Millions of Americans live with chronic pain. For some, the pain is manageable, albeit uncomfortable, but for many, it can be a challenge to get through the day. By now, you likely know that cannabis can help those with chronic pain (as well as pain resulting from injuries) by reducing the symptoms and making them more bearable. There are countless options available, from the classic joint to edibles and tinctures to topical pain-relieving creams. There’s also a lesser-known topical application: the THC patch.
What Is a THC Patch?
A THC patch is a piece of plastic that has an adhesive coating infused with THC (and possibly other cannabinoids). The cannabinoids penetrate through your skin and eventually reach your bloodstream, where they can travel to your endocannabinoid system and provide you with the relief you need.
How Does It Work?
You apply it directly to a venous part of your body. Some of the most common locations include the inside of the wrist, the ankle, or the arm. Your body heat warms the adhesive, which releases the THC (and other cannabinoids) into your skin gradually. The cannabinoids penetrate deeper than those in a topical cream, eventually reaching your bloodstream. The gradual release allows for longer-lasting pain relief.
Can You Get High From a THC Patch?
Technically, you may experience some psychoactive effects from a THC patch. If you do feel anything, it will be much milder than if you were to smoke, vape, or consume an infused edible. The reason for this is that you don’t flood your system with THC and other cannabinoids all at once. Instead, they enter your bloodstream slowly over time. If you’re looking for a hard-hitting high, you may need to look for a different method of delivery.
Should You Try It?
So, should you try a THC patch? Here are a few of the benefits to keep in mind when exploring your options:
100% Medicinal Value
When you smoke or vape, the cannabinoids first get filtered through your lungs. With an edible, they travel through your digestive system and get processed by your liver. There’s no processing with a THC patch. You get 100% of the medicinal value.
Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Topicals generally only provide around 4 hours of pain relief. With a THC patch, your body receives cannabinoids gradually. As a result, you can expect relief of up to 12 hours.
Incredibly Discreet
They are incredibly discreet. You don’t have to inhale anything, eat anything, or apply a tincture or cream. You place the patch in a hidden area, and no one will know it’s there.
No Ingestion Required
If you’re not thrilled about the idea of smoking or vaping, or you don’t feel like eating anything to get your cannabinoids, a THC patch is an excellent alternative.
THC Patch For All-Over Pain Relief
Topical creams and balms only provide relief where you apply them. Since the THC in patches absorb into the bloodstream, they can provide all-over relief, no matter where you place them on your body.
Cannabis topicals are a great way to get relief from chronic pain. A THC patch provides longer-lasting, more widespread relief from your symptoms without having to smoke, vape, or eat anything. If you’re looking for super-simple, discreet relief from your symptoms, the THC patch may be the ideal solution.