It is important to determine where your pain in coming from, prior to applying the cannabis topical in the most effective way. At times this is obvious, but keep in mind that there are many times where our pain is referred from another area. There are many reasons for referred pain, whether it be from tension due to stress, improper strain as we guard joints/ muscles due to injury or from other medical causes. The efficacy of the topical will be improved if we can better understand the pain.

Common problematic areas that can benefit from the use of topical cannabis are:

• Temples
• Neck
• Lower back
• Elbows, knees and other joints
• Wrists
• Soles of the feet
• Shoulders

 Thoroughly massage each application, so the plant compounds are absorbed into your skin. Ensure that your hands are washed well with soap after applying the topical, as many of these products contain additional plants such as peppers and mint.

 Ailments that may benefit from the use of cannabis topicals include:

• Chronic pain
• Inflammation
• Burns
• Skin infections and overall skin condition

The topical use of cannabis may not necessarily cure our ailments, and we need to approach this with realistic expectations. When the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine and Engineering evaluated decades of cannabis research, they concluded that “in adults with chronic pain, patients who were treated with cannabis or cannabinoids are more likely to experience a clinically significant reduction in pain symptoms.” Therefore, what you can expect is a safe and natural relief to assist with pain management protocols. As you gain the freedom of mobility, it is important to integrate stretching and movement, allowing the body work as it is designed to do.