As marijuana becomes legal, new products are becoming available for patients. One new promising method of ingestion is the transdermal patch.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. They work like any other patch
Just like nicotine or birth control patches, transdermal cannabis patches slowly deliver chemicals into the skin. AlterNet reports that the steady release of the cannabinoids allows the user to feel effects for up to 12 hours.
2. There’s a ton of choices
Patches are available in indica, sativa, hybrid, and CBD variations. Each patch contains either 10 or 20 mg, so patients know their exact dosage. Mary’s Medicinals is the main supplier but more companies are looking to jump into the market soon.
3. They can treat many conditions
According to an interview with CEO Nicole Smith, Mary’s Medicinals patches provide relief from diseases like epilepsy and ALS. Many variations are also safe for both children and the elderly.
4. They contain terpenes
Terpenes are the chemicals that give cannabis its distinct smell, but they’re usually extracted when manufacturing cannabis oil. Smith said they purposely keep the terpenes in the patches because of their cancer fighting abilities.
5. They can provide more relief than edibles
The cannabinoids from the patch are more absorptive than those from edibles. Canna Magazine reports that 100% of the patch’s medicine directly enters the bloodstream, so patients are provided with a pharmaceutical-grade dose.
6. They may not be legal in your state
Mary’s Medicinals patches are only currently available in licensed dispensaries in Colorado, Washington, and California. Find your nearest location here.
