• Cold therapy is a type of physiotherapy that involves cold application. Superficial cold application may cause physiologic reactions, such as local anesthetic effects, in affected areas(1).
  • In a 2022 study published in the PAIN journal, researchers observed the pain response of healthy adults to cannabidiol (CBD)(2). Results showed that CBD may have analgesic properties.
  • A systematic review by the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggested the benefits of CBD products in helping with chronic pain(3). In addition, a 2020 review details the compound’s benefits in alleviating inflammation and chronic pain(4).

However, research about the potential of CBD pain freeze in cold therapy is still inconclusive. Studies are ongoing to determine the potential of CBD pain freeze in alleviating inflammation and chronic pain.

Can CBD Be Used in Cold Therapy?

Cold therapy, also known as cold water immersion, relieves inflammation and swelling by reducing the blood flow to a particular body part(5). Cold water constricts the blood vessels, helping with the swelling linked to inflammation and giving relief from pain.

Research about the potential of CBD pain freeze in cold therapy is still in its early stages. However, studies are ongoing to determine the potential of CBD pain freeze in helping with inflammation and chronic pain.

In the January 2022 issue of PAIN journal, researchers observed the pain response of healthy adults to CBD. The results suggested that CBD may have pain relief effects(6). 

A systematic review by the American College of Physicians (ACP) suggested that there could be short-term clinical benefits of cannabis-based CBD products in treating chronic pain(7). 

Moreover, a review in 2020 details CBD’s benefits in relieving inflammation and chronic pain(8). 

An animal study supports the results of the study above(9). In the study, rat models of arthritis were given a topical gel CBD for four days. Researchers noted a significant reduction in inflammation without evident signs of pain or any side effects to the rats.

What Is CBD?

A cannabinoid is a chemical in cannabis, also called marijuana. There are more than 100 cannabinoids, two of which are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD)(10).

CBD extract is directly derived from the cannabis plant industrial hemp. This extract is classified as full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolates. 

Full-spectrum CBD product utilizes extracts from the entire hemp plant. This form includes flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, and other cannabinoids. The THC concentration is lower than 0.3%.

Similarly, broad-spectrum CBD contains THC but in minimal amounts. Meanwhile, isolates are pure CBD with no THC or other cannabinoids. 

Research suggests that when used together, cannabinoids such as CBD and THC may be more effective in treating joint swelling and chronic pain(11). 

Studies have shown that CBD may help relieve inflammation and modulate the regulation of homeostasis(12). Unlike THC, CBD lacks the psychoactive effect that causes changes in the mood, thoughts, behavior, and awareness of the user.

CBD products include CBD oils (premium CBD hemp extracts) and CBD edibles like supplemental dietary products and CBD gummies.

CBD topical solutions include CBD creams (like CBD pain rubs or cold therapy rubs), CBD lotions, CBD ointments, and CBD balms.

CBD also comes in capsules and pills. The compound may also be an ingredient in hemp bombs CBD, CBD roll-ons, CBD vaping liquid, and CBD mist sprays. Some companies also produce CBD products for pets.

How to Use CBD Pain Freeze in Cold Therapy

CBD pain freeze sometimes combines pure CBD extract and menthol USP (United States Pharmacopeia) natural. Ingredients include water, carbomer, triethanolamine (TEA), and isopropyl alcohol(13). 

Menthol is naturally derived from peppermint or other mint oils but can also be synthetically manufactured. The USP is a reference for the standard preparation of commonly used drugs to guarantee their potency, quality, and purity.

While carbomer is used as a thickening agent, TEA works as the CBD pain freeze pH adjuster. pH indicates how acidic or basic water is.

Lastly, isopropyl alcohol gives CBD pain freeze its strong alcoholic odor. 

CBD pain freeze is a topical CBD product that may be directly applied to localized pain four times a day. Washing the hands after using the CBD pain freeze is recommended. 

