Are you curious if CBD patches can minimize pain and inflammation? Keep on reading to learn how CBD pain patches work and the benefits of alleviating pain.

How CBD Patches Help With Pain

In a clinical study, cannabidiol or CBD formulations were studied to establish the compound’s effectiveness in decreasing pain when conventional treatment alternatives failed(1).

CBD, a non-psychoactive component of the Cannabis sativa L. plant, is subject to studies as a possible therapy for chronic pain and epilepsy(2).

CBD works in the body by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS). An essential part of the endocannabinoid system is regulating pain and inflammation, among other things(3).

Activators of cannabinoid receptors(CB1 and CB2) have been shown to block pain in acute and chronic pain models and reduce inflammation(4).

Thus, transdermal patches with CBD compounds may help pain management(5).

Benefits/Uses of Using CBD Patches for Pain

Transdermal products such as CBD patches are absorbed into the bloodstream via the layers of skin.

According to research, transdermal patches are commonly used to deliver drugs through the skin. Unlike oral-dosage forms, transdermal patches do not have the first-pass metabolism effect and improve drug bioavailability(6).

Bioavailability refers to how a drug becomes completely accessible to its intended biological targets.

Meanwhile, according to research published in Nature Biotechnology, the transdermal application may provide appealing prospects to alleviate the discomfort and inconvenience of injection and the limited absorption of certain oral medications(7).

Note that studies on CBD patches for pain relief are still in their early stages.

However, according to animal studies published in the European Journal of Pain, transdermal CBD may effectively reduce arthritic pain-related behaviors and inflammation while causing no negative side effects(8).

As part of their study, the researchers delivered three different doses of CBD gel daily for four consecutive days to a rat model after the development of arthritis.

The results showed that 6.2mg of CBD in gel form per day may be a safe and effective amount of CBD(9).

How Long Do CBD Patches Take to Help Pain?

It takes 15-30 minutes for CBD patches to start working. The benefits of CBD usually last up to 8 hours after using this transdermal method(10).

How Long Will CBD Patches Help With Pain?

The pharmacokinetics of cannabidiol in CBD patches determines how long it remains active once it has taken effect.

Pharmacokinetics encompasses the time course of medication absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and bioavailability(11).

The amount to which a given drug becomes accessible to the biological destinations to which it is intended is referred to as bioavailability(12).

The bioavailability of CBD, when administered topically, is around 90%(13).

How to Use CBD Patches

Although CBD patches are designed to be used on the skin, they shouldn’t be applied to broken skin.

If the CBD patch is non-adhesive, you can use the patch as a heating pad. The best place to apply the CBD patch is on the pained area and let it work for a couple of hours.

Risks/Side Effects of Using CBD Patches for Pain

According to the clinical studies, the safety profile of cannabidiol in humans was confirmed by follow-up studies(14).

However, the FDA recommends that further study is necessary to compile a comprehensive database of CBD consumption and safety information(15).

Furthermore, the FDA informs the public about the potential adverse effects that individuals may experience from using CBD(16).

The following are some of the side effects(17).

  • Changes in alertness

  • Gastrointestinal tract discomfort

  • Decreased appetite

  • Mood swings (irritability and agitation)

Legality of CBD

States have different laws regarding the legalization of CBD. As a result, be informed of your current state regulations governing the usage of CBD products such as CBD patches to prevent any potential legal ramifications in the future(18).

FAQs

  1. How can CBD patches help with the pain?

CBD has pain-relieving effects(19). Given CBD’s pharmacology, the usefulness of CBD patches to individuals in managing pain of individuals seems possible.

  1. What research or evidence exists to say that CBD patches help with the pain?

The European Journal of Pain reports that transdermal CBD may effectively reduce arthritic pain-related behaviors and inflammation while generating no harmful side effects(20).

  1. Is there any evidence that CBD patches can make the pain worse?

Although there is no evidence supporting CBD patches for managing pain, there are still risks associated with the administration. CBD patches, for instance, can be reservoir patches.

A reservoir patch is commonly used to control the release of drugs. However, it can also cause a sudden and unexpected burst of activity(21).

  1. Will CBD patches interact with any current medication I may be taking for pain?

Transdermal patches containing CBD can interact with other medications used for treating pain. For instance, CBD can potentially interact with ibuprofen, a commonly used painkiller(22).

  1. Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD patches to help with pain?

Corticosteroids (steroids) may reduce pain(23). However, according to studies, immunosuppressive medicines like corticosteroids should be used with caution while utilizing CBD for medicinal purposes(24).

  1. Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD patches for pain?

CBD patches with THC levels under 0.3 percent frequently pass drug tests. However, extended and regular usage of CBD patches may raise THC levels in the bloodstream and cause a drug test failure(25).

Also, some label claims that the products contain less than 0.3% THC. Be careful, as the levels could still be higher than those in the CBD patches. It’s also possible that small amounts of CBD could build up in the body over time(26).

  1. What is the dosage for pain?

Although there is no standard dosage for pain management, CBD patches can be applied according to a person’s health condition and genetics(27). For instance, individuals with certain health conditions should start taking low doses before gradually increasing(28).

  1. What are the side effects of CBD patches for pain?

CBD may have side effects, including alertness changes, gastrointestinal discomfort, mood swings, and decreased appetite(29).

  1. How long do CBD Patches Take to Work?

The effects of CBD patches can last for up to 30 minutes, depending on the concentration. They can also last for 8 hours after skin application(30).


  1. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
  2. Ibid.
  3. The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
  4. Ibid.
  5. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
  6. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
  7. Myorelaxant Effect of Transdermal Cannabidiol Application in Patients with TMD: A Randomized, Double-Blind Trial
    https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/8/11/1886/htm
  8. Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-Related Behaviours in a Rat Model of Arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  9. Ibid.
  10. Healing With CBD, page 194.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  11. Pharmacokinetics
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/pharmacokinetics
  12. Drug Bioavailability
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32496732/
  13. Healing With CBD, page 194.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  14. An Update on Safety and Side Effects of Cannabidiol: A Review of Clinical Data and Relevant Animal Studies
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5569602/
  15. Better Data for a Better Understanding of the Use and Safety Profile of Cannabidiol (CBD) Products
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/better-data-better-understanding-use-and-safety-profile-cannabidiol-cbd-products
  16. Ibid.
  17. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  18. FDA Regulation of Cannabis and Cannabis-Derived Products, Including Cannabidiol (CBD)
    https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbd
  19. Research Shows Pain-Relieving Effects of CBD
    https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/04/210423130221.htm
  20. Transdermal Cannabidiol Reduces Inflammation and Pain-Related Behaviours in a Rat Model of Arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  21. Transdermal Drug Delivery: Principles and Opioid Therapy
    https://academic.oup.com/bjaed/article/7/5/171/535087
  22. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/
  23. Steroids as pain relief adjuvants
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3001922/#
  24. Potential Adverse Drug Events and Drug-Drug Interactions with Medical and Consumer Cannabidiol (CBD) Use
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6678684/
  25. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/
  26. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/
  27. CBD dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
  28. Ibid.
  29. What You Need to Know (And What We’re Working to Find Out) About Products Containing Cannabis or Cannabis-derived Compounds, Including CBD
    https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabis
  30. Healing With CBD, page 194.
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
CBD Clinicals is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more