Shop
Support
When it comes to topical cannabis products, transdermal patches stand a notch above. These small patches deliver cannabinoids that cross through the skin and into the bloodstream, providing effects that last for hours. For people who don’t want to get “high” or need functional relief that lasts all day, transdermal patches are a welcome breakthrough in weed innovation.
What is a cannabis transdermal patch?
Transdermal patch delivers a substance (in this case cannabinoids like THC and CBD) through the dermis (skin) and into the bloodstream. While other topical products activate the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin for localized relief, transdermal patches activate your entire endocannabinoid system.
Transdermal products have higher rates of bioavailability than oral or edible cannabis. The bioavailability of a cannabis product is the percentage of available cannabinoids in a product that gets absorbed into your body. The more bioavailable a delivery method is, the more cannabinoids are absorbed. 1
Weed patches, as they’re commonly called, work well for people who want the benefits of cannabis, without having to deal with smoke or edibles. Patches are discreet, perfect for wearing under clothes – so no one else will know. This makes patches handy for delivering cannabinoids throughout the workday.
Uses for transdermal patches include:
- Chronic pain, including spinal stenosis, sciatica, and neuropathy.
- general muscle tension or stiffness
- inflammation
- arthritis
- Women’s health, such as endometriosis and PCOS
- tension headaches
- muscle spasms
How do transdermal patches work?
Transdermal products often have chemical agents, called permeation enhancers and carriers, that help the cannabinoids move through the skin barrier. If these patches contain THC, you could potentially feel high, depending on the dosage. But if your weed patches only contain CBD, you won’t feel intoxicated.
Patches work best when placed on an area of the skin that’s clean, free of hair, and has veins close to the surface. The inside of your forearm, bicep, lower abdomen, shoulders, or inner thighs works well.
How long do transdermal patches last?
How long a patch lasts depends on the product and varies from brand to brand. Some pharmaceutical patches, made with medical-grade latex and hypoallergenic ingredients, are designed to stay in place for up to seven days and deliver cannabinoids at a steady rate. Other patches need to be changed every 8 – 12 hours.
Some brands have lab results or clinical testing to prove the longevity of their patch, while others simply make claims. In truth, there is a major lack of science looking at the true absorption and duration of effects of different patches on the market. Buying patches from trusted brands with consumer reviews is a good way to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth, but finding the right product for you could take trial and error.
How to find quality transdermal products
Like all cannabis products, there is a range of quality within brands that make transdermal products. One of the most important parts about buying a cannabis product for therapeutic purposes is a repeatable experience; you want to know that the effects of the product will be the same every time. How can you tell what products will be worth your investment?
- Clear labeling. Products should clearly state the amount of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids they contain, as well as the full list of ingredients.
- COA. Having a lab test result, or a certificate of analysis on the cannabinoid levels is an important factor in a repeatable experience.
- Trial and error. Your endocannabinoid system is unique to you, so you may have to try more than one product to find one that works well for you.
The best 8 cannabis transdermal patches
-
Pack size: 5 patches
-
Cannabinoids: 20 MG of CBD
-
Available in: All 50 states
-
Pack size: 1 patch
-
Cannabinoids: 100 mg of CBD
-
Available in: All 50 states
-
Pack size: 8 patches
-
Cannabinoids: 20 mg of CBD
-
Available in: All 50 states
-
Pack size: 4 patches
-
Cannabinoids: 20 mg of CBD
-
Available in: All 50 states
-
Pack size: 30 patches
-
Cannabinoids: 15 mg of CBD
-
Avaliable in: Europe
-
Pack size: 1 patch
-
Cannabinoids: 30 mg of CBD and THC
-
Available in: California
-
Pack size: 5 patches
-
Cannabinoids: 60 mg of CBD
-
Available in: All 50 states
-
Pack size: 1 patch
-
Cannabinoids: 20 MG of THC
-
Available in: Florida
Mary’s Nutritionals Transdermal Patch
- Price: $30
- Pack size: 5 patches
- Cannabinoids: 20 MG of CBD
- Notes: enhanced with eucalyptus
- Available in: all 50 states
Mary’s Nutritionals is the hemp branch of Mary’s Medicinals, one of the best-known THC transdermal patches on the market. With 20 mg of CBD in each patch, these patches deliver long-lasting effects to help you get through your day. The THC and 1:1 patch are available only in California, Colorado, and Illinois but this CBD patch can ship to all 50 states. Mary’s estimates these patches will take between 15 and 30 minutes to start to take effect, and last for 8 – 12 hours.
