Pain is something we’re all familiar with. From the ache in our joints to the burning sensation on our backs, it’s something we all want to relieve ourselves from, chronic pain sufferers doubly so. But the problem lies in some treatments causing unwanted effects, resulting in people searching for ones that don’t.
This search will eventually lead to the use of CBD and the question arise, “Should I try out CBD topical products for pain relief?”
What is a CBD Topical Product?
First things first, CBD stands for Cannabidiol. It is a type of compound that you can find in the cannabis plant. Unlike the other compounds found in the plant, this particular one does not produce a high.
CBD Topical Products, then, are products infused with CBD that are safe to apply directly on the skin. Examples of these types of products include cream, lotion, and balm to name a few. You can check out CBDClinicals.com to see the best CBD oils to use for pain.
How is it Different from Other CBD Products?
The main difference between this type of product and other CBD products is the method of use.
There are different types of CBD products. These products are separated into oils and tincture, edibles, creams and lotions.
Creams and lotions fall under the topical CBD product.
On the other hand, oils and tinctures are products that allow consumers to take CBD extract on their own. They generally have essential oils as their base. These products are usually taken through a dropper or by adding them to food and drinks.
The other types of CBD products are edibles. They still contain the CBD extract; except they are presented in food form. They can be purchased as drinks or food, like teas or chocolates for instance.
Do Topical CBD Products Work for Pain Relief?
Topical CBD products have been known to successfully alleviate any pain or inflammation in specific areas of your body. Testimonies have shown that people usually like having CBD pain relief cream with them on hand, in case of any sudden pain cropping up.
Since it’s the type of CBD product that doesn’t enter the bloodstream, it cannot address any systemic pains or problems. But it has no problem relieving you of any surface-level inflammations as the formulations of the creams comes with ingredients like menthol to provide a great sensation of pain relief.
What Science Says About CBD Creams for Pain Relief
Researchers have already confirmed that CBD cream for pain does indeed do its job of working against any pain and inflammation in the body.
The Arthritis Foundation did a survey on 2,600 arthritis patients back in 2019, revealing that 29% of them use CBD products for their arthritis symptoms. And of those 754 people, 55% of them use topical products, like CBD cream for pain.
In addition to that, the effectiveness of CBD products can be attributed to the high concentration of cannabinoid receptors that can be found on our skins that affect pain sensation, immune function, etc.
A small study published in 2019 also showed the result of using CBD ointment on people with psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and scars over a span of three months. The report states that their symptoms and signs of skin disorders significantly improved after the three-month period.
Therefore, compared to other over-the-counter pain relief creams, topical CBD products do not just mask the pain or inflammation. In fact, they make sure that the pain symptoms goes away for a lengthy amount of time.
Are CBD Topical Products Legal?
With CBD products revolutionizing and causing a shift in the healthcare and cosmetic landscape, it’s only natural to question whether they are legal or not.
The answer is: yes, they are. But it comes with specific conditions. The legality of this product is complicated and found in the gray area which may be confusing to a lot of people.
In 2018, the Farm Bill was implemented, making hemp-derived CBD products legal. But some people still confuse it as the bill legalizing all CBD products, when that is not the case.
Based on the regulations stipulated in the 2018 Farm Bill, for a CBD product to be considered legal it must be:
- Derived from hemp and not marijuana
- Contain less than 0.3% THC
- Adhere to shared state-federal regulations
- Grown by a licensed grower
Additionally, companies can claim that their CBD topical products are completely legal federally but the only way to guarantee that with complete certainty is if they are able to provide a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which is a document created once a product has been tested by an independent third-party laboratory.
COAs provided extremely detailed information about the products, including the measurement of the compounds found in them. So if a CBD brand is unable to procure a COA, or if their COA shows that their THC percentage is higher than the legal amount, then it’s best to steer clear.
Also, just because CBD is federally legal does not mean it is legal in all states. So, before buying, it’s best to check the exact status of CBD products in the state you live in.
Final Thoughts
To sum it up, CBD topical products do indeed show high potential to work and relieve pain. many research studies do back it up. However, more research on CBD is still required.
Is it advisable? Yes, especially if you’re looking for pain treatments that have lesser chances of causing any unwanted effects. But it still helps to be wary. The explosion of CBD-infused topical products suddenly showing up in the market may invite some unsavory characters to blend in and sell CBD products that do not contain what they advertise.
If it’s something that you are strongly considering trying, then there’s little to no harm in doing so. There are various CBD topical products available on the market. Additionally, there are already a number of reputable CBD brands that you can trust. At the end of the day, it’s up to you to find the best CBD cream for pain that works for you.
