As CBD have become more common and popular each day, companies are looking for many other ways to incorporate the cannabidiol to benefit the human body. Apart from oils, CBD can be administered through tinctures, edibles, and capsules. For people suffering with muscle and joint pain, CBD topicals are recommended for a faster and better result.
What is CBD?
CBD, or cannabidiol, is known for their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-anxiety, and pain-relieving properties. It is a compound found in the marijuana plant. It is also used to relieve sleeping problems, anxiety, depression, stress, cancer-related side effects, and chronic pain. Topical solutions with CBD stimulate a more effective result in people with muscle and joint inflammation.
Dr. Shivani Amin, a physician and cannabis expert, said that “CBD is extremely anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. A normal person may use it to prevent conditions such as arthritis or even topically to prevent acne breakouts. I think CBD shows great promise for the future. It all boils down to educating the public about the correct usage and understanding the plant better.”
Dr. Amin also added, “I have treated many patients with chronic conditions with full spectrum CBD and attained great results. I also believe the public needs to understand that CBD works in conjunction with THC. Usually this requires at least 3 to 5% THC to work for serious forms of pain and more chronic medical conditions.”
What to look for in a CBD Topical?
The CBD market is filled with different topicals, creams or lotions at the moment, which makes it difficult for consumers to choose the best product for them. Understanding what to look for makes the decision-making easy and researching is also a great help. The factors that need to be considered when buying CBD products include:
- The source of hemp/hemp oil used during the extraction process
- The type of extraction process in producing the CBD product
- The type of CBD product (topicals, creams, lotions and salves)
- The name and reputation of the brand
- The type of processing facilities used in the production of the product
- The amount of cannabidiol in the product
- The directions and usage instructions provided on the label
- The transparency of the company (provision of the detailed list of ingredients; making sure the ingredients are grown domestically)
- Previously published customer reviews and testimonials before you buy CBD oil online
- The amount of added ingredients, chemicals, and artificial preservatives
- Lab tested by third party – third party lab testing is important. Lab test report should state the compounds found in the product which is a useful reference for the consumers. There should be a Certificate of Analysis from an independent lab to validate a standardized testing method approved by the AHP American Herbal Pharmacopoeia), USP (U.S Pharmacopoeia), and AOAC (Association of Official Agricultural Chemists).
- Organically-grown and manufactured in the U.S
From the list we provide above, you will be able to narrow down your choices on what CBD topical to buy.
How Does CBD Topicals Work for Pain?
There were many studies conducted looking at CBD as a great reliever for arthritis pain, muscle or joint paint. The Journal of Current Opinions in Rheumatology explained that Cannabinoids are effective in reducing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In another study with people who had neuropathic pain, CBD oil has been beneficial to reducing chronic pain from the disease.
The human body has two particular receptors: CB1 and CB2. The THC (responsible for ‘high”) reacts on the CB1 receptor. The CBD or cannabidiol rather acts on the CB2 receptor. The CB2 receptors in the body are activated, which also increases the natural production of body’s cannabinoids and produce inflammatory and pain responses.
Dr. Bruce Solitar, M.D., rheumatologist and clinical associate professor of medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, said that, “We have an endogenous cannabinoid system [a.k.a. endocannabinoid system] within our bodies. That means we have cannabinoid receptors throughout our organs and tissue. As a rheumatologist, I’ve been interested in this because there are cannabinoid receptors in the joints and nerves. We don’t know for sure, but CBD likely blocks some of the effect in those nerves, resulting in less pain.”
Ziva Cooper, Ph.D., research director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative, shared that “Cannabidiol is a super messy drug. It has lots and lots of targets and it’s not clear how much of its effects on each target contribute to the potential pain relieving effects.”
An animal study in the European Journal of Pain showed that CBD gel cut down the knee pain, inflammation, and swelling of the rat’s skin with arthritis.
Another small study showed that topical application of CBD oil significantly improves the symptoms of pain itch, and cold sensation of people with a peripheral neuropathy.
How to Use CBD Topical Cream, Lotion, and Salve?
Using topical is the easiest way of using CBD. You never have to worry about putting a drop under your tongue or smoking a joint properly. What you need to do is read on the directions provided in the product’s label. Some products come with specific direction on the specific amount of cream or lotion. Topicals are applied directly on the affected area and massaged into the skin for proper absorption. Unlike edibles, they primarily target specific areas that have tension, spasms, or muscle pain.
What are the Risks?
Finding the best and effective CBD topical medication is a trial and error, but doctors say that these topicals may be low-risk but have high potential for return. Although they warned users of the possible allergic reactions (for people with sensitive skin), and to not apply on open wounds. At this point, little to no serious safety concerns are raised related to CBD use. Experts shared that topical lotions and creams are far less risky compared to oral CBD products. Still, it’s always important to consider advice from your health care provider.