping.
-binds to CB2 receptors to assist in modulating inflammation. By reducing immune cell activity locally, THC can reduce inflammatory pain.
-binds to TRP channels to modulate pain perception and produce a warming or numbing effect.

CBD:

-indirectly influences CB2 receptors, helping to lower inflammation in joints, skin, and tissues.
-interacts with TRP channels which are responsible for pain signaling, temperature, and inflammation. This action helps to desensitize pain fibers.
-inhibits the enzyme FAAH, which breaks down the endocannabinoids known as anandamide (“the bliss molecule”). Higher levels of anandamide correlate with increased pain relief.