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Introduction
Hello. This is Dr. Victor Chou with the Medical Marijuana Clinic of Louisiana in Baton Rouge.
Today we’re going to discuss THC topical creams and the best ways to use these products.
Available Products
Currently in Louisiana, there are 3 THC topical products.
Two products are available from Wellcana: a 1:1 ratio product with 300mg CBD and 300mg THC and a 2:1 ratio product with 600mg CBD and 300mg THC. Both products come in a 50cc pump dispenser.
Ilera has a 60cc jar which contains 125mg THC and 25mg CBD.
These products are different from over the counter CBD only topicals which do not contain significant amounts of THC. Thus the products listed above can only be obtained with a Physician Recommendation at a Medical Marijuana Dispensary.
Packaging
Pay attention to the way the product is packaged as it could make a big difference in your experience with the product.
For example, something that comes in a pump dispenser ensures that you get a consistent amount of product every time and may be easier to use for some one who has limited grip strength.
THC:CBD Ratio
Although individual patient experiences will vary significantly with any type of medical marijuana products, my experience is that the amount of CBD does not make a huge difference in the effectiveness of topical products.
Limited Area
For best effect, the topical should be used sparingly on a limited surface area about the size of the palm of your hand.
Using topical treatments to areas larger than that will generally not be very clinically effective or cost effective.
Value
Pay attention to how much active ingredient is in the product, versus the size of the product.
A large container with a small amount of THC will be a poor value when compared with a small container with a large amount of THC, if both are the same price
Topical Effect
Remember that topical products are largely not systemically absorbed into the body.
Although absorption into the body may occur, and patients should always use caution when using any type of medical marijuana products, in general creams and lotions will only have a topical effect.
This means that areas of pain or inflammation that are deep, like deep muscles or nerves, will likely not respond as well to topical products.
However, superficial areas like finger or knee joints or peripheral neuropathy of the toes may show a better effect.
Summary
For many patients, it will be more cost effective and clinically effective to use a medical marijuana product with a systemic effect, such as an inhalable, tincture, or edible.
However, for certain patients, like those who want to avoid systemic effects and have a symptomatic area that is small and superficial, a topical THC product could be the right answer.
As always, please discuss any specific medical decisions with your doctor or pharmacist.
Please visit our website if you want to learn more about our clinic or medical marijuana or to Request a Consultation with me.
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