Compare the Best CBD Balm for Pain in 2023

How CBD Balms May Help With Pain

Cannabidiol or CBD is a Cannabis sativa compound purported to have numerous therapeutic benefits, including analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects⁽¹⁾.

CBD works by stimulating the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)⁽²⁾.

The ECS is composed of neurons, receptors, and enzymes that work together to provide homeostasis or a stable environment within the body⁽³⁾. Various studies show that the ECS plays a role in processing the body’s pain signals⁽⁴⁾.

CB1 receptors have a function to modulate pain perception⁽⁵⁾.

Activated CB2 receptors, meanwhile, help create an anti-inflammatory effect. This benefit may help manage chronic pain brought by various neurodegenerative diseases⁽⁶⁾. 

CBD’s role in stimulating the cannabinoid receptors to provide anti-inflammatory benefits⁽⁷⁾ may be a potential area of research regarding the treatment of different types of pain.

For example, CBD may help reduce inflammation at the injury site, such as in sprained ankles⁽⁸⁾. CBD may also help manage chronic pain, such as those caused by injured or irritated nerves⁽⁹⁾.

Uses and Benefits of CBD Balms for Pain

The World Health Organization (WHO) acknowledges CBD’s potential analgesic effects on individuals with neuropathic pain⁽¹⁰⁾.

CBD topicals may provide pain-relieving effects when applied to the skin⁽¹¹⁾. Applied topically, CBD may help decrease inflammation, itching, muscle tightness, and sunburn⁽¹²⁾.

A randomized controlled trial in 2020 was conducted to determine the effectiveness of topical CBD in relieving peripheral neuropathy in humans⁽¹³⁾.

The results showed that transdermal application of CBD oil may help alleviate pain and other disturbing sensations associated with peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy results from injury of the peripheral nerves (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord). This damage often causes weakness, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet⁽¹⁴⁾.

One review mentioned that CBD may effectively manage chronic pain without causing adverse side effects⁽¹⁵⁾.

Aside from helping with chronic pain, CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may play a role in managing arthritis-related pain⁽¹⁶⁾. Some symptoms of arthritis include joint pain and stiffness.

Another review mentioned that, based on some studies, CBD may provide anti-inflammatory action. However, other trials reported opposite results⁽¹⁷⁾. These findings suggest that CBD, in some cases, may worsen inflammation.

The review researchers mentioned that further studies are needed to clarify CBD’s potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Some studies also suggest that CBD may help manage pain associated with the following conditions⁽¹⁸⁾:

• Arthritis
• Cancer
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia (widespread musculoskeletal pain)
• Migraines
• Multiple sclerosis (disabling central nervous system disease)
• Parkinson’s disease (progressive nervous system disorder)

Dosage When Using CBD Balms for Pain

CBD balms, sometimes called hemp balms or hemp creams, do not have a standard dosage specific for pain. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at present does not endorse any CBD dosage guides for pain relief.

A generally recommended CBD dosing method is to start with a low dose and gradually increase the dosage. This method involves taking a low dose when starting a CBD regimen⁽¹⁹⁾.

If you take a CBD-dominant product, you may start with 10 milligrams (mg) of CBD per day. If the product contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), you may take a low amount of THC at 1 to 1.25mg doses⁽²⁰⁾.

How to Use CBD Balms for Pain

Topical CBD products are usually applied to the skin to provide localized pain relief⁽²¹⁾. These products include CBD balms, CBD salves, and CBD pain creams.

Some CBD brands may also offer topical products such as CBD lotions, roll-ons, massage oils, sports creams, lip balms, and other skincare products.

Lotions are preparations applied to the skin for cosmetic or medical purposes.

Roll-ons, such as deodorants, are rubbed or spread on the body using a bottle with a rolling ball on top for application.

Massage oils help reduce friction on the skin during a massage session.

Meanwhile, sports creams are ointments used to help reduce pain and aches⁽²²⁾.

Lip balms are preparations used for soothing cracked or sore lips.

How Long Do CBD Balms Take to Help With Pain?

There are no specific studies to date that focus on the onset times of CBD balms and ointments for pain.

One study mentioned that CBD topicals have relatively quick onset times of about 15 to 30 minutes after application⁽²³⁾.

For transdermal CBD administration, the onset time is about 15 minutes⁽²⁴⁾. Transdermal application involves applying medication to be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream.

How Long Will CBD Balms Help With Pain?

At present, no conclusive clinical trials have been conducted to determine the duration of CBD balms’ effects on pain relief.

In general, the effects of CBD topical creams may last for about two to four hours⁽²⁵⁾.

On the other hand, transdermal products such as gels may be effective for four hours, while the effect of transdermal patches may last for about 12 hours⁽²⁶⁾.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD Balms for Pain

One animal study on CBD transdermal application mentioned that CBD may have therapeutic potential for arthritis-related pain without evident side effects⁽²⁷⁾.

While the study was conducted on animals, further clinical human studies are needed to determine the specific side effects of CBD balms for pain.

Some of the general side effects of CBD include diarrhea, fatigue, appetite loss, drowsiness, and dry mouth⁽²⁸⁾.

Other adverse effects associated with CBD use include tiredness and changes in appetite or weight⁽²⁹⁾.

How to Shop for CBD Balm

When choosing the best CBD creams and balms to help with pain and soreness, several factors to consider include extraction methods, CBD product categories, lab test results, and the user’s preferences.

CBD balms contain CBD oil, which usually comes from the cannabis plant and is processed using carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbon, or ethanol extraction methods.

CO2 extraction uses highly pressurized and liquefied carbon dioxide to process CBD. Many manufacturers consider the CO2 method a safe way of extracting CBD and other compounds from the hemp plant⁽³⁰⁾.

