Understanding the difference between topical and transdermal
The key to understanding the psychoactive potential of Mary's products lies in the distinction between topical and transdermal delivery. Both involve applying a substance to the skin, but their effects on the body are fundamentally different.
Topical products
- How they work: Cannabis creams, balms, and lotions are designed to provide localized relief by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the skin's top layers.
- Psychoactive effects: Because the cannabinoids do not penetrate deeply enough to enter the bloodstream, these products do not produce a psychoactive high, regardless of their THC content. They are ideal for targeted relief of sore muscles, joint pain, or skin irritation.
Transdermal products
- How they work: Transdermal compounds and patches are formulated with permeation enhancers that allow cannabinoids to pass through the skin and into the bloodstream. This creates a systemic effect, meaning the cannabinoids circulate throughout the entire body.
- Psychoactive effects: Products containing THC delivered transdermally can produce psychoactive effects. However, because the delivery is slow and controlled over several hours (typically 8–12), the “high” is generally reported as milder and more subtle than with inhalation or edibles. A balanced CBD:THC ratio can also temper the psychoactive intensity.
The role of cannabinoid ratios in Mary's compounds
Mary's Medicinals offers a wide array of products with varying cannabinoid ratios, which directly impacts the user's experience. The presence and concentration of THC, the main psychoactive compound, is the determining factor for whether a product can cause a high.
Mary's products and their psychoactive potential
- THC-only or THC-dominant products: These are the most likely to cause a psychoactive effect. For example, the THC-specific transdermal patches or compounds are formulated to deliver THC directly into the bloodstream, creating a mild but noticeable euphoric effect.
- CBD-only products: CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid and will not get you high. Patches or compounds containing only CBD are used for their therapeutic benefits, such as anxiety relief and inflammation reduction, without any mental impairment.
- Balanced (e.g., 1:1 CBD:THC) products: These patches contain an equal ratio of CBD and THC. The presence of CBD helps to mitigate the psychoactive effects of THC, resulting in a less intense, more manageable high while still providing systemic relief. This balanced approach is often called the “golden ratio” for maximizing therapeutic benefits.
- THCa and other cannabinoid products: Some compounds contain THCa, the non-psychoactive precursor to THC. While THCa does not cause a high, it can convert to THC when heated. Mary's offers Recover THCa patches for their anti-inflammatory properties, with minimal to no psychoactive effect.
Comparison of Mary's transdermal products and their effects
| Product Type | Primary Cannabinoid | Psychoactive Potential | Primary Use | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CBD-Only Patch/Compound | CBD | None | Relaxation, inflammation, daily wellness | Up to 12+ hours |
| 1:1 CBD:THC Patch/Compound | Balanced CBD:THC | Mild, manageable euphoria | Pain relief, anxiety, synergistic effects | 8–12 hours |
| THC-Dominant Patch/Compound | THC | Noticeable but mild high | Chronic pain, sleep, intense relaxation | 8–12 hours |
| THCa Patch | THCa (non-intoxicating) | None | Inflammation, pain relief without impairment | Up to 12 hours |
Why transdermal absorption is different
Traditional cannabis consumption methods like smoking or edibles introduce cannabinoids into the body rapidly, causing a quick spike in blood levels and a more intense psychoactive experience. In contrast, the transdermal method allows for a slow, consistent delivery of cannabinoids into the bloodstream over many hours. This prolonged release avoids the sharp peaks and valleys associated with other methods, resulting in a more subtle and sustained effect.
This delivery system is particularly beneficial for medical cannabis users who require steady symptom management without the intoxicating experience. It also bypasses the digestive system and liver, which would otherwise filter out and reduce the potency of the cannabinoids.
Conclusion
Whether Mary's transdermal compound gets you high is not a simple yes or no answer; it is contingent on the specific product's cannabinoid profile. Compounds and patches containing THC are psychoactive, but due to their slow-release mechanism, they typically induce a much milder and more sustained euphoria than other consumption methods. CBD-only and THCa products, however, offer therapeutic benefits without any intoxicating effects. When choosing a product, it is essential to understand the ratio of cannabinoids, start with a low dose, and consult a healthcare professional to ensure it aligns with your wellness goals. For many, transdermal compounds offer a discreet and controlled way to manage symptoms with minimal psychoactivity, but the potential for a mild high should be acknowledged with THC-containing formulations.
