I couldn’t even guess what wearing a cannabis transdermal patch would feel like. None of my friends or coworkers had tried them either, which sparked my curiosity about why patches didn’t seem to be a popular cannabis product option. My interest peaked, and I decided to give a cannabis transdermal patch a try to see how it affected me. I have gone through a rigorous process of trial and error to figure out how to use cannabis to help my anxiety.  I found that the 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC blends work best for me, and I found a patch that fit the bill. I am always looking for solutions that make my anxiety more manageable so I can get through everyday life without feelings of panic or nervousness.

As it turns out, there are many different options for cannabis transdermal patches. These patches are adhesive like a band aid, but are infused with THC.  Activated by body heat, the patch releases THC into your bloodstream over the course of several hours. My current favorite dispensary is River Valley Remedies, and I found Mary’s Medicinals Transdermal Patches on their online menu. I wanted to find a patch to try with a more affordable price point, because patches are single use and buying them for everyday use is not financially feasible. Mary’s Medicinals Transdermal Patches are $12 for recreational marijuana users and come in six different options.

I tried their 1:1 patch, a combo of CBD and THC, with minimal tolerance to cannabis products, as it had been three months of not using any CBD or THC products during my job search with due concern of being drug tested. I was not certain if the amount of THC would have a stronger effect on me because of my gap in cannabis usage, but if anything the way the 1:1 patch performed made me believe that it might be a great option for those who are just starting out in the cannabis world as well.

The patch took about thirty minutes to noticeably start working. The general anxiety I experience on an everyday basis had gone away, and a wave of calm washed over me. Once the patch had been on for about an hour and I was certain my mood change was a result of the product and not my brain chemistry righting itself for a brief moment, I began to have a great, stable day. The patch claims to last for up to twelve hours and should be worn non stop throughout the day on a venous part of the body. I placed the patch on the inside of my left wrist and went through my daily routine of school, interning, homework and whatever else my to-do list typically has on it. When I’m having a particularly anxious day, the list of things I have to do becomes a jumbled mess of thoughts and I am quickly overwhelmed by the necessity of being productive without the motivation to accomplish anything. With the help of the 1:1 patch, I felt mellow and was completely productive without being at war with myself on any issue that might have triggered my anxiety throughout the day. I was in a great mood too, feeling incredibly lighthearted.

The only downside to cannabis transdermal patches is that they don’t seem financially friendly for everyone, but as an emergency backup cannabis product I believe they are great to have around just in case of anxiety overload. There are many different options for different kinds of patches if you know what works best for your body, so you can tailor the patch to the type of cannabis you like the most.  All in all, I think that these patches are a great solution for a really bad day, and I highly recommend them!