How to Use CBD Topicals

CBD

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Cannabis is more accepted in Canada than ever before, and as a response, you might be seeing more CBD products on the market. CBD isn’t just a compound that exists in marijuana; it can be extracted and used in oils, balms, bath bombs, and other products. Users are no longer limited to smoking; they can also ingest CBD orally or use topical products.

Doctors, friends, or colleagues may encourage you to use CBD for a variety of different ailments, including pain or stress relief. But how do these products work and what will you gain from CBD topicals?

About CBD

There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. All of these cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with different neurotransmitters in the brain. Some of these cannabinoids are psychoactive, which means that it affects the mind. Other cannabinoids are non-psychoactive; when they interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, the brain may change its message to the body and will have an affect on the body.

THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid. It’s why we feel high after we smoke marijuana. CBD is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid. While it is found in marijuana, hemp, and other cannabis plants, it won’t make you feel high. It does, however, still interact with neurotransmitters and offer different effects throughout the body.

Some of these different effects provide relief to people suffering from arthritis, anxiety, or even acne. Scientists have learned how to extract CBD and add it to topical products to give people the opportunity to reap these benefits and feel relief.

Benefits of CBD Topicals

Pain Management

People typically turn to CBD topicals for different types of pain management. CBD isn’t going to make the pain disappear instantly or treat the roots of your pain, but you will manage to feel some relief. CBD treats many different types of pain, including:

Arthritis
Back pain
Joint pain
Pain from Fibromyalgia
Pain from cancer and cancer treatments

Stress Relief

People with a variety of different mental conditions use CBD oil for relief. Even if you are just dealing with stress, CBD topicals can help you take a deep breath and relax. Stress relief can have a big impact on your mental and physical health. So, go for it! Pop in a CBD bath bomb and indulge in some natural self-care.

CBD has also been used to treat symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. People with insomnia may also use CBD oil to help reduce anxiety and help them sleep.

Healthy muscle repair

CBD has been picked up by a lot of athletes and coaches for its anti-inflammatory effects. As you work out, your muscles tear. Inflammation in the body can help to encourage muscle repair, but too much inflammation can cause serious injuries.

Athletes that use anti-inflammatory products, like CBD oil, can help to control the amount of inflammation that arises after a serious workout. Their muscles can still repair and grow without the risk of serious damages.

Happy Skin

CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects don’t just appeal to athletes. People with rosacea and adult acne also use CBD oil to soothe their skin. (There are specific facial products on the market that contain CBD, but be sure to read the directions before you apply a CBD topical to your face.)

Types of CBD Topicals

If you have a specific place you want to reach or a specific way to relax, you can find a CBD topical for your needs. The following topicals are big sellers already:

Lotions
Balms
Hand creams
Patches
Bath bombs
Bath soaks
Scrubs
Body butters
Salves

Tips for Using CBD Topicals:

Know What Product You Are Using

Only buy CBD from trusted sources. CBD and THC are two different compounds that will produce different effects on the brain and body. A 2017 American Medical Association study looked at different CBD products. Out of the products that were tested, 21% had some sort of THC present and 69% were mislabeled.

If you don’t mind having some psychoactive effects from your topical, this might not be a concern to you. But if you only want the effects of CBD, or are worried about drug tests, you’ll need to know what products only contain CBD oil. Do your research before you buy.

Identify Where Your Pain is Coming From

Topicals are most effective when they target specific types of pain. Before you apply your CBD topical, do a body scan. Do you have back pain? Shoulder pain? Neck pain? If you can pinpoint your pain, you can save yourself a lot of product.

If you don’t know where your pain is coming from, try applying your topical to the following “hot spots:”

Joints (shoulders, elbows, knees)
Feet
Temples
Neck

Read the Ingredients for Your Topical

Not all topicals are going to reach the places you want. Reserve your CBD lip balm for your lips and only use bath products in the bath. If you have questions about where you can use a CBD topical, just refer to the instructions.

Most instructions are going to be common sense, but it’s good to give them a read anyway. They may offer tips on whether or not you can heat up or refrigerate your product for extra relief.

Keep it Clean

Wash your hands before and after you apply your topical. Also make sure the skin where you apply your topical is clean as well. No harm in preventing bad bacteria mixing in with the good stuff!

How long does it take for CBD topicals to kick in?

Remember, CBD and THC work in different ways. When you eat an edible or smoke marijuana, you might find yourself coming to a big moment where you think, “I’m high.” CBD works more like a pain relief medication or a topical balm for muscle soreness. After at least 20 minutes, you may feel some relief, but your pain isn’t going to vanish in a single moment.

Alternatives to CBD Topicals

Many people turn to CBD topical products because it targets specific areas of the body. If you are looking for additional ways to consume CBD, try these alternatives: