Cannabis has long been a plant of many pathways—smoke curling in the air, oils under the tongue, and edibles slowly releasing their effects. Yet, among these well-trodden routes, a quieter revolution is unfolding just beneath the skin. Here lies the distinction between topical and transdermal. While topicals linger on the surface, soothing localized discomfort, transdermal applications, like patches and specialized gels, dare to journey deeper. They cross the skin’s protective barrier, entering systemic circulation and radiating throughout the body. It is a delivery method that marries science with subtlety, potentially offering control, discretion, and sustained activity.
While traditional consumption methods like inhalation and oral ingestion dominate the market, transdermal cannabis products present a unique and often underappreciated approach to cannabinoid delivery. This method can offer distinct advantages, particularly for consumers seeking more controlled dosing and an unobtrusive experience. But what deeper motivations drive consumers to choose transdermal cannabis over other administration forms?
Understanding the Shift: Why Transdermal?
According to Mandy Pearce, owner of Synergy Skin Worx and co-creator of the Rejuv transdermal patch, “Loud Labs, in conjunction with Skin Worx, wanted to provide a product that was consistent, long lasting, discreet and doesn’t have secondary effects of traditionally consumed cannabis. Transdermal patches are a unique dosage form that bypasses the liver and doesn’t irritate the lungs, making it the perfect option for those who want to use cannabis but do not want to smoke or eat it. Since the patches release a small consistent dose of cannabis over 24 hours, one does not have to stop their busy life to be constantly eating a gummy or taking a hit from a vape pen. Patch on, peace out.”
Healthcare Perspectives on Transdermal Delivery
To understand the motivations and clinical perspectives surrounding transdermal products, healthcare experts and clinical researchers were asked to shed light on its evolving role.
Leonard Kamen, DO, Clinical Associate Professor at Thomas Jefferson University, notes that patients with osteoarthritis, localized joint pain, or those preferring to avoid psychoactive effects may benefit most from transdermal cannabis. He highlights advantages such as “direct application to areas of pain” and that patients often express “satisfaction with using natural substances for selfcare”, and that there may be “little chance of side effects or drug interactions.” However, he also emphasizes limitations, including the “slow onset, subtle changes, and the need for more research into absorption and plasma levels.” Adding, that for elderly and cannabis naïve patients, these types of products may be a good option to “avoid oral or inhaled products”.
“For patients with limited options for cannabis consumption, transdermal patches can offer a crucial solution”, as Megan Mbengue, MSMCT, BSN, RN, explains, “A transdermal patch was my introduction to cannabis. My first patient on hospice couldn’t take anything by mouth, and the patch was the only effective option. Patches are ideal for slow, sustained release and for those who may not feel edibles but need a long-acting option.”
Morgan Miller, APRN, CNP, DNP, highlighted that while transdermal patches may provide “consistent dosing and bypass first-pass metabolism,” they may be less effective for patients with low subcutaneous fat. She emphasized the need for research, especially regarding “how basal dosing could benefit cancer symptoms and therapy side effects.”
Clinical research on skin and cannabinoids is an active area of research. Dylan Zylla, MD shared the results from their recent clinical study on transdermal (non-patch) product, “Women did well, pain seemed improved. The biggest issue was the greasy texture, which they did not like since it was applied to hands and wrists. No other adverse events were reported. We had good data in the paper about systemic cannabinoid absorption too. I was surprised to see CBD showing up with just 2 weeks of use.”
Megan Mbengue, RN, offered this additional guidance, “Bioavailability depends on where the patch is placed. If it’s placed on a place with thin skin, like the top of the foot or inside of the wrist, there’s a better chance it will enter the bloodstream. If it’s placed over other areas with thicker skin, it may provide local relief to that area, but will likely have limitations in entering the bloodstream.”
Addressing Misconceptions
One common misunderstanding about transdermal patches is their placement. Pearce clarifies, “Many ask us if you have to put the patch where it hurts. No, you don’t have to! Cannabis in the transdermal patch flows through the skin directly into the bloodstream, dosing the entire body. You are welcome to put the patch anywhere comfortable for you, don’t worry about having to get the patch on those hard to reach or deep internal places, medicine goes where the blood flows.”
Healthcare professionals also offered some optimistic skepticism that may help address additional misconceptions about transdermal products. Leonard Kamen, MD, added that these products are “not curative” but may offer palliative effects. Phil Molloy, MD, a retired clinician specializing in Rheumatology, expressed his opinions based on other medications, comparing routes of administration, “In general, I have not been impressed with topicals. Except when there are medications with known liver toxicity or related drug-drug interaction concerns. Transdermal delivery may avoid 1st pass effects.”
Morgan Miller, NP, added, “I would like to see this route or approach increase in popularity for individuals with chronic conditions and symptoms.”
A Powerful Customer Story
Pearce recalls, “Emelia and Bob, the scientists behind the transdermal patches, were eating lunch outside in the sun. A young man with a cane pulled up in his vehicle and asked them if they were the ones that made the transdermal patches. He said he wears one almost every day and can maintain an active life. He tracked us down from the address on the back of the packaging to personally thank us for changing his life. You’re welcome, Riggs F, and thank you for sharing your amazing story with us!”
Comparing Delivery Methods
Regarding effectiveness and convenience, Pearce explains, “Convenience is no contest, simply prep the skin with the provided alcohol prep pad, peel off the plastic backing, place the patch on the skin, and hold it with light pressure for 30 seconds, and you’re good to go for 24 hours! No need to eat every hour, reapply a cream, or step away for a hit. Transdermal delivery is also one of the most bioavailable forms of cannabis usage. Since transdermal delivery enters the bloodstream directly, it bypasses the liver and the digestive system, making it more bioavailable than an edible.”
Overcoming Development Challenges
Pearce emphasizes the rigor behind their product’s development: “We wanted the product to have some type of legitimacy behind it and actually work. When the technology behind the patch was first being developed, Skin Worx acquired a vitamin patch company from a doctor and chemist that hold 38 patents between the two of them for transdermal delivery. They are retired from Mylan and Pfizer. We conducted in vitro testing on cadaver skin to ensure the delivery, absorption, and permeation rates were consistent, before releasing our patches.”
Leonard Kamen, MD, along with other HCPs expressed interest in seeing more research and product development, adding that data on “Different THC/CBD strains, terpenes, ratios and preparation or isolation of potent components for topical delivery would be valuable.”
The Role of Consumer Feedback
Feedback is integral to product evolution. Pearce shares, “We follow the lead of our customers, working closely with some of our original patients from the medical market days in Oregon. Many of our patients are elderly, chronically ill, or have sensitivities which prevent them from using traditional cannabis products. Keeping this in mind, we wanted tocreate a product that was hypoallergenic and unique in its application form. We are always open to feedback from our consumers and how we can make a better product for their needs.”
Dreaming Big for Future Innovations
Looking to the future, Pearce shares her vision: “I think that if we could create a dream cannabis patch, it would be a patch that involved micro needling, a technology that is used in big pharma to extend the time you can wear a patch. With micro needling you can achieve a patch that could work up to 9 days before having to change use. I would also love to be able to work with compounds that currently aren’t mathematically and scientifically able to be pushed through the skin as their molecular weight and structure is too large for transdermal delivery – it would be a patch that would allow you to use ANY compound you would like and that would last for over a week of wearing!”
Conclusion
As research expands and consumer experiences evolve, transdermal cannabis products may find a stronger foothold in both medical and wellness spaces. While questions remain about bioavailability and long-term effects, the potential for discreet, consistent, and effective cannabinoid delivery makes this an exciting area for innovation.
