Thinking of trying CBD patches for wellbeing, pain relief or anxiety management?
Here’s how these discreet, transdermal patches can deliver CBD directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for better absorption.
This guide cuts through the noise to give you a clear understanding of CBD patch technology, benefits, legality in the UK and practical application tips.
Please note – our CBD patches are intended for general health and well-being purposes, not medical issues. This article is for educational purposes only.
Key Points
- CBD patches deliver CBD directly into your bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for higher bioavailability and longer-lasting effects.
- In the UK, CBD patches are legal as long as they adhere to THC content regulations but, users are advised to consult with a healthcare professional before use.
- Choosing the best CBD patch involves considering potency, quality, purity, third-party testing, brand reputation and user feedback to ensure safety and efficacy for your needs.
What are CBD Patches and How Do They Work
CBD transdermal patches are an effective way to absorb CBD through your skin. Once applied, they offer a steady and continuous dose of CBD into your bloodstream.
This bypasses the digestive system for better absorption. Transdermal CBD patches provide longer effects by giving you a consistent dose of CBD over a longer period.
The effects of CBD patches are body-wide, and using CBD patches for pain could potentially help maintain a constant level of CBD and ease discomfort without the intoxicating side effects of THC.
They may also help with stress and anxiety by potentially influencing the brain’s response to serotonin for a calming effect. You might also achieve these potential benefits with CBD oil.
Transdermal Technology in CBD Patches
CBD patches use transdermal technology to deliver cannabinoids into your bloodstream. This method bypasses first-pass metabolism by the liver and results in higher bioavailability.
In fact, transdermal CBD from patches have a bioavailability of around 40-45% compared to just 6 -20% of orally ingested CBD.
These patches use various methods to breach the stratum corneum barrier of the skin, to improve permeation.
This delivery system has a linear pharmacokinetic profile up to 6.2 mg/day, meaning a consistent absorption rate at these doses.
Benefits of Topical CBD Patches
One of the benefits of the CBD patch is that you can apply it directly to the area of discomfort, so you get localised relief and higher bioavailability as it delivers CBD directly into your bloodstream.
This targeted delivery is good for many uses. CBD patches may also offer:
- Steady CBD release over longer periods so you don’t need to take multiple daily doses.
- Potential for discomfort management.
- Ultra thin and translucent, so almost invisible when worn.
- No visible consumption, so no stigma.
Legality and Safety of CBD Patches in the UK
In the UK, CBD patches are legal as long as controlled cannabinoids such as THC are limited to 1mg per container.
By abiding by this, CBD patches and other CBD products are classified as ‘exempt product’ under The Misuse of Drugs Regulations 2001.
Trading Standards oversees the safety and compliance of CBD patches, and the MHRA provides guidance on medical use and ensures these products comply with the Human Medicines Regulations 2012.
Those who intend to use CBD patches for any medical condition should consult with a healthcare professional to ensure the safety and suitability of the product.
Skin Irritation and Precautions
Choose CBD patches made with hypoallergenic materials, especially if you have skin sensitivities or allergies. Do a patch test on a small area before using them extensively.
Users should be aware of the site of CBD patch application and look out for any reaction like redness or itching, and vary the application site to avoid skin irritation from prolonged use in the same area.
CBD patches in the UK are generally made from skin-friendly, hypoallergenic materials, which are less likely to cause irritation, especially when washed off with warm water and soap. So these CBD patches tend to be suitable for most users.
How to Choose the Best CBD Patches for You
Choosing the right CBD patches involves evaluating multiple factors. The potency of the patch should match your needs, which is important for those looking for relief.
Evaluate the quality and purity of the CBD patch ingredients – go for natural ingredients and avoid unnecessary additives.
When choosing CBD patches, consider:
- Lab-testing: Make sure the CBD patches have been lab-tested for safety and CBD content.
- Price and value: Consider the price and value for money of the CBD patches to get good value for money.
- User feedback and testimonials: User feedback and testimonials can give you an idea of the overall satisfaction and effectiveness of the patches for different conditions.
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision when choosing CBD patches.
Finally, research the brand, which should include their history, commitment to quality and transparency on the sourcing and manufacturing of CBD patches.
Application and Usage Tips
Proper application and usage of CBD patches is key to maximising the benefits. Here are the steps:
- Clean the area with mild soap and water to improve patch adhesion.
- Avoid applying CBD patches over hairy areas and shave if necessary for better patch contact and effectiveness.
- Make sure the skin is dry and not covered with creams, oils or residue to allow better sticking and CBD absorption.
After application, follow these steps:
- Press the patch firmly onto the skin, smooth out wrinkles to ensure maximum contact.
- Rotate application sites to avoid skin irritation and to maintain an effective response to CBD.
- For maximum CBD absorption, apply the patch to a venous area like the inner wrist or upper arm.
Where to Apply CBD Patches
There are several areas to apply patches. The upper arm near the shoulder provides a flat, muscular surface with good blood flow for CBD patches
You can also apply the patch near the shoulder blade to target local discomfort or for systemic absorption. Or for back discomfort, apply the patch directly on the lower back or directly onto the area of discomfort.
Can I Use More Than One Patch?
According to the UK Food Standards Agency, it is not recommended to exceed 70mg of CBD per day.
So, yes, you can use more than one CBD patch, but try not to exceed this total across 24 hours.
When using CBD patches for extended periods, alternate the application sites, for example, every day or every other week, to avoid skin issues.
High Potency Options: Strongest CBD Patches UK
For those looking for more powerful solutions, multiple CBD patches with higher CBD content might be required to manage more severe symptoms.
High potency CBD patches are generally those with 30mg of CBD or more.
Our 30mg CBD patches are suitable for most people who need a stronger dose, customers rarely need more than this.
For those looking for other strong CBD products full spectrum CBD oil is a popular choice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CBD patches are a discreet, targeted and long-lasting way to enjoy the benefits of CBD. Easy to apply, legal and available in various potencies to suit different needs.
Remember to consider potency, quality and the brand when choosing a patch. And of course, consult a healthcare professional before starting any new health regime.