Transdermal patches, or patches that can be applied to the skin to administer slow doses of medication, are still a relatively new concept in the realm of cannabis medicine. Papa & Barkley, a California-based company with a line of cannabis topical products, includes a “Releaf Patch” in its product lineup that offers a great way to treat localized pain.
The patches are infused with rosin sourced from cannabis buds and come in varying ratios of THC to CBD as well as a CBD-only option. It may sound a bit far fetched to attach what is essentially a bandage slathered in cannabinoids to your body to address discomfort, but because cannabis interacts with the cell receptors in our skin as well as other systems throughout the body, these patches are an exceptional solution to ensure physical relief throughout the day.
“In general, there is a great deal of preclinical research supporting showing that cannabinoids are generally immunosuppressive, they dampen down inflammation for example in situations of brain injury or stroke but also in the case of rheumatic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis,” Gerdman said. “There’s a lot of legitimate scientific excitement about the use of cannabinoids in rheumatic disease.”
The Papa & Barkley patch would be a suitable product for arthritis sufferers, or those with localized pain, to try. Once applied, the healing effects begin to come on within a few minutes and unlike a cream, which might be harder to use once you’re outside of the comforts of home, these patches can be easily and discretely placed on in an array of circumstances. Another advantage of the transdermal patch over other topicals is its ability to offer a slow-release of medication. Papa & Barkley say their patches are designed to last for “12 hours of consistent relief.”
The other products in the company’s product line are also admirable — a “Releaf Balm” with a 1:3 THC to CBD ratio has taken home awards at Cannabis Cups and smells divine — but we foresee the transdermal patch playing a key role in fundamentally reshaping the core ways to soothe the body and return to health. These patches would not only be appropriate for those experiencing chronic pain, but also people with sports injuries and we expect to see them in the locker rooms of forward-thinking sports franchises very soon.
