Do cannabinoids get into the bloodstream from topical agents?

Lorena Cupcake, voted “Chicago’s Best Budtender” in 2019, has answered hundreds of questions from cannabis buyers and patients during her time as a budtender. And now they’re turning that experience into a monthly advice column, Ask a budget tender. Have a question for cupcake? Send your questions to askabudtender@weedmaps.com.

Dear cupcake,

Do you know if cannabinoid-infused topicals, like Papa & Barkley’s topicals, get into your bloodstream? I ask about my sister who works for the government. She has a lot of physical pain and they want her to operate, but she would rather experiment with different products.

– Worried sister

Dear Concerned Sister,

Before I answer your question, I would like to make a few points that I hope we can all agree on. Drug testing for cannabis and other drugs is extremely inaccurate, based on false premises, and used unfairly among workers. Rather than carefully screening unsuitable workers, drug testing is just another means of hyper-surveillance and cessation of discrimination against the working class.

With popular track star Sha’Carri Richardson recently suspended from competition ahead of the Tokyo Olympics after testing positive for cannabis use, there has been an increase in conversations calling drug testing another racist relic of the war on drugs.

This is so annoying. The overwhelming majority of Americans support marijuana legalization. It’s already legal in 18 states and DC. But Sha’Carri Richardson has declared her win invalid because of a positive test. This is madness. https://t.co/vFx3gVlxEF

– Udi Ofer (@UdiACLU) July 2, 2021

I’m sorry, I can’t be Olympic champion this year, but I promise I’ll be your world champion next year 🤞🏽⚡️.

– Sha’Carri Richardson (@itskerrii) July 4, 2021

While I’m not convinced that testing someone for cannabis is really useful, I can understand the concern when it comes to the possibility of failing a random drug test. While each body metabolizes and eliminates THC at different rates, someone who smokes several times a day can have a urine test to determine their drug use for up to a month after stopping the pipe. While the actual time to a clean screen can be much shorter, this uncertainty can make it impossible for those who undergo random drug tests to consume cannabis without fear of losing their livelihood.

Can topical cannabis products show up in drug tests?

About Dr. Bonnie Goldstein, I have good news for those of you who only use topical products. She is the medical director of Canna-Centers, a California-based medical practice, and was kind enough to answer my questions. “Topical preparations only penetrate minimally through the layers of the skin, so the effects are limited to the local area of ​​application,” she explained.

This means that the cannabinoids in topical agents don’t get into the bloodstream, let alone the liver, and their metabolites won’t show up on any type of drug test: urine, saliva, even hair or blood. There’s no reason not to go without topical THC or CBD, even if the strictest drug testing guidelines are in place.

Applying infused topicals to sore muscles will not result in a positive drug test. (Source: Gina Coleman / Weedmaps)

“Both compounds have been shown to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipruritic properties when applied to the skin,” said Dr. Goldstein. “So many people can benefit from topical cannabis, including people with arthritis, post-injury pain, neuropathy, muscle spasms, and people with rashes like eczema or psoriasis.”

What is the difference between topical and transdermal cannabis products?

In order to really answer this question, we also have to discuss transdermal products, which often appear right next to topicals in the form of gels, active ingredients or – mostly – plasters for administering drugs. To explain how transdermal products interact with our body, I spoke to Dr. Rachel Knox, who, together with her family of doctors, provides insights into the endocannabinoid system. According to the cannabinoid medicine specialist, “transcutaneous – or transdermal – cannabinoid products are designed like a patch to allow cannabinoids to penetrate deeper into the skin, where they can enter the systemic circulation and reach tissue targets further away.”

These products contain chemical penetration enhancers, ingredients that weaken the skin barrier so that cannabinoids and terpenes can pass through the epidermis or the outermost layer of skin into the blood vessel-rich dermis. Depending on the type of patch you choose, THC, CBD, and / or CBN will circulate through your bloodstream, just like when you pop a gummy bear or squeeze a vape pen.

Unfortunately, this means they could potentially show up on a drug test. “Regardless of the mechanism by which THC was consumed (e.g. through smoking, edibles, or transdermal patches), THC and its metabolites behave the same after being absorbed into the circulatory system,” said Dr. Knox.

While they are not a good idea for someone who has to undergo random drug tests, I recommended transdermal patches to many people during my time as a budtender. It’s an invaluable resource for those in need of consistent, long-lasting pain relief to supplement or replace opioid pain relievers. Patches are often used by cancer patients who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy and who may not be able to tolerate food or inhalation. Along with RSO, it is a potential edible alternative for people with severe food allergies.

Tips on using topical and transdermal agents

If you don’t want to get a nasty surprise at your next drug screening, it’s important to know the difference between topical and transdermal products. Although they sometimes appear in similar packaging or in the same section on pharmacy menus, they are intended to serve different purposes.

Before applying any product to your skin, Dr. Knox to get in the shower for a scrub. “An exfoliation can do a number of things that are likely to improve product absorption,” she said, such as removing dry and dead skin, cleaning pores, removing chemical agents that may be preventing or reducing absorption, and improving blood circulation in and under the skin.

After drying, topical lotions or balms can be applied directly to the affected area, such as an arthritic ankle or tight biceps. While cannabinoids don’t get into the bloodstream and get you high, they reduce inflammation and pain in that localized area. Do not allow pets to lick your skin while wearing products containing THC as it can be dangerous to many animals.

Topical THC and CBD products can be a great option for those suffering from inflammation, arthritis, and other skin and muscle problems. (Source: Gina Coleman / Weedmaps)

While some topicals are found in neutral carrier lotions, many combine THC and CBD with powerful pain relievers like menthol and borneol to create a tingly effect similar to that of Tiger Balm or Icy Hot. If you have a preference, pay close attention to the product descriptions or ask your budget tender for advice.

Transdermal products most commonly appear as gels, sometimes contained in an easy-to-use applicator pen, or as patches, similar to a nicotine or birth control patch. If you do not want to use the entire dose of a transdermal patch at once, these can usually be cut into halves, quarters, or even smaller pieces.

Since the active ingredients must penetrate the skin barrier to reach the blood vessels, all transdermal formulations work best when applied to a flat surface with pronounced, superficial veins. The inside of the wrist and the top of the foot are the two most popular places.

Dr. Goldstein at Canna-Centers reminded me to watch out for the chemical penetration enhancers that allow the cannabinoids in transdermal products to penetrate deeper into tissues. “Patients should always check the ingredients in these products to make sure they are not allergic to these chemicals and to make sure they are safe for their particular condition.”

Also, don’t forget that innocent looking transdermal skin will actually get you high. I tried a patch myself and, despite its high tolerance, noticed an intoxicating effect within twenty minutes.

“I only recommend transdermal products to patients who have experience with cannabis,” said Dr. Goldstein. “It is important to know how you react to THC, CBD or other cannabinoids before using a transdermal product.”

Featured image by Gina Coleman / Weedmaps

Do you need advice on how to incorporate cannabis into your lifestyle? Write cupcake to askabudtender@weedmaps.com