Social CBD Infused Patch
- Price: $9.99
- Pack size: 1 patch
- Cannabinoids: 100 mg of CBD
- Available in: all 50 states
These patches have 100 mg of CBD in each, making them the strongest on this list. Made with no THC, these weed patches work well for long-lasting pain and stress relief. If 100 mg is more than you need, you can cut the patches in half or in thirds to make them last longer. Social CBD estimates these patches will take 20 – 30 minutes to take effect and last for up to 24 hours.
Fluer Marche Variety Plz Transdermal 8-Pack
- Price: $42
- Pack size: 8 patches
- Cannabinoids: 20 mg of CBD
- Notes: enhanced with terpenes and vitamins
- Available in: all 50 states
Fluer Marche specializes in one product – CBD-based transdermal patches. The 8-pack allows you to try two of each of the four different patches available, Sleep Plz, Relief Plz, Sex Plz, and Energy Plz. Each patch is formulated for specific and apparent effects, with 20 mg of CBD and other complementary ingredients such as melatonin, peppermint, and B vitamins. Why pick one when you could have them all? Fluer Marche estimates that these patches should start to work within 30 minutes and last for up to 12 hours.
The Good Patch Hemp Queen
- Price: $16
- Pack size: 4 patches
- Cannabinoids: 20 mg of CBD
- Notes: enhanced with black pepper
- Available in: all 50 states
Black peppercorn meets 20 mg of CBD for stress relief that lasts all day in the Hemp Queen patch from the aptly named Good Patch. The Good Patch only makes weed patches and has a full lineup of patches to choose from, each with 15 mg of CBD. Patches include sleep, stress relief, period pain, and hot flashes, all with added ingredients to tailor the patch to specific effects. The Good Patch estimates these should start to work within 30 minutes of placement, and last up to 12 hours.
Dutch Natural Healing CBD Patches for Sleep
- Price: €19.80
- Pack size: 30 patches
- Cannabinoids: 15 MG of CBD
- Notes: enhanced with lavender
- Available in: Europe
With 30 patches in every pack of Dutch Natural Healing, these patches ring in as the best deal on the list. These patches are formulated for a good night’s sleep, with 15 mg of CBD and enriched with lavender to enhance the relaxing effects. The patches are also colorless so they’re subtle. Dutch Natural also offers a CBD patch without lavender, and an extra strength patch. The brand estimates these patches should start to work within 30 minutes and last for up to 36 hours.
Papa and Barkley 3:1 transdermal patch
- Price: $14
- Pack size: 1 patch
- Cannabinoids: 30 mg of CBD and THC
- Notes: enhanced with lavender, eucalyptus, spearmint, and ginger essential oils
- Available in: All 50 states
With a 3:1 ratio, this small “releaf” patch from California cannabis brand Papa and Barkley delivers 20 mg of CBD and 10 mg of THC for up to 12 hours. The brand classifies the intoxicating effects as “minimal to moderate” (depending on your tolerance), estimates the patches will start work within 15 minutes, and last for 12 hours. Papa and Barkley also makes a CBD dominant and a 1:1 patch if you prefer less THC and a 1:3 patch if you prefer more THC.
CBD Living Patch
- Price: $67
- Pack size: 5 patches
- Cannabinoids: 60 mg of CBD
- Notes: enriched with limonene terpenes
- Available in: all 50 states
With 60 mg of CBD in each patch, these transdermal patches deliver one of the highest doses of CBD on this list. Made with hypoallergenic ingredients and water-resistant adhesive, these weed patches should start to work within 30 minutes of placement and can last up to 96 hours. They’re also free of latex, so they’re allergy and sensitive-skin friendly.
MUV Transdermal Patch
- Price: $15
- Pack size: 1 patch
- Cannabinoids: 20 MG of THC
- Notes: Utilizes micelle EnCaps™ encapsulated delivery methods
- Available in: Florida
This patch was made with medicine in mind. The slow-release THC takes effect within 15 minutes, can last up to 72 hours and can even be worn in the shower. Available for medical patients in Florida, this patch boasts a quick onset time of 10 minutes and also comes in a CBD-dominant patch as well as a 1:1.
Bottom line on transdermal cannabis patches
Transdermal patches are discreet, long-lasting, and deliver a steady dose of cannabinoids throughout the day (or night), making them a good option for people who want the medicinal benefits of cannabis, without smoking. CBD patches can be shipped through all 50 states and Canada, while THC patches are available in dispensaries throughout legal and medicinal states, as well as Canada.
Sources
- Mahmoudinoodezh H, Telukutla SR, Bhangu SK, Bachari A, Cavalieri F, Mantri N. The Transdermal Delivery of Therapeutic Cannabinoids. Pharmaceutics. 2022 Feb 18;14(2):438. doi: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14020438. PMID: 35214170; PMCID: PMC8876728.
Sign up for bi-weekly updates, packed full of cannabis education, recipes, and tips. Your inbox will love it.
