If you are looking for a way to relieve pain, anxiety, or stress, then cannabis may be a great option for you. It is possible to absorb cannabis through the skin, but not always. In fact, the skin is not the most effective medium for THC and CBD to be absorbed.
CBD vs THC absorption in the skin
If you’re thinking about adding CBD to your skincare routine, then you may want to know how well it reaches your skin. A recent study has analyzed levels of CBD in several cannabis-infused consumer products. The results provide critical information for topical CBD formulations.
In this study, the skin permeability of CBD was evaluated in a number of different pharmaceutical models. Two pH conditions were used for the analysis. Using an artificial skin membrane, the permeability of commercial formulations of CBD was compared. Using a pre-warmed receptor buffer, CBD and two incorporated topical formulations were prepared.
The permeability of the formulations was measured using the PAMPA (Peptide-Aminolevylphospholipid) model. This model is based on an artificial skin membrane and is similar to the Franz cell diffusion assay.
The results showed that CBD was very skin permeable in the PAMPA model. It was able to penetrate the membranes at a rate of 300 nM. The permeability of THC was much lower.
There were some interindividual differences in the permeability of the three commercial formulations of CBD. Men have larger sweat glands and larger keratinocytes, which can lead to higher transdermal permeation.
Absorption through the mucosal lining of the mouth
The oral administration of cannabis is one of the most common routes to take. However, it is not without its difficulties. For instance, the oral administration of THC only has the potential to deliver 20% of the cannabinoid’s metabolite. Its absorption is further hampered by first-pass metabolism, presystemic metabolism, and the aforementioned stomach acids.
Fortunately, there are transmucosal delivery methods to help circumvent these challenges. One such innovation is a new formulation based on pro-nanodispersion technology. This new product enhanced the oral bioavailability of cannabinoids in healthy volunteers. In addition, a recent study from the University of Mississippi demonstrated that a transmucosal THC patch may also offer advantages over taking THC pills.
There are a variety of edible cannabis products on the market, including edible THC and CBD oils, candies, and tinctures. Each type is different in size, strength, and chemical composition. These products come in a range of flavors. Most edibles take a while to set in.
Despite these limitations, it’s a fact that oral consumption of cannabis is the most common form of the drug. Although this isn’t always ideal, it’s a viable option for chronic conditions where large amounts of cannabinoids are required on a daily basis.
CBD binds to cannabinoid receptors in the skin
Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout the body, but the two main types are the CB1 and CB2. The effects of endocannabinoids vary depending on the type of receptor that they bind to. Some examples are appetite, pain perception, sleep, and inflammation.
In addition to activating cannabinoid receptors, CBD also has the ability to affect the immune system and the endocrine system. This has been shown to help alleviate anxiety and other mood-related conditions. It may also have anti-cancer properties, which is a huge reason why many are turning to this natural product for relief.
Cannabinoid receptors are important to the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for helping the body maintain a healthy balance. As such, CBD can help alleviate conditions such as chronic pain and inflammatory disorders.
These systems are also involved in memory, reproduction, and emotional regulation. Keeping them balanced is important for overall health. While the specific role of each cannabinoid receptor is still unclear, there is evidence to suggest that CBD can bind to several of them.
CBD binds to the endocannabinoid system
Cannabidiol (CBD) binds to the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is the system that controls many physiological functions, including appetite, mood, and pain. It also regulates body temperature and liver metabolism.
The ECS is a complex network of chemical messengers and receptors. However, experts have not yet identified all of its functional roles.
Researchers have found that CBD may bind to a receptor called GPR55, a protein that is present in several different tissues, including the brain and bone. Studies have shown that overactive GPR55 signaling is associated with osteoporosis.
Endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the human body. These fatty acids are used to control the release of neurotransmitters from neurons, which triggers a variety of physiological functions. They are responsible for suppressing synaptic transmission, which is important for the function of the central nervous system. In addition, they act as retrograde inhibitors, preventing calcium influx into the cell.
The CB1 receptor is located in the central nervous system and CB2 receptors are located in the immune system. Both cannabinoids are known to help with bodily pain.
THC is poorly absorbed through the skin
The cannabis sativa plant has garnered increasing attention for its use in cosmetics and dermatology. It contains a diverse mix of bioactive compounds. Some of these compounds have potential for topical applications, including CBD. In particular, the CBN compound, may be of interest in sunscreens.
As far as topical products go, it’s not a secret that oily substances are better absorbed into the skin than water-based ones. Topicals also have the ability to sooth sore muscles. Depending on the ingredients, the effects can last for several hours.
Cannabinoids can be absorbed through the skin, which means topical products can be used for a variety of skin problems. They have been shown to work on a number of inflammatory conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and rosacea.
One of the most notable uses of cannabinoids is in the treatment of skin cancer. Another use of cannabinoids is in the anti-inflammatory response, which is important for patients with atopic dermatitis, eczema, and other inflammatory skin disorders. But cannabinoids have other uses, including an antibacterial action, which is especially significant for patients with acne.
Tmax for THC and CBD in inhaled and oral forms
THC and CBD are lipophilic compounds that rapidly permeate the human skin. They reach their maximum concentrations within minutes to four hours of administration. These molecules also have extensive first-pass metabolism, which results in low bioavailability. Consequently, an alternative form of application is needed.
In this study, THC and CBD were administered to eight subjects via inhaled aerosol. THC was released in a pressurized metered-dose inhaler (pMDI). The pMDI consisted of a valve and an actuator. It was in vitro validated for aerosolization.
Subjects were administered 324 mg, 648 mg, or 1,600 mg of THC, and 348 mg, 348 mg, or 696 mg of CBD. Participants were evaluated for pharmacokinetic parameters, including AUC, Cmax, and t1/2. Various PK parameters were analyzed using TopFit version 2.0 computer software.
The pharmacokinetic analysis showed that the two cannabinoids had different PK profiles. CBD had more extensive PK penetration than THC. This may explain the decreased psychoactive effects observed in this trial.
There was also large inter-individual variability in both cannabinoids. CBD had a significantly higher AUC than THC. However, the AUC of CBD was significantly reduced when it was treated with rifampicin.
Tmax for THC and CBD in transdermal patches
Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or an adult, a transdermal patch is a safe and easy way to get cannabinoids into your system. When applied directly to the skin, THC and CBD are absorbed slowly. This is the most discreet way to consume cannabinoids. The effects last for hours, so you can feel relief without getting high.
There are two types of patches: reservoir and matrix. Reservoir patches contain cannabinoids in a gel, while matrix patches contain cannabinoids in an adhesive.
These two different forms of the transdermal patches are important in their ability to deliver cannabinoids to different parts of the body. Unlike intravenous dosing, which is not able to deliver the same dose each time, transdermal delivery provides a consistent dose of cannabinoids over a long period of time.
Aside from the fact that it’s a very effective means of delivering cannabinoids, there are other benefits to using a transdermal patch. For instance, they have a very low chance of causing adverse reactions. In addition, they are very convenient, allowing you to administer the drug without having to worry about a messy procedure.