Hydrocarbon extraction uses solvents like propane or butane to extract CBD. When handled properly, hydrocarbons may be considered safe to use for extracting plant compounds⁽³¹⁾.

However, hydrocarbons are flammable and neurotoxic. If the hydrocarbons are not wholly removed from the extracted CBD, individuals may accidentally ingest the solvents, which can turn into a health hazard.

For ethanol extraction, manufacturers utilize ethanol as a solvent to process CBD. For centuries, many cultures have practiced this method to extract beneficial botanical compounds from cannabis plants⁽³²⁾.

After extraction, manufacturers process the CBD oil and categorize it as isolate, full-spectrum, or broad-spectrum CBD oil.

CBD isolates contain only pure CBD. These products are THC-free and have no other cannabinoids or compounds.

Full-spectrum CBD oil, or full-spectrum hemp extract, contains all the beneficial cannabinoids and compounds of the cannabis plant. These compounds include terpenes, flavonoids, and THC.

Terpenes are plant compounds that give off a distinct aroma, while flavonoids are phytochemicals (plant-based chemicals) that give plants their color.

Combining these compounds in full-spectrum CBD oil creates an “entourage effect.” This phenomenon occurs when active cannabis compounds work together to enhance their total benefits⁽³³⁾.

Broad-spectrum CBD oil, or broad-spectrum hemp oil, also contains similar cannabinoids and compounds as full-spectrum CBD products. However, broad-spectrum CBD oil does not contain THC.

If you prefer quality products that do not have any psychoactive effects associated with THC, you should consider broad-spectrum CBD oil or CBD isolates as viable options.

CBD brands that value transparency typically include a certificate of analysis (COA) with their CBD products. Third-party labs provide these COAs, which contain detailed information about a CBD product’s content.

Third-party labs also analyze whether the product contains harmful contaminants, such as pesticides, solvents, or heavy metals, that may cause health risks to consumers.

Additionally, consider purchasing products from CBD brands that post updated COAs on their website. Having the latest COAs ensures that the products are periodically tested.

You may access the COAs from the CBD brand’s website and compare if the results are consistent with the product label’s information.

Regarding individual preferences, some consumers may prefer high-quality CBD products that are non-GMO and gluten-free or are sourced from organic hemp grown in U.S. hemp farms.

These buyers may also prefer products that are certified organic by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) or the U.S. Hemp Authority.

Some CBD brands that claim to be made from U.S.-grown hemp include CBDistillery, Joy Organics, CBDfx, and MedTerra.

CBD brands selling topical CBD creams may infuse their products with other natural ingredients, essential oils, and fragrances. Some of these active ingredients include:

• Coconut oil
• Jojoba oil or jojoba seed oil
• Shea butter
• Arnica
• Beeswax
• Olive oil
• Aloe vera
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint
• Tea tree
• Camphor oil
• Menthol
• Wintergreen oil

Ingredients such as coconut oil may have moisturizing or nourishing effects, which may provide skin hydration and help manage skin conditions like eczema⁽³⁴⁾. Aloe vera and tea tree oil may also help with psoriasis⁽³⁵⁾.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is when your skin turns red and itchy. Psoriasis is a skin disease that usually causes red, scaly patches to appear on the skin.

Other topical CBD products marketed for skincare and wellness may contain parabens.

Parabens are chemicals often used in cosmetics to prevent bacterial growth and protect products and consumers⁽³⁶⁾.

Some sellers often market CBD pain relief balms as having cooling effects or providing a cooling sensation. However, no conclusive clinical studies have been conducted if such benefits may help with sore muscles or muscle aches.

Consumers considering CBD products other than topicals may also opt for different product types, such as CBD oil tinctures, CBD gummies, and edibles.

Tinctures are typically taken sublingually or under the tongue. Gummies and other edibles like cookies or chews, meanwhile, are taken orally.

The Legality of CBD Balm

CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC are illegal under federal law⁽³⁷⁾.

The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp and hemp-based CBD products with less than 0.3% THC from the Drug Enforcement Administration’s controlled substances list. The law also legalized industrial hemp cultivation in the United States.

Currently, the only FDA-approved CBD product is Epidiolex. This drug is used as a prescription medication to treat epilepsy⁽³⁸⁾.

The FDA warns sellers that labeling CBD products as dietary supplements or marketing them as food additives is illegal⁽³⁹⁾.

While all 50 U.S. states have laws regarding CBD use, the restriction levels among these states may vary⁽⁴⁰⁾. If you are considering using CBD, check the laws first to know whether CBD usage is legal in your area.

Some U.S. states, such as Arizona, Colorado, California, Florida, New York, and Washington, have legalized medical cannabis programs as of February 2022⁽⁴¹⁾.

What Is Pain?

Pain is a signal sent by the nervous system that tells you something is wrong with your body. This feeling is usually unpleasant, such as a sting, prick, burn, or ache, and may be characterized by a sharp or dull sensation.

Pain may be acute (short-lived) or chronic (present for a long time). Chronic pain may be mild or severe and may result from an existing condition needing treatment.

Some types of pain include the following⁽⁴²⁾:

• Low back pain
• Head or neck pain
• Hip or pelvic pain
• Arthritic pain
• Anginal (chest) pain
• Myofascial (muscular) pain
• Sciatica (pinched nerves)
• Cancer pain

Some symptoms of pain include dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, and nausea. Pain may also cause depression, irritability, anger, or mood swings⁽⁴³⁾.

At present, the best way to treat pain is to manage its symptoms. Consult a doctor or pain medicine specialist to get a diagnosis and treatment to control pain.