By Heather Wilkinson, Co-Owner of The Cannabis Nurses + Co
There’s something powerful about ritual—the way we brew our morning tea, the way we stretch before bed, the way we reach for what soothes us.
For many, cannabis topicals have become part of that ritual—a way to ease pain, reduce inflammation, and reconnect with our bodies. But here’s the deal: Not all dosing is created equal. And when it comes to safe, sustainable cannabis use, how we apply matters just as much as what we apply.
So, let’s break it down.
Topicals: It’s Not Just About Slathering It On
Topicals can be an absolute dream for localized relief—arthritis, muscle soreness, even neuropathy. But before you go slathering yourself like a biscuit with butter, let’s get clear on best practices:
✅ Start with clean, dry skin. Oils and lotions work best when they’re not competing with sweat or dirt.
✅ Massage it in—deeply. Absorption improves with circulation, so take your time. This isn’t just medicine; it’s self-care.
✅ Layer, don’t overdo it. More product doesn’t always mean more relief. Start with a small amount, then adjust as needed.
✅ Give it time. Some feel relief in minutes; others need 30-60 minutes for full effects. Be patient with your body.
✅ Use it proactively. Topicals tend to work best when you apply BEFORE you anticipate the onset of pain/soreness. Going to do a workout? Heading to a stressful situation that you know will cause your neck to seize up? The perfect time to apply is right before these events.
Beyond Topicals: Dosing for the Long Game
If you’re using cannabis for chronic pain, sleep, or stress, you could consider layering your methods of consumption. You could think of it like skincare—layering multiple products to give greater results.
🌱 Sublinguals (Strips or Sprays): Absorbed under the tongue for faster effects. Ideal for systemic pain relief or anxiety.
🌱 Oils + Capsules: Slow and steady. Great for long-lasting relief but requires patience and proper dosing. Start low, go slow.
🌱 Inhalation (Flower, Vape, etc): Quick onset, shorter duration. Best for breakthrough pain or immediate relief.
Sustainability Matters: Conscious Cannabis Use
As Holistic Cannabis Nurses, we can’t talk about cannabis dosing without talking about ingredients or sustainability. Because let’s be real—our wellness should involve the highest quality products without the expense of the planet.
♻️ Look for eco-friendly packaging. Glass jars, biodegradable materials, and refillable containers as much as possible.
♻️ Choose clean, lab-tested products. Pesticide- or chemical-laden cannabis doesn’t belong on your skin—or in your body.
♻️ Support brands with ethical sourcing. Small farms, regenerative agriculture, and fair trade practices do matter.
Final Takeaway: Be Intentional
Cannabis isn’t just another wellness trend—it’s plant medicine. And like any medicine, it works best when we use it with knowledge, respect, and care.
So next time you reach for your favourite topical, tincture, smokable or edible product, pause for a moment. Set an intention. Listen to your body. Because healing isn’t just about what we put on or in—it’s about the energy we invest and how we show up for ourselves every day.