Do CBD patches work?

These days you can get just about anything infused with CBD. There’s CBD pillow cases, CBD sports wear, CBD beer and even CBD crisps! But just because it’s available to buy doesn’t mean it actually works. There’s (quite rightly) a lot of speculation surrounding the potential snake oil side of the CBD industry, which unfortunately does make up a large portion on the multi billion global cannabis market. While there are undoubtedly many new CBD products emerging that are not worth spending your money on, fortunately there are many more which are leading the way in CBD innovation.

CBD patches are one of those products many savvy shoppers are unsure about. Taking CBD as an oral supplement is one thing, but CBD that goes through the skin? Is it all just hype? The short answer is, no. Not this time. When properly developed using high quality materials and novel techniques, many users find CBD patches to be very effective for targeted application of CBD that penetrates beyond the 3 surface layers of skin, into the muscles, joints and bloodstream.

But how do CBD patches work? And how effective are they, really? Let’s delve in…

How do CBD patches work?

Topical vs Transdermal: What’s the difference?

The first thing to know about The Tonic CBD Patches is that they are a transdermal product, meaning they are formulated with ‘permeation enhancers’ so the CBD can penetrate through the skin and travel through the soft tissue and into the bloodstream. The Tonic CBD Patches are available in two different strengths: Mid Strength 15mg CBD Patches and High-Strength 30mg CBD Patches.

Topical products, like CBD skincare, are created to benefit the skin and don’t contain the permeation enhancer compounds. As such, they are not formulated to enter into the bloodstream like a transdermal product.

“I love their CBD patches. They are making such a difference. Easy to apply and can leave them for 2 days. I definitely made the right choice when I felt the oil (from another company) wasn’t enough.” Nicole

Do CBD patches really work?

CBD patches are pretty new on the scene, so scientific studies demonstrating how well they perform is in early stages. However, transdermal administration of drugs is not new, and we do know that this method tends to be comparable to oral dosing. If not more effective, as going through the skin bypasses ‘first pass metabolism’ – a process where the concentration of a drug is greatly reduced before circulating in the body. Also, it’s worth considering that the patches are made with CBD isolate and are not full spectrum. So you will get the usual benefits of CBD, but not the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes as you would with our full spectrum products.

Preclinical studies have shown transdermal application of low dose CBD (only 6.2mg per day) reduced knee-joint swelling in arthritic mice. This was observed to provide better absorption than oral administration in the same model. Better still, transdermal patches are thought to prolong the effects of many pharmacological drugs while avoiding fluctuations of drug levels, and there’s no reason to think the same wouldn’t apply to a CBD patch.

“After recently being diagnosed with Fibromyalgia after a nasty virus & injury, I’ve been using the patches and 3% oil. After just 1 week I noticed a big difference in my pain and general well-being. I ran out for a few days and really did notice the difference” Nikki B

How do I use a CBD patch?

The key to getting the most out of CBD is to be consistent, taking it every day, so using a CBD patch makes these easy peasy – there’s nothing to remember other than to slap one on every couple of days! People use CBD patches to hone in on a particular aching muscle or painful joint, or on the abdomen for menstrual relief, but also low level anxiety, sleep issues and general well being.

• The best place to apply your patch is on clean, dry skin, on a muscle rather than bony. If you’re using any sort of body lotion or oil, make sure this is completely absorbed before sticking your patch on for the best adhesion possible. You can wear the patch in the shower or bath, but make sure it’s well adhered first.
• Once your patch is on, you can leave it there for up to 36 hours (I do 48 hours!) and ideally no less than 24 hours.
• As with any other administration of CBD, every body will absorb and utilise the product in its own unique way. So, pay attention to how you’re feeling, notice how quickly niggles disappear and when they return. If you need to apply a new patch 24 hours in, that’s fine. If you’re feeling great, wear it longer!
• Remember, CBD from the patch goes right into your bloodstream, so you’ll have CBD circulating in your bloodstream the whole time you’re wearing it. Bear this in mind if you want to keep ‘topping up’ throughout the day with CBD oil, CBD edibles or CBD tea as this all adds up! Providing you don’t drink a 3000mg bottle in one go, there’s no risk of overdoing it in any meaningfully harmful way (even then, you’d probably just feel a bit heart-racy and need to sit on the toilet for a while!), but you may find if you take more than you’re used to you might feel sleepy…or you might feel great! As ever, start low, go slow and find your own dose. Everyone is different.

“I have been using the cbd patches for a couple of weeks what a difference to my knee. No pain, I can walk for miles it’s great. When I forget to put the patches on, my knee throbs throughout the day.” Cameron

 

SOME COMMON QUESTIONS ANSWERED…

HOW DO CBD PATCHES WORK?
The Tonic CBD Patches are a transdermal product, meaning they are developed in such a way that the CBD can penetrate through the skin and into the bloodstream, targeting deeper complaints rather than surface like a balm or cream. This is usually achieved by creating a formulation that contains ‘permeation enhancers’.