Some creams may also include: 

  • Arnica (also called arnica montana), used to relieve inflammation(14)
  • Aloe vera, which may help with pain and recovery(15)
  • Tea tree oil, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics(16)
  • Tocopherol acetate or vitamin E, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects(17)

Menthol is a counter-irritant. It creates a mild irritation or inflammation in a specific part of the body with the goal of soothing discomfort in another part(18). Like cold compress and frozen gel packs, topical menthol relieves pain by decreasing arterial blood flow(19).

Cold therapy is also known as cryotherapy. Different ways of applying cold therapy include applying a gel pack in the affected area, taking ice baths, and using coolant sprays(20). If the pain or inflammation does not go away after applying cold therapy, consulting a healthcare provider is the best course of action. 

In a nonclinical study published in the European Journal of Pain, researchers noted that the topical solution CBD relieved inflammatory joint pain induced in male rats by altering how stimuli react to pain receptors CB1 and CB2(21). 

CB1 and CB2 are the primary receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) responsible for homeostasis or the state of balance of all body systems.

Meanwhile, in a study published in the journal Mediators of Inflammation, the authors observed that the activation of the cannabinoid receptor CB2 may help reduce inflammation(22). Study results suggested that combining CBD pain freeze with cold therapy may help with pain and inflammation, promoting wellness. 

Potential Benefits of CBD Pain Freeze in Cold Therapy

A survey in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report showed that an estimated 11% to 40% of adults in the United States were experiencing chronic pain. This condition is a common reason adults seek medical care in the US(23).

In a systematic review published by the International Anesthesia Research Society, researchers observed that CBD may have analgesic benefits for patients with chronic pain(24).

Menthol, an active ingredient of CBD pain freeze, acts as a fast-acting short-lived topical analgesic that soothes pains and inflammation when applied to aching joints and muscle aches(25). 

The combination of CBD‘s anti-inflammatory properties and the menthol‘s cooling effect may provide users with that cooling sensation for immediate relief. 

What Is the Right Dosage for CBD Pain Freeze in Cold Therapy?

There are many factors to consider in finding the correct dose of CBD pain freeze for a specific user. Factors include a patient’s medical condition, metabolism, body weight, and reaction to certain medications.

Topical products, like CBD pain freeze, are applied when pain exists only in certain parts of the body. These products affect layers of skin and the cells surrounding the area of discomfort. 

However, unlike other cannabis products(26), topicals like CBD pain freeze do not cause stimulation or depression to the nervous system as they do not reach the bloodstream. 

In the book, A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis–Healing without the High, authors Birnbaum and Leinow identified a standard dose between 10mg and 100mg daily. Research suggests that this range of CBD doses has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties(27).

In general, it takes 15 to 30 minutes to feel the effects of topical CBD in the form of a pain freeze. Its effect typically lasts from two to four hours(28). 

However, users should consult a health care provider experienced in medicinal cannabis or CBD use and get advice on dosage and delivery methods.

Through the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, California became the first state in the United States to legalize medical cannabis(29). 

Proposition 64 of the Adult Use of Marijuana Act allowed adults of legal age 21 and above) to own and gift up to 8 oz. of cannabis concentrate or 1 oz. of marijuana, use cannabis on private property, and grow up to six plants per residence. 

In 2018, the Farm Bill legalized the production of CBD products derived from hemp, not marijuana. 

Hemp and marijuana have the same molecules. However, hemp-derived products do not have psychoactive effects. Thus, hemp products like CBD pain freeze do not make one feel a euphoric high. 

Any CBD product is federally legal as long as it is derived from hemp, as the plant contains less than 0.3% THC by dry weight(30).

Epidiolex oral solution is the only CBD product approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (USFDA). It is pure cannabis- or marijuana-derived medicine used to treat certain types of epilepsy.

According to the FDA, Epidiolex is a safe and effective treatment of seizures in patients with epileptic disorders such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) and Dravet syndrome (DS)(31).

Meanwhile, as of October 2021, the Australian Journal of General Practice estimates that 130,000 medicinal cannabis have been approved in Australia(32).

