CBD Infused Patches

While CBD is generally known for its calming effects, it can also be an effective natural stimulant. But putting together a CBD regimen can feel like a daunting task, requiring hours of research and trial and error to find the right product and dosage. Enter a simpler, more powerful CBD solution: transdermal patches.

The science-backed product is currently making waves in the CBD world. Patches apply in under three seconds and work for hours, from morning to night (and back again), with little to no effort on your part. Think of it as a boost to your wellness toolkit — one you can use daily, like any other supplement, or pull out whenever you feel like you’re falling behind instead of flowing smoothly.

Plasters from the past

While they’re only now gaining traction in the CBD world, the science behind transdermal patches is anything but new. The FDA approved the first adhesive transdermal delivery system (TDDS) in 1979 — and even before that, topical therapies had been used for centuries. As detailed in the Ebers Papyrus (one of the oldest surviving medical documents, dating back to 1550 BC), ancient Egyptians used topical and transdermal remedies to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, hair loss, and skin conditions.

Likewise, the Ishinpō (the oldest Japanese medical document from 984 AD) describes chopping herbs finely and applying them to the skin in a compress. This knowledge led to the modern Japanese concept of shippu — a hot or cold pain-relieving patch containing a mixture of herbs, anti-inflammatories and pain relievers. Shippu is still used today to treat stiff shoulders and backs, and general stress.

Today, the transdermal patch remains a reliable tool for a wide range of medications, particularly in the smoking cessation and hormone therapy markets. It was only in recent years that cannabis entrepreneurs began to bring the technology to the CBD world — and it has quickly gained a wide fan base.

What makes CBD patches unique?

Not only are patches a mess-free, tasteless, and odor-free way to take CBD, they’re also considered one of the most reliable forms of CBD administration. This is because transdermal patches have a higher bioavailability (the amount of a compound that has an effect in the body) than several other CBD products. According to a 2018 study from the National Institutes of Health, transdermal patches avoid first-pass metabolism — when the liver and digestive tract reduce the concentration of an active compound before it can circulate through the body. Instead, patches deliver cannabidiol directly into the bloodstream, meaning none of the CBD is lost on the way from the patch to your system (unlike an edible, drink, or capsule).

Longevity is another benefit that potential buyers can add to effectiveness. An average CBD patch will last up to 12 hours (including a 30-minute absorption period). The slow, steady release provides a consistent experience that faster-acting formats can’t match, making it an especially sensible option for those in a 9-to-5 workplace looking for a subtle and controlled, everyday vibe.

Are they right for you?

While anyone of legal age (18 in some states; 21 in others) can benefit from CBD patches, there are a number of qualities that make them an attractive option for users who find themselves constantly overworked. In 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified burnout as a true occupational phenomenon that causes exhaustion, mental detachment from work, and decreased workplace performance. This can apply to anything — motherhood, working overtime, caring for a loved one, and so on. If you’re the one holding down the fort 24/7, chances are patches are for you. (No pun intended.)

For those short on time, convenience is an increasingly important factor in addressing these concerns. You want a fast-release form that makes it easy to stay consistent with your CBD routine, rather than cluttering your schedule with yet another task to check off. Luckily, patches have a foolproof application process (peel, stick, and forget) that makes ingesting cannabis quick and hassle-free. Vapes and pre-rolls can’t quite match that level of convenience, as they require the “right” setting for smoking (offices, airports, and most indoor spaces are out of the question). While you can take tinctures and edibles anywhere and consume them in public, they’re not nearly as discreet—or as portable—as the sticky patch.

All of this is to say that if you have trouble tearing yourself away from your desk to eat lunch or you find yourself procrastinating over and over again on to-dos (we get it), you don't have to worry about adding a time-consuming task to your list.

Additionally, patches are confusion-free: they are pre-dosed, meaning you don’t have to go through a trial-and-error process to find the best dosage for you. This feature creates a controlled, consistent experience. No surprises, just a boost when you need it most.

There is a band-aid for that problem

Now that you’ve decided on your preferred delivery format, it’s time to figure out which patch is right for you. Luckily, there’s something for everyone. Whether you want a pure CBD patch or are looking for powerful formulas that combine CBD with other beneficial ingredients, if you’ve got a problem, there’s likely a CBD patch that can help. Feeling drained? An energy patch can do wonders. A dip in your libido? No worries — there’s a patch for that too. Just make sure to choose patches from reputable brands that use clean ingredients sourced from nature (rather than a lab).

Behind all the different versions and labels, all patches have one thing in common: they help you slow down, be present, and make the most of every moment. Ultimately, the goal of CBD isn’t to add clutter and hassle to your life — it’s to reduce the noise and help you find balance in everything.