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What Are CBD Patches and How Do You Use Them?

CBD patches are a great option for the user who is seeking a convenient and straightforward dosing method. Unlike most other CBD products, the patches are single-use only and feature the unique ability to transport CBD directly into the bloodstream via the skin.

How CBD Patches Work

Sometimes labeled as “topical” patches, these patches are actually transdermal. Transdermal differs from topical in the sense that the CBD actually enters your blood stream through the skin. Topical lotions and creams, on the other hand, cannot penetrate the skin.

Special permeability enhancers are typically needed to achieve the effects of a transdermal since CBD alone cannot cross the third layer in the skin. While traditional topicals cannot benefit internal conditions such as anxiety, transdermals may help.

Advantages of CBD Patches

Patches are typically sold as having 8-12, 24, 36, and 48-hour time frames. These patches have a “time-release” effect, giving you a steady dose during the specified time frame. Because of their long wear time, these patches are usually waterproof or at least water-resistant so you can shower while wearing them.

Instead of having to stop whatever you’re doing to take a mid-day dose, you get to keep carrying on with everyday life as the CBD is slowly released into your body. They’re discrete and only have to be replaced after their use time is up. Additionally, since they are applied to the skin, they are a great product for users who dislike the taste of CBD oils.

Disadvantages of CBD Patches

One of the main disadvantages of CBD patches is the higher cost compared to sublingual drops and other delivery methods. Prices for CBD patches typically range from $10 per patch up to as much as $40 per patch. The high cost is restrictive for most users when looking at them for daily use.

Because of this, many users reserve their patches for days of high activity when they won’t be able to carry their normal oils with them. Patches can also be saved for high pain days when you need a steady release of highly bioavailable cannabinoids.

How To Use CBD Patches

For best results, thoroughly cleanse the skin of dirt and oils with alcohol wipes before application. Most patches state they are best applied in veinous areas, such as the inner wrist or ankle. However, this can depend on the “strength” of the permeability enhancers used. So double check that your brand doesn’t require you to apply closest to the area of physical pain.

CBD patches can typically be cut in half if you require a smaller dose or wish to save half for the next few days, effectively extending its use life. Mary’s Nutritionals is a notable brand with this feature. Additionally, you can always add extra patches if desired. And if at any point you start to experience negative effects or no longer need the patch, they can be removed and the steady flow of cannabinoids into the body is immediately halted.

Where Can I Buy CBD Patches Online?

For those interested in buying CBD patches online, here are a few recommendations. All of these safe and reputable brands have been vetted for product quality, customer service and positive consumer feedback.

Pure Ratios – 96-hour CBD patch with 40mg of CBD

Mary’s Nutritionals – 8-12 hour CBD patch with 10mg of CBD

Popular CBD Patch Reviews

Pure Ratios

Another award winner, the Pure Ratios patch claims to be one of best values for your money. The Pure Ratios patch is round and consists of a “patent pending reservoir.”

These patches are meant to be worn for up to 96 hours (3-4 days), and claim to be waterproof. The patches themselves are a slightly more textured rubber than the Mary’s patches, and have little to no scent.

Pure Ratios CBD Patch Reviews

Ingredients for this product are: hemp (CBD), natural terpenes (myristate, palmatitate, limonene), coconut oil, soy lecithin, aloe vera polysaccharides, linoleic and oleic acid, sweet almond oil, red palm oil, shea butter, sunflower oil extract, persea gratissima oil, eucalyptus oil, sage, and citrus essential oils.

The terminology surrounding this patch is a little confusing. It’s mentioned as a topical patch in some places, and a transdermal in others. It’s instructions permits you to apply this patch on areas that may not be veinous, such as directly over the area that hurts.

These patches included an alcohol wipe, which was a nice benefit over the other brands. We noticed the adhesive on these to be not quite as good as the Mary’s and Palmetto patches, but that could have been due to our placement.

The lab tests posted on their site demonstrate a CBD content of 54mg per patch, which is 14mg over their advertised amount.

Shop Now for Pure Ratios CBD Patches

 

Mary’s Nutritionals

Not to be confused with Mary’s Medicinals (the marijuana branch of the company), Mary’s Nutritionals makes a variety of hemp-derived CBD products. Mary’s Nutritionals’ award-winning patches are probably the most well known transdermal patches in the industry.

The Mary’s patches are available as single square patches containing 10mg of activated hemp extract. They’re advertised as having 8-12 hours of systemic relief when applied to a veinous area of the skin. The inner wrist, ankle, and top of the foot are some of the most popular areas of application.

Mary's Nutritionals CBD Patch Reviews

Ingredients for this product are: Acrylic Adhesive, Propylene Glycol, Oleic Acid, Sunflower Lecithin, Full Spectrum Activated Hemp Extract, Eucalyptus, Naturally Derived Terpenes.

The patch itself can be cut into halves if desired, as the extract is dispersed over the entire patch. It has a soft rubbery texture, adheres to the skin very well and has a slight floral scent. The effects of the patch are noticeable within 2 hours and tend to start with a light “floaty” feeling that travels up from the location of the patch.

These patches are little and on the pricey side, but are considered by many to be well worth the price.

Shop Now for Mary’s Nutritionals CBD Patches

4 Responses

  1. are these patches full spectrum? Does it matter? I have fibromyalgia and am looking for a pain relief alternative and nothing in pill or drop form

    1. Palmetto Harmony and Mary’s are full spectrum. I believe the others are broad spectrum. Whether it matters or not just kind of depends on the individual. Generally, full spectrum may be the better choice for you but everyone is different. I hope that you find the relief that you are looking for!

  2. How can I get a transdermal pain patch? And where to apply it… near the pain or near a veinous site?

    1. It’s generally recommended that you apply the patch to a veinous area such as your inner wrist or ankle. We have a list of some recommended brands that offer CBD transdermal patches in the article above.

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