by Brianna Newton-Jackson, Hashtag Fremont budtender & outreach lead

Not just for smoking or eating, cannabis-infused topical gels and creams can do wonders for the human body. Topicals include all cannabis-infused gels, lotions, and balms. When they are placed externally on the skin, topicals are absorbed through your skin over time. There’s a wide variety of topicals on the market today, and at Hashtag, we like to break them up into categories like lubricants, oils, gels, and lotions.

If you want to learn more about how topicals work, read our post on Cannabis Topicals 101 here. And if you’re ready to explore the ratios of CBD and THC in cannabis topicals, read Cannabis Topicals 102 here!

We have tried them ALL, far and wide, and when we voted on our favorite topicals of 2019, the results were clear! Below are our five favorite topicals of 2019 in Washington State.

#5

Velvet Swing, Infused Lubricant

This is the first ever water-soluble cannabis infused lubricant and it’s pure magic in a discreet pump bottle. This gem from Velvet Swing contains THC and CBD, as well as a unique terpene blend designed specifically for sexuality. The combination is out of this world: it can improve blood flow, sensation, and even orgasmic potential.

How will Velvet Swing give me better orgasms?
Because it’s MAGIC. Just kidding ... the THC and CBD are what feel so good. THC dilates the smallest capillaries, which increases blood flow and heightens sensitivity, and can lead to longer, stronger orgasms. CBD works synergistically with THC to relax blood vessels and muscle tension, leading to easier, and more pleasurable intercourse. —Velvet Swing

Our favorite part, it doesn't taste or smell like weed which is always a plus. Velvet Swing has the potential to improve blood flow, sensation, and even orgasms, who wouldn’t want that? Pro tip, be sure not to use it like regular lubricants—it's more of a primer and can be mixed with a secondary lube of your choice. It is compatible with all safer sex supplies and toy materials such as latex, polyisoprene, and silicone, so don’t be afraid to have some fun!

#4

Fairwinds, Flow CBD Deep Tissue & Joint Gel

Flow Gel by Fairwinds is a powerful formula designed to penetrate deep into the skin. And you can feel safe applying this product, because it’s certified by the Washington State Department of Health as a medically compliant marijuana product:

With a commitment to quality, Fairwinds is proud to be one of the few companies
in Washington state to meet and even surpass Department of Health requirements
for medically compliant products. This means that Fairwinds follows voluntary standards for higher quality products, including mandatory testing for prohibited pesticides, heavy metals, & mycotoxins. —Fairwinds

Most find it is best for relieving joint pain and arthritis pain. This is an extremely fast acting topical—it will absorb completely into the skin and provide relief within 1-3 min. which stands apart from the rest. Flow Gel should be rubbed onto the skin very gently, not massaged in like you would a topical with a cream consistency.

#3

Fairwinds, Feminine Relief Suppositories

Feminine Relief suppositories by Fairwinds are key to a more pleasant menstrual cycle. This vaginal suppository is designed to provide daily and monthly relief support for all the highs and lows of your cycle. The suppositories are individually packaged, easy to use, quick to absorb and fast acting with little psychoactive effect.

The CBD, THCA, & THC cannabinoid ratio and terpene profile are optimized to provide the best performance. Feminine Relief utilizes only all-natural ingredients including organic cocoa butter, sustainably-farmed Shea butter, cannabis oil extracted from fresh flower, and natural herbs selected for their synergistic relationship with cannabis.—Fairwinds

We love how they consistently take the edge off and allow relaxation to take over. It is time to take control of your cycle and feel empowered to feel good.

#2

Ceres, Super CBD Dragon Balm Roll-On

Super CBD Dragon Balm Roll-On is an incredible high CBD topical that’s easy to apply. This product has become my go to after every workout to aid against muscle pain and soreness. The easy to use, transportable roll-on is convenient for any location of your body that needs a little love.

Ceres’s unique herbal topical contains cooling menthol, camphor and mint oil blended with a high dose of pure CO2 extracted CBD oil for deep and lasting relief.

Ceres takes no short cuts in the production of our topicals. Starting with the best raw ingredients including oils, waxes, and fragrances sourced from France, our Organic Cosmetic Certified staff has over 32 years of experience formulating world class topicals. Ceres uses strain specific CO2 extracted cannabis oils containing a unique profile of terpenes and cannabinoids in our emulsions. The result are products that elevate the mind and body with the most potent and nourishing topicals on the market to date. —Ceres

Dragon Balm takes a little longer than most topicals to take effect, but it gives me more relief for way longer than any other I have tried so far. My chronic back pain is no match for the Dragon!

#1

Fairwinds, Flow CBD Deep Tissue & Joint Cream

And taking home THREE awards for Best Topicals of 2019 is Fairwinds! Flow Cream is a unique formula consisting of seven important components: a blend of cannabis oil, essential oils, cannabis terpenes, herbal extracts, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and Fairwinds’ exclusive Canna Vera base.

A long time ago, there was confusion surrounding the identity of the aloe plant; many people sold a misidentified species of aloe that did not provide the same benefits. Eventually, traders began to refer to the correct species as Aloe Vera, otherwise known as “True Aloe.” Fairwinds’ own Canna Vera extract is similar in that it carries the true identity and full effects of the cannabis plant. Additionally, both Aloe Vera and Canna Vera are composed of unique polysaccharides that deliver powerful effects in the body. Polysaccharides are used by the body as immune signaling molecules, which can have dramatic effects on the skin and deep tissues. Canna Vera is a creamy, Shea butter-like substance containing the wax and lipid-like constituents isolated from the cannabis oil, combined with our polysaccharide-rich Cannabis Juice Extract (acquired from the roots, flower, stem, and leaves). The added benefits from Canna Vera are significant, delivering a noticeable sensation & the true character of cannabis. —Fairwinds

Fairwinds’ unique seven-ingredient system ensures a full-plant cannabis experience as a refreshing and powerful support cream. This is a great topical for deep tissue relief and targets pain deep under the skin. This is also a great product for those who prefer a scentless topical, with no smell and no oily mess. It comes in two sizes, a pocket trial size as well as a larger tub.