Hemp extract patches have become an incredibly popular way to take hemp extract. Read on to find out why.

The practice of using skin patches to deliver medications has been around for about 40 years. Before that though, truly as far back as herbal medicine has been around--which is a long, long time, we’ve used the skin to deliver medicine. For example, we know that using plant, animal, or mineral extract to make salves, ointments, potions and even patches, was already popular in ancient Egypt and in Babylonian medicine (around 3000 BC). Early use of medicated plasters can be traced back to 2000 BC China where herbal drugs were mixed into an adhesive natural gum rubber base and applied to fabric or paper backing.

Used today in everything from delivery of nicotine for smoking cessation to fentanyl to treat pain, it was only a matter of time before hemp extract patches began to be used to take hemp extract. With their ability to bypass the unpredictable digestive and respiratory systems, skin patches can deliver cannabinoids that are able to get to work quickly on the CB1 and CB2 endocannabinoid receptors in the skin. Then, those that are transdermal move deeper into the bloodstream where they can provide the system with consistent delivery for the life of the patch. 

But all patches are not the same and there is a difference between what is known as a reservoir patch and those that are simply monolithic, or matrix patches.

What is a Reservoir Patch?

A reservoir patch is an adhesive patch that delivers medication or other active formulas to be absorbed into the body via the skin. The multi-layered reservoir patch is unlike other monolithic systems because it has an active layer that is separate from the others. This layer acts as a liquid compartment, or reservoir, with the active formula held within.

Advantages of Hemp Extract Reservoir Patches

Getting hemp extract through the skin is pretty awesome because the  compounds don't have to get broken down by other parts of the body like your stomach, liver, or lungs, as it would with other modes of delivery like edibles or vapes. Research shows that people may lose up to 70% of the cannabinoids consumed with those other methods. This means the process is more direct, fast, and predictable. Also, because of the way the endocannabinoid system works, the cannabinoids can begin to act with special receptors in the skin, the CB1 and CB2 receptors, right away when applied to skin.

When it comes to skin application, many choose the transdermal patch because it gives consistent delivery for longer periods of time--no more worrying about missing a dose! This is key because our endocannabinoid system responds best when hemp extract is allowed to build in our system consistently over time. 

For those concerned about ingesting only all-natural cannabinoids and no glues or chemicals, the reservoir patch is especially prized because unlike monolithic patches, only the active layer, and no glues or adhesives are able to enter the skin. Instead, a layer of separation keeps what’s in the reservoir from the glue. If glue molecules and cannabis are allowed to mix, as with monolithic patches, the glue would hold onto and trap the cannabis. To get the glue molecules to release the cannabis ones, you’d need a chemical solvent or penetration enhancer. Preferring to keep our products all natural,  is a huge reason we choose reservoir patches over others.

Also, the reservoir transdermal system holds the active ingredients for the length of time the patch stays on the skin. This is key because when formulated to be all-natural with no chemical driving agents, like the Pure Ratios 96 hour TransdermalHemp Extract Patch, the skin may eventually reach a saturation point and stop accepting more actives, but not for long. As soon as the skin is ready to begin accepting again, the reservoir is right there, ready to deliver more cannabinoids.

For more information on Pure Ratios 96 Hour Transdermal Patches or about our hemp extract wellness products in general, please visit us at pureratioscbd.com