CBD or cannabidiol is becoming more popular due to its numerous stated health advantages and lack of psychotropic qualities.
But the plant compound isn’t just a craze. It’s gaining traction in science as well. CBD ointment for pain, such as creams, gels, and balms have been shown in clinical research to reduce pain. Especially linked with osteoarthritis, nervous system impairment, and persistent localized muscular aches.
CBD creams can help some people with short-term topical comfort. We studied data on more than 50 CBD cream products derived from plants grown in the United States to find the top CBD creams of 2022.
From cost to potency to special effects there’s something for everyone.
What is CBD?
CBD is a chemical found in the cannabis plant. CBD ointment for pain comes in a variety of forms including:
CBD is full-spectrum. Because full-spectrum CBD contains very small amounts of THC (less than 0.3 percent). You will not experience any intoxicating effects when using it.
According to one theory when CBD and THC are present together they may benefit more than THC or CBD alone. This is known as the entourage effect.
Isolate of CBD: This is 100% CBD unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum. CBD isolate contains no additional cannabis plant compounds, including THC.
Is CBD cream effective for pain relief?
CBD research into its pain-relieving properties is still in its early stages. However, there is some evidence that topical CBD products such as creams may help with a variety of pain sensations. Such as:
Pain caused by arthritis: According to a 2016 animal study the topical CBD may help with arthritis-related pain and swelling.
Pain in the nerves: A small study published in 2020 investigated the effects of topical CBD oil on pain. Many participants in the study, all of whom had nerve damage, reported lower pain levels. They described a decrease in sharp, intense, cold, and itchy pain sensations.
Jaw ache: A small study conducted in 2019 Trusted Source investigated how topical CBD might help with a specific type of facial pain that primarily affects the jaw. The study discovered that people who used topical CBD about twice a day felt significantly less pain after two weeks.
The best CBD creams for pain
- The cheapest CBD ointment for pain is CBD Muscle Cream National Rescue.
- Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion, Menthol Formula is the best organic CBD cream for pain.
- Medterra Pain Cream is the best CBD isolate cream for pain.
CBD products include gummies, tablets, and creams. All have the power to benefit from pain management. Topical CBD on the other hand may be especially beneficial for muscle or joint pain.
Sifting through the various CBD products available on the other hand can be tricky. How can you tell which CBD creams are authentic? We’ve done the research for you to make the process a little easier.
How we selected the best CBD rubs
All of the products listed below meet our stringent quality standards. Each CBD cream mentioned in this article:
- is manufactured by a company that provides evidence of third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant lab
- is manufactured by a company that discloses the origin of their hemp
- According to the certificate of analysis, it contains no more than 0.3 percent THC (COA)
- According to the COA, it passes pesticide, heavy metal, and mold tests
We also took into account:
- certifications and manufacturing processes of the company
- the potency of the product
- overall components
- User trust and brand reputation indicators
such as:
- customer feedback
- whether the company has received a warning letter from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)Trusted Source
- whether or not the company makes any unsubstantiated health claims
You may also notice that some of our recommendations include extra ingredients that may help with pain, such as arnica, camphor, and menthol.
Our top picks for the best CBD creams for you
CBDfx Muscle & Joint
- CBD of the broad-spectrum variety
- CBD potency per 50-mL container: 500 mg, 1,000 mg, or 3,000 mg
- COA: available on product page
Because of the menthol in it, this CBD cream has a cooling effect. It also contains anti-inflammatory ingredients such as caffeine and white willow bark extract. Which provides an additional boost of pain relief.
CBDfx’s products are made from CBD extracted without needing solvents and the company provides a 30-day cash back guarantee.
Aspen Green Muscle Relief Cooling Cream
- CBD of the full-spectrum variety
- CBD concentration: 1,000 mg per 60-mL container
- COA: available on the product page
This cooling cream contains arnica harvest and organic menthol, so when combined with full-spectrum CBD it helps to relieve pain.
Remember that full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of THC. This can be beneficial because of the entourage effect. Which theorizes that CBD and THC perform better together than they do separately.
National Rescue CBD Muscle Cream
- CBD of the full-spectrum variety
- CBD concentration: 1,000 mg per 96-g container
- COAs are available online.
The full-spectrum cream from National combines camphor, arnica, menthol, and eucalyptus with CBD to create a fragrant and calming cream. It’s meant to be used daily to prevent pain flare-ups.
National’s products are made from hemp grown in North Carolina and extracted with ethanol. Although ethanol extraction is said to preserve more pharmacotherapy terpenes in the final product, it may still leave trace solvents.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- This is useful for focusing on specific areas of pain. While edibles provide full-body effects, topicals such as creams can be applied directly to troubled areas.
- It’s quick to use. Topicals are not broken down like edibles because they do not pass through your stomach. This means they work more quickly than gummies or capsules.
- The addition of additional ingredients may enhance pain relief. Many creams contain ingredients like menthol or arnica, which provide additional pain relief.
- Skin health has improved. CBD creams may relieve pain while also moisturizing and hydrating the skin.
Cons:
Edibles are more potent. Topicals may have a faster onset of action than edibles but most creams and lotions are less potent.
Dosing is difficult. Oils and edibles are meticulously formulated to ensure that you receive a precise dose with each dropper or serving. However, when applying creams it can be difficult to determine the exact dosing.
Skin irritation is possible. Anytime you apply something to your skin there is the possibility of a reaction.
How to use CBD rubs and ointments
Before using any CBD cream it’s always a good idea to read the instructions on the package. On the other hand, CBD creams are meant to be applied directly to the skin. And then massaged into the skin wherever you’re suffering.
Do you suffer from hand arthritis? Apply the cream to your hands, concentrating on the painful joints.
If a product contains pain-relieving ingredients such as menthol or arnica then you may experience cooling or warming sensations. Start with a small amount if the sensations bother you.
Apply a small amount of the product to the inside of your wrist and wait to see if it irritates. Even the most natural products can irritate people with extremely sensitive skin.
CBD cream should be kept away from mucus membranes and broken skin.
Bottom Line
Choose CBD creams made from all-natural hemp grown in the United States. Because you’ll be applying the cream to your skin so check the ingredient list for any irritants or allergens.
If you’re looking for a CBD topical specifically for pain relief then you should look for products containing additional pain-relieving ingredients.
Warming and cooling CBD ointment for pain which frequently contains menthol or arnica. Provide additional pain relief for aches and pains.