There’s a lot of information out there around CBD, but there are a lot of misconceptions. Let’s set the record straight about what CBD is and how it’s used.
Misconception #1: CBD is a drug: CBD is a cannabinoid derived from either the hemp plant or the marijuana plant. It is commonly associated with marijuana, but CBD is not psychotropic like THC and other cannabinoids contained in marijuana. Because of this, using CBD is not in any way equivalent to smoking marijuana. You will not get “high” from using CBD.
Misconception #2: CBD doesn’t do anything: CBD provides proven relief through two major processes: anti-inflammatory and free-radical reduction. It can be used to fight joint pain, epilepsy, and even cancer. CBD can relieve pain and anxiety from a wide variety of conditions including chronic illnesses.
Misconception #3: CBD is just for hippies: CBD is widely used by people and animals all over the world. It is a tried and tested form of medicinal relief for a variety of symptoms.
How does CBD work?
Now that we got those out of the way, let’s talk a little bit about how CBD works and what the benefits are to CBD creams.
CBD works through the endocannabinoid system, which is made up of CB1 and CB2 receptors. These latch onto the CBD and other cannabinoid compounds and interact with the central nervous system and immune system to fight pain, anxiety, and inflammation throughout the body. It is the interactions with other bodily systems that allow CBD to fight conditions like epilepsy.
What are the benefits of CBD Cream?
Because we all experience musculoskeletal pain from time to time, CBD pain creams can be helpful for many people. Some suffer from arthritis or chronic pain from conditions like fibromyalgia or ankylosing spondylitis, while others simply tend to get sore after workouts.
Because CBD fights inflammation and anxiety, it can provide pain relief and reduce tension. For some, it can allow for a movement away from narcotic-based pain medications, especially in chronic pain relief applications.
Because CBD pain relief creams are not absorbed fully into your bodily systems, they are not particularly well suited to conditions like cancer or epilepsy that require not just pain relief but the re-regulation of full bodily systems. However, they are also an excellent introduction to CBD products and provide very effective pain, tension and anxiety relief.
The Top CBD Creams Reviewed
Note: Some of these CBD creams include THC. While CBD creams are not an intoxicant there are some more regulations surrounding THC and its effects are not as clear-cut as those of CBD, so carefully evaluate whether or not it is right for you!
To Save You Time, our Top CBD Cream is: CBD Rescue Balm by Elixinol
Remedy Pain Stick by Cannabis Basics
This quick, portable option is about the size of a tube of lip balm. It provides on-the-go-relief for pain. It includes a blend of therapeutic botanicals that contains THC so check with your local laws and your doctor before using.
Wintergreen Dragon Rub by Dragon Elixir
This rub contains only four ingredients and provides a cooling sensation to help relax the muscles. It’s a coconut oil base with rosemary and wintergreen oils to add some soothing aromatherapy alongside CBD’s anti-inflammatory benefits. If you do not enjoy the scent of hemp these strong essential oils may be a good choice for you.
Warming Comfort Balm by Restorative Botanicals
This balm is made with organic hemp extract, Arnica Montana and a blend of seven essential oils. It creates a warming sensation that’s excellent for joint paint and arthritis relief. The Arnica Montana also makes this an excellent choice for overexerted muscles and can help with bruising. View on Amazon.
Baba Salve by Omm Remedies
This salve contains 100mg each of CBD and THC so use caution depending on your size, tolerance and preferences. The salve can help with everything from joint pain to menstrual cramps to bug bites and soothes both the skin and the underlying tissues.
Relief Balm by Flour Child
This balm uses a 3:1 CBD to THC ratio to provide the benefits of both oils, though the THC concentration is lower do use caution depending on your size, tolerance and preferences. It’s based on mango and kokum butter and can provide both soothing for dry skin and act as an effective muscle relaxant.
CBD Essential Oil Salve by Blue Moon Hemp
This salve uses pharmaceutical-grade, hemp-derived CBD and a blend of soothing oils to provide muscle and joint pain relief. It does not contain THC, but also is not provided in a specific measured dose, so work slowly while finding the right amount to use.
Releaf Balm by Papa and Barkley
Releaf Balm contains 400mg of cannabinoids (3:1 THC to CBD ratio) per jar. Use caution since this product contains THC, but it does include a fixed dosage of cannabinoids, which can make finding the appropriate amount to use easier.
Synergy Relief Balm by Dixie Synergy
This balm offers 1:1 THC and CBD and is ultra-fast absorbing to relieve pain as effectively as possible. Synergy is specially formulated for chronic pain. Use caution when determining your correct dosage due to the presence of THC.
CBD Topical Compound by Mary’s Medicinals
This cream has 100mg of active cannabinoids per jar and aims to provide deep relief beneath the skin, making it great for joint pain or deep muscle aches. Because this formula does not contain any essential oils or scents it may smell strongly of hemp, which some people enjoy and others find unpleasant.
Award Winning Salve by Mary Jane’s Medicinals
A blend of lavender, peppermint and cannabinoids provides a unique salve focused on “whole-plant” healing. This blend includes strong-scented essential oils and may be a good choice for people who don’t like the smell of hemp. It does not have a measured dosage, so use caution to avoid overapplication.
Raw Cannabis Balm by Awakened Tropicals
This balm includes 13 essential oils and a blend of THCA and CBDA derived from raw cannabis. The focus is on providing relief for intense muscle and joint pain. Due to the presence of non-CBD cannabinoid compounds use caution when determining your correct dosage.
CBD Rescue Balm by Elixinol
This balm provides a measured 125mg of CBD with natural ucuuba butter and andiroba oil for intense anti-inflammatory benefits. It’s measured dose and lack of THC make it a very easy cream to use. It is non-greasy and contains no synthetic chemicals.
Conclusion
CBD creams are an effective and popular way to quell a variety of painful symptoms. However, please note that CBD has not been officially evaluated to treat any disease and that local regulations regarding CBD vary. Check with your doctor and/or your local government if you have questions about CBD’s efficacy or legality for you.
Be sure to carefully evaluate your current pain and anxiety levels before using a CBD pain cream and avoid using too much. Start with the minimum application and increase gradually, giving yourself at least a week to adjust to each new quantity before you increase how much you’re using. CBD is not dangerous, but using too much can cause drowsiness and nausea.