A CBD pain freeze product must have a certificate of analysis (COA) issued by independent labs to ensure product quality and safety. A COA is a detailed report of  a third-party laboratory on the chemical analysis of a CBD product. 

Many states mandate CBD products to have a custom label with a QR code, a scannable image containing information about a product, linking the COA of the item. A CBD product COA usually includes cannabinoid types, weight percentage, concentration, and heavy metal analysis.

Consumers should verify the amount of THC and missing cannabinoids. By law, CBD cannot contain THC above 3%. A full-spectrum CBD extract must contain a variety of cannabinoids found in the COA(33).


  1. Scientific Evidence-Based Effects of Hydrotherapy on Various Systems of the Body https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4049052/
  2. Pain response to cannabidiol in induced acute nociceptive pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia by using a model mimicking acute pain in healthy adults in a randomized trial (CANAB I)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34086631/
  3. Cannabis-Based Products for Chronic Pain
    https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M21-4520
  4. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
  5. Can Ice Baths Ease My Sore Muscles?
    https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-ice-baths-ease-my-sore-muscles/
  6. Pain response to cannabidiol in induced acute nociceptive pain, allodynia, and hyperalgesia by using a model mimicking acute pain in healthy adults in a randomized trial (CANAB I)
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34086631/
  7. Cannabis-Based Products for Chronic Pain
    https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M21-4520
  8. A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7204604/
  9. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviors in a rat model of arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925 /
  10. Cannabis (Marijuana) and Cannabinoids: What You Need To Know
    https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/cannabis-marijuana-and-cannabinoids-what-you-need-to-know
  11. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472
  12. The nonpsychoactive cannabis constituent cannabidiol is an orally effective therapeutic agent in chronic rat inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
    https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001429990601257X?via%3Dihub
  13. CBD PAIN FREEZE SHRINK- menthol gel
    https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=06f9fd7f-6571-4c9e-bfb9-5d52858c99e7##
  14. Anti-inflammatory activity of Arnica montana 6cH: preclinical study in animals
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15139092/
  15. The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330525/
  16. Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1360273/
  17. The Role of Vitamin E in Preventing and Treating Osteoarthritis – A Review of the Current Evidence
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6113565/
  18. The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcpt.12679
  19. Effect of Topical Menthol on Ipsilateral and Contralateral Superficial Blood Flow Following a Bout of Maximum Voluntary Muscle Contraction
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3109898/
  20. Cryotherapy Cold Therapy for Pain Management
    https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/cryotherapy-cold-therapy-for-pain-management
  21. Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviors in a rat model of arthritis
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
  22. Cannabinoid Receptor CB2 Is Involved in Tetrahydrocannabinol-Induced Anti-Inflammation against Lipopolysaccharide in MG-63 Cells
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4310496/
  23. Prevalence of Chronic Pain and High-Impact Chronic Pain Among Adults https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/67/wr/mm6736a2.htm
  24. Selective Cannabinoids for Chronic Neuropathic Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
    https://journals.lww.com/anesthesia-analgesia/Fulltext/2017/11000/Selective_Cannabinoids_for_Chronic_Neuropathic.32.aspx
  25. The role and mechanism of action of menthol in topical analgesic products
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29524352/
  26. CBD: A Patient’s Guide to Medicinal Cannabis–Healing without the High
    p.261
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MILU_6ZjYkII-XMUPHLFPiPQbrz__5Sh/view
  27. Ibid
  28. Healing with CBD, page 193
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  29. Proposition 215: Text of Proposed Law
    https://vigarchive.sos.ca.gov/1996/general/pamphlet/215text.htm
  30. Is CBD legal? Here’s what you need to know, according to science
    https://www.pbs.org/newshour/science/is-cbd-legal-heres-what-you-need-to-know-according-to-science
  31. 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#approved
  32. Medicinal cannabis in the treatment of chronic pain
    https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2021/october/medicinal-cannabis
  33. What is a CBD Certificate of Analysis (COA) (And How to Read It)
    https://citizentruth.org/what-is-a-cbd-certificate-of-analysis-coa-and-how-to-read-it/
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