Do you need a convenient topical product to help manage your joint and muscle pains? Read more about CBD pain sticks and how they may help provide pain relief.

How CBD Sticks May Help With Pain

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a naturally-occurring compound found in cannabis plants, such as marijuana and hemp, and may provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects(1).

Topical application is one method to deliver CBD to the body. Using products like topical creams or lotions is preferable in administering CBD(2).

One study on topical CBD use in humans noted that the compound is commonly used as an over-the-counter product that may help with arthritis-related pain(3).

However, no research using CBD sticks has been conducted to establish the product’s efficacy conclusively.

Many CBD manufacturers develop and sell CBD sticks, sometimes called roll-on relief sticks, as a topical method to apply CBD. Some brands claim that such products may help reduce inflammation and relieve joint or muscle pain.

Benefits of Using CBD Sticks for Pain

Researchers need extensive clinical data on CBD sticks to understand the product’s therapeutic effects fully.

Topical administration may be ideal for localized symptoms associated with arthritis, dermatological disorders, and peripheral neuropathic pain(4).

Peripheral neuropathy is nerve damage that causes weakness, pain, and numbness in the hands and feet(5).

A 2020 study was conducted using topical CBD oil on individuals with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy(6). Results showed that CBD may help improve pain and other disturbing symptoms associated with the disease.

The study also mentioned that CBD may be well tolerated and function as an effective alternative to other therapies for managing peripheral neuropathy.

How Long Does a CBD Stick Take to Help With Pain?

There is no clinical data on the onset times of CBD sticks. However, topical application is generally estimated to take 15 to 30 minutes to become effective(7).

How Long Will a CBD Stick Help With Pain?

Researchers have not thoroughly studied CBD sticks and the duration of their effects to help in reducing pain.

However, CBD administered topically may remain effective for two to four hours after onset(8).

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD Sticks for Pain

The side effects of CBD sticks have not been explored in clinical trials.

However, the commonly reported side effects of CBD among humans include dry mouth, fatigue, drowsiness, appetite reduction, and diarrhea(9).

The Legality of CBD Sticks

CBD oil products containing more than 0.3% THC are considered illegal under U.S. federal law(10).

According to the Farm Bill, hemp-based products not exceeding 0.3% THC are no longer controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act(11).

The U.S. FDA (United States Food and Drug Administration) warns that labeling or marketing CBD products as food additives or dietary supplements is prohibited(12).

The implementation, regulation, and restriction levels of CBD laws vary among U.S. states. As of February 2022, states with regulated medical cannabis programs include California, Colorado, Washington, and Virginia(13).

Thus, consider reviewing your state’s laws to determine if CBD products in your area are legal.

Directions for Using CBD Sticks for Pain

Instructions for applying CBD sticks may depend on the manufacturer. However, a general step in using roll-on products is to apply the ball end of the stick on the skin or body part and swipe the product a few times to cover the area evenly.

Some manufacturers recommend applying the stick two to four times a day. Other sellers advise not to use the product directly on wounded or irritated skin.

However, the FDA has not evaluated these instructions, and the usage of CBD sticks may vary among individuals.

FAQs

  1. How may CBD sticks help with pain?

CBD pain sticks are topical products containing cannabidiol or CBD. This cannabis-based compound may help provide anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects(14).

A study involving topical CBD suggested that individuals may use the compound to help with arthritis-related pain(15).

  1. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD sticks may help with pain?

Researchers have not conducted extensive clinical research that establishes the practical application of CBD sticks to help manage pain.

However, one study showed that topical CBD may help improve pain and other symptoms associated with symptomatic peripheral neuropathy(16).

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

There is no conclusive evidence that CBD sticks may worsen the pain.

However, CBD’s side effects typically reported among humans include fatigue, drowsiness, dry mouth, diarrhea, and appetite reduction(17).

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

Topical CBD products have zero bioavailability, meaning they do not enter the bloodstream(18).

Generally, CBD may interact with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)(19). Individuals typically take NSAIDs to help with pain relief.

Side effects from this drug-drug interaction include fatigue, appetite changes, and digestive problems(20).

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

Pain management may involve comfort therapy, such as exercise, massage, and meditation, or psychosocial treatment, including individual or family counseling(21).

Engaging in these non-medication remedies may help reduce the risks of drug-drug interactions.

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

Using CBD products whose THC levels are below 0.3% should not result in a failed drug test.

Still, frequent CBD usage may cause the THC concentration in your body to increase to detectable levels(22).

  1. What is the dosage for pain?

Topical CBD products do not have a standard CBD dosage guide specific to pain.

One general suggestion for individuals taking CBD for the first time is to start with 10 milligrams (mg) of the compound per day(23).

  1. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
    https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
  2. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/
  3. Topical CBD in Joint Arthritis
    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04611347
  4. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
  5. Peripheral Neuropathy: Symptoms & Causes
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20352061
  6. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/
  7. Page 193 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  8. Ibid.
  9. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  10. CBD & THC: Myths and misconceptions
    https://www.projectcbd.org/cbd-101/cbd-misconceptions
  11. 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
  12. 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
  13. State Medical Cannabis Laws
    https://www.ncsl.org/research/health/state-medical-marijuana-laws.aspx
  14. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
    https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
  15. Topical CBD in Joint Arthritis
    https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04611347
  16. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities
    https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31793418/
  17. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700
  18. Page 210 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  19. Page 115-116 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
  20. CBD oil: What is it and how does it work?
    https://www.eehealth.org/blog/2019/09/cbd-oil/
  21. Management of Pain without Medications
    https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/pain/pain/treatments/non-pharmacological-pain-management.html
  22. Can You Take CBD and Pass a Drug Test?
    https://www.consumerreports.org/cbd/can-you-take-cbd-and-pass-a-drug-test/
  23. Page 218 of Healing With CBD
    https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AGlxnhS2SoFeOXEuysv75bd_C9pEnwsU/view
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Written by 

Stanley Clark

Stanley Clark is a community development volunteer and writer. He had worked on several commercials, events, and campaigns before writing full-time in the area of natural health and wellness. He has a particular interest in reviewing CBD brands for their...

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