ABSTRACT
As transdermal delivery of cannabinoids continues to advance, new and innovative products within the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and hemp regulated markets continue to proliferate. As research unfolds, exploration on target cell approaches advances, creating opportunities to alleviate specific ailments and conditions, while providing improved safety and efficacy with a variety of products. Although there has been significant improvement in the sophistication of transdermal products in these spaces, there is still a lack of regulatory guidelines and understanding of the variety of application sites and their permeation. This chapter reviews the transdermal route of administration, highlighting vaginal drug delivery transdermal pathways and the requirements of the understanding of the structure and biochemistry of the skin, physicochemical properties of cannabinoids, best practices for topical formulation, and lastly, considerations about the site of application. Additionally, this chapter will examine the need for stricter regulations surrounding transdermal products applied to sensitive, more permeable areas, such as the vagina.
