CBD Cream

Lots of CBD products can help with pain relief, like gummies, pills, oils, and creams. Creams, especially, might work well for joint or muscle pain.

With so many CBD options out there, it's tough to know which creams are legit. Wondering how to spot the real deal?

Does CBD Cream Reduce Pain?

CBD is still undergoing research to determine its pain-relieving properties. There is some evidence to suggest that CBD creams and other topical CBD products may be helpful for several pain symptoms, including:

• Arthritis Pain: An animal study conducted in 2016 on rats showed that CBD topical creams may reduce arthritis-related swelling and pain. A recent anonymous 2022 study source found that CBD usage is associated with a perceived reduction in arthritis symptoms. A 2023 study on mice also suggests that cannabinoids such as CBD and cannabichromene can help reduce inflammation. This is a common symptom of arthritis.

• Nerve Pain: A 2020 small study examined the effects of CBD oil topical on pain. The study found that many people with nerve damage reported reduced levels of pain. The participants described a decrease in intense, sharp, and cold pain sensations.

• Jaw Pain: A 2019 study examined how topical CBD could provide relief for a particular type of facial pain, which primarily affects the jaw. The study showed that those who used topical CBD two to three times per day felt less pain within 2 weeks.

The Pros and Cons of CBD Cream

Pros

• Topicals can be used to target pain in specific areas.

• Work quickly: Topicals do not break down as fast as edibles because they don't go through your stomach. They tend to be more effective than capsules or gummies because they don't pass through your stomach.

• Additional ingredients can enhance pain relief: Many creams contain ingredients such as menthol and arnica that provide pain relief.

• Better skin health: Creams containing CBD may reduce pain, and moisturize and hydrate the skin.

Cons

• Topicals are less potent than ingestibles: Although you may feel their effects sooner, most creams and gels are generally less potent.

• Hard to dose: Oils, and ingestibles like gummies and capsules have been carefully formulated so that you get a precise dose from each dropper. When applying creams it can be hard to determine the exact dosage.

• Skin irritation is possible: When you apply something to your skin, a reaction may occur.

• CBD cream may not (be) completely effective. 

CBD - Is It Right for Me?

You might think about using CBD for pain relief, but remember, it's not a replacement for treatments your doctor has prescribed. Some medications can interact with CBD, especially ones that warn about grapefruit. If you're taking any of these medications, CBD might not be the best option for you.

Topical CBD creams can be useful if your doctor has approved and you want to target specific areas of pain, like arthritis in your hands.

What to Look for When Buying a CBD Cream

CBD can help with pain relief. But there are many products to choose from. What to look for while shopping for CBD topicals

Third-Party Testing

For now, the FDA doesn't ensure the safety, effectiveness, or quality of any CBD products. But they can still go after companies that lie or make fake health claims. So, it's crucial to read labels carefully before you buy.

Find a product that's got a current COA from an independent lab. Make sure the COA matches what the company says about the product, and that the lab checked for contaminants.

Look for test results on stuff like heavy metals and molds. And if the company uses solvents to make their CBD, it's smart to check the results for any leftover solvents too.

The CBD Type

Isolates are a good pick if you're keen on avoiding THC or other cannabinoids. But full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products might offer more advantages.

Keep in mind, that all CBD products might have tiny bits of THC (up to 0.3% for ones that are legal federally), but full-spectrum CBD intentionally has a small amount of THC.

Ingredients

Select CBD creams that are made with hemp grown in the U.S.A. Check the label of the cream for known allergens and irritants, since you will be applying it to your skin.

You may want to consider products that contain additional ingredients for pain relief if you are looking for CBD topicals. The addition of menthol and arnica to cooling and warming creams can help relieve pain and aches.

Potency

Most CBD topical products contain between 3 and 8 mg per application. You may choose a product with a higher concentration if you suffer from chronic pain. If you are new to CBD it is best to start with a product that has a lower concentration.

Use CBD Cream to Relieve Pain

Before using CBD cream, it's important to carefully read all the instructions. Apply the cream directly to the area that hurts and massage it in. If you have arthritis in your hand, put the cream on your hands and focus on the sore joints.

Some products might make your skin feel cooler or warmer because they contain ingredients like menthol or Arnica that help with pain. If these sensations bother you, try using less cream at first.

To test if the cream will irritate your skin, put a small amount on the inside of your wrist and wait. Even natural products can irritate.

Don't use CBD cream on broken skin or inside your nose, mouth, or eyes.

Side Effects and Safety

The research reviewed in 2017 found that CBD is mostly safe to use.

Most topicals are meant for external use only. Don't eat them unless the package says you can.

If you have sores or wounds, wait before applying CBD cream. It's not good to use it on broken skin with many products.

Some people might have these side effects when using low-dose CBD products:

• Sleepiness

• Diarrhea

• Changes in appetite or weight

Topicals do not absorb into the bloodstream to cause full-body effects.

Consult your doctor before using CBD, as it may interact with certain medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can CBD Cream Help With Pain?

Some animal studies and smaller studies suggest that CBD can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. CBD has been studied for pain relief in arthritis, jaw, and nerve problems.

What Are the Side Effects of CBD?

CBD can have the following side effects:

• Sleepiness

• Diarrhea

• Appetite changes

• Weight changes

It's always important to read the ingredients of any new product you use to ensure that you don't have an allergy.

Do not apply CBD on broken skin. Also, perform a test patch before you use it for the very first time. You can use this to determine if the topical contains any ingredients that will irritate the skin.

How Quickly Does CBD Pain Cream Work?

It depends on who you are, but usually between 15-30 minutes.

Can I Rub CBD on My Skin to Relieve Pain?

Yes. You can rub CBD oil meant for oral consumption on your skin. Be sure to check the ingredients list to see if there are any irritants.

You can apply CBD oil to your skin but do not ingest skin-specific products.

Takeaway

While there's still debate on whether CBD topicals truly relieve pain, many folks say they've found relief using creams, lotions, and salves for various issues.

Pick a full-spectrum CBD cream that's strong and made by a company known for using high-quality organic ingredients.

Take a look at the websites of top CBD brands. They'll give you lots of info about where and how their products are made. Talk to your doctor before giving CBD a shot.

CBD is legal. The 2018 Farm Bill changed the law so hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is legal at the federal level. But CBD products with more than 0.3% THC are still illegal federally, as they're considered marijuana. Check state laws when you travel, as some states allow CBD.