All transdermal patch drug delivery systems include a few basic components; Backing, CBD Isolate, Membrane, Adhesive and finally the Liner

Beyond the basics, things do become more complex, with the introduction of permeation enhancers, stabilisers, and packaging. To enable maximum transportation through the layers of the epidermis and into your bloodstream, we use CBD Isolate rather than our usual Full Spectrum CBD Oil. It’s our only product that is made from the 1 cannabinoid, Cannabidiol – but that’s not to say it isn’t highly effective. Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most prevalent and effective cannabinoid.

WHAT ARE CBD PATCHES GOOD FOR?
The Tonic CBD patches have a high absorption rate as it bypasses the digestive system and is directed straight into the bloodstream. There are many benefits to having a steady stream of CBD entering your system over a 24 to 48 hour period of time, as opposed to 1 intense dose taken orally once or twice a day.

As well as the CBD working its usual magic, you can also target specific areas of the body that may be experiencing discomfort, by positioning the patch directly on it.

HOW LONG DO PATCHES LAST?
The CBD is gradually absorbed by the skin over a 24 to 36 hour period, so you’ll benefit from the effects all day and night.

WHAT’S THE STRENGTH?
We do 2 different strengths – 15mg CBD Patches and High Strength CBD Patches. Each pack contains 30x 15mg or 30mg CBD topical patches. Each CBD patch contains CBD from organically cultivated hemp and 0% THC.

ARE CBD PATCHES ORGANIC?
All our CBD is produced from organically grown Cannabis Sativa L plant, so the pure CBD Isolate used in our patches is organic.

CBD PATCHES WORK FOR PAIN?
Applying a CBD Patch directly to a troubled area of the body can give almost immediate relief for the rest of the day and night. Our customers taking CBD for Fibromyalgia, ME, MS and other conditions that have associated pain benefit from our CBD patches…

“I found the CBD Patches amazing for a few reasons – they almost completely stopped my neuropathic pain; they reduced my anxiety, and I slept better than I have for ages. As someone with MS, effective pain management is vital for me, as is getting good sleep. And as someone who experiences a lot of anxiety, reducing this really improved my wellbeing. There was no grogginess, I felt calm, but focused. Delighted to have been as guinea pig to try these out!” – Darleen Corry

ARE CBD PATCHES GOOD FOR SLEEP?
CBD has built up a reputation for being effective for deepening sleep. CBD Patches are no different, as the CBD calms the nervous system and in turn calms a busy mind.

“After the first week, I asked my husband whether he had noticed any changes in me, and he bravely said he had thought I was calmer and seemed less stressed generally. And a friend told me I seemed more chilled, more fun! Could be a combination of circumstances changing, but I certainly feel more “me”. By the middle of the 2nd week, I felt more energised and alert, was sleeping better and had already ordered the patches once they are released! Thank you the opportunity of reviewing this exciting new product and I look forward to using them as part of my Tribe routine!” – Natalie Valentine

CAN CBD PATCHES WORK ON BACK PAIN?
CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory as well as “Most of my pain in my back was at night time when lying down, so I put the patch on around 9pm and would keep it on for 24-30 hours, It lessened my pain so much! Sometimes completely, which is amazing!!! The great thing about the patches is you can put them most places on your body and they are very discreet. They last up to 48 hours and they work so so well on muscular issues!! I think the patches are a great product! They really helped me with my back and I will definitely continue to use them!!” – Terri Anne Dickinson

CBD PATCHES AND STRESS
“I’ve now worn these CBD patches for over a week. The biggest difference I noticed was this: most of my working life often feels like a sprint to meet daily deadlines, so these patches really took the edge off and helped me tend to my workload with a more measured, calm and thoughtful approach. They also allowed me to drop more seamlessly into my meditation and yoga practice on a deeper level making for a more enriching experience.” – Gabriella Tavini

WHERE CAN I BUY CBD PATCHES ONLINE?
Here! CBD patches in the UK but we also ship internationally

ARE CBD PATCHES LEGAL?
Taking CBD via this transdermal method is legal. The Tonic CBD Patches contain no THC, the controlled substance in the UK.

CAN YOU TAKE IBUPROFEN WITH CBD OR CBD PATCHES?
We always recommend you speak with your doctor before taking CBD if you are taking other medication or have any health concerns. With non-prescription medicine like Ibuprofen, we suggest leaving a 2 hour window before taking your CBD. There are no reported contraindications, but please do talk with a medical expert first.