What are Topicals?

Cannabis topicals are products that are infused with cannabinoids like THC or CBD or both and are designed to be applied directly to the skin to provide more localized relief. Cannabinoids in topical products interact with your body's CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin, muscles, and nerves, without entering the bloodstream in large amounts, thereby effectively addressing the problem area without inducing the intoxicating "head high" or "body high" associated with ingesting edibles or smoking. Some examples of topicals are lotions, balms, oils, salves, and creams. Externally applying a topical to the skin will allow it to be quickly absorbed and transfer the cannabinoid compounds to the affected areas, targeting inflammation, soreness, muscle tension, pain, and discomfort.

What are Tinctures?

Cannabis tincture is a liquid cannabis extract that is infused with cannabinoids like THC or CBD and is designed to be taken sublingually, added to food or drinks, and is not processed through the liver like traditional edibles. Cannabis flower is soaked in a base liquid such as food-grade alcohol, oil, or even glycerin. The cannabis flower is steeped like a tea, then the excess plant matter is strained out, and you are left with the targeted cannabinoids and terpenes in liquid form, ready for dosing and use. Using a dropper, consumers place a dropperful of liquid under their tongue, where it is held for 30-60 seconds, and then absorbed into the bloodstream.

Typically, tinctures are sold in 1-oz bottles, which hold 30 ML. An example of dosing in a 1-oz bottle containing 300 MG of THC, and a dropper that holds 1ML, would contain 10 MG of THC and other included cannabinoids. This method may deliver relief within 15-45 minutes, making it popular for its quick onset effects. Tinctures are considered one of the healthiest ways to consume cannabis because of their ability to precisely dose, their customizable effects, and for making cannabis easier for consumers who are unable to smoke or ingest cannabis in other ways due to health or personal choices.

What are Edibles?

Cannabis edibles are food-based products infused with THC or CBD that are designed to interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, offering a longer-lasting experience compared to smoking, applying a topical to the skin, or using a tincture (sublingually).

Cannabis is considered lipid-soluble and does not bind to water. To make a cannabis edible, you need a fat-soluble medium like butter or a type of oil, like cannabutter or a cannabis cooking oil. The cannabis infused oil can be used in many food-related products such as baked goods, soups, candies, and capsules/pills. Edibles are processed in the stomach and liver instead of being directly delivered to the bloodstream like the quick onset effects of smoking. The onset of an edible and its effects can vary from person to person, but typically takes 30-90 minutes to feel the effects, with peaking effects around 2-3 hours, and lasting effects from 4-8 hours.

The most sought-after or popular form of cannabis edibles is infused gummies for their on-the-go features, making them a discreet, controlled-dose snack for adult users. Adult cannabis gummies come in a variety of shapes,  sizes, and colors, but strictly adhere to state rules on dosage and potency. Always read your labels, and consider the rule of thumb to start “slow and go low,” until you know your correct dosage, along with waiting 2 additional hours from consumption before consuming additional edibles, because everyone's body processes cannabis differently.

At North Star Canna, our goal is to educate our consumers so you can feel more confident when choosing which form of cannabis consumption best fits your needs, with “high” hopes you can better differentiate between these methods. So next time you find yourself suffering from sore, achy muscles, a topical cream will be a great pick for relief of muscle tension. Maybe you have a nagging headache that won't go away; the quick absorption time of a tincture may bring you some relief. Or perhaps you are seeking a discreet way to consume in a social setting, an edible is a great and portable option. Make sure to check out our main page for more informational articles to come!

‍