CBD Roll-On for Pain - April 2024

How CBD Roll-on May Help With Pain

Pain management is one of the primary functions of the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The ECS consists of receptors, which can relieve pain through endocannabinoids (cannabinoids produced by the body) or with the help of phytocannabinoids (plant-derived sources)⁽¹⁾. 

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which creates the “high” feeling among recreational cannabis users, cannabidiol (CBD) does not bind well with ECS receptors⁽²⁾. 

However, CBD interacts with phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids so that your body’s cannabinoids can bind with ECS receptors⁽³⁾.

As these receptors are present in the skin⁽⁴⁾, CBD topicals have become widely studied for their therapeutic effects, although cannabis plants have been used medicinally for centuries⁽⁵⁾. 

There have been experiments to determine CBD’s anti-inflammatory effect on easing joint pain⁽⁶⁾, sore muscles⁽⁷⁾, and back pain or backache⁽⁸⁾.

Cannabinoid products have become conveniently packaged through the years⁽⁹⁾ that they now include roll-on versions.

The most popular form of hemp plant-derived CBD is oil⁽¹⁰⁾. CBD roll-on products usually come in bottles with roller balls and contain CBD oil, ointment, or gel. 

Their ingredients can include essential oils like aloe vera, coconut, and lavender oils. Roll-ons can also contain terpenes such as camphor eucalyptus, lemon, menthol, and peppermint oils.

Benefits of Using CBD Roll-ons to Relieve Pain

According to studies, CBD may help alleviate pain related to epidermolysis bullosa⁽¹¹⁾, a condition that causes the skin to blister easily. CBD may also help improve retinol’s anti-aging effects⁽¹²⁾.

A study was conducted to evaluate CBD roll-ons’ benefits in soothing musculoskeletal pains due to arthritis⁽¹³⁾. The investigators examined the benefits of an over-the-counter (OTC) transdermal CBD product in patients who are candidates for knee surgery to restore joint function.

The researcher’s initiative suggests CBD’s potential therapeutic effects in workouts or athletic and other strenuous physical activities. 

Other uses for CBD roll-on include applying the CBD preparation on the skin for aromatic anti-stress therapy.  

CBD roll-ons offer the following advantages over regularly packaged creams, oils, and gels:

1. Easy to Use

You can use a CBD roll-on on the go as they usually come in light and sleek containers. Unlike CBD tinctures, roll-ons are a no-mess applicator when you do not need precise dosing. You can also easily carry it with you in your bag, drawer, or pocket. 

2. Quick-Drying Formula for a Smooth Texture

CBD formulations from roll-on sticks are less greasy and non-grainy than other topical solutions. Since most roll-ons dry quickly, they would not stain your clothes.

3. Promotes Faster Recovery From Muscle Strain

A 2021 study in Frontiers in Psychology⁽¹⁴⁾ showed that many athletes have tried using CBD to accelerate sports recovery. Still, more research is needed to validate the results. CBD’s role in sports performance is difficult to explain due to a lack of scientific evidence.

4. Non-addictive

You are unlikely to develop any dependency on CBD roll-ons as CBD is non-addictive compared to marijuana or other pain-relieving drugs⁽¹⁵⁾.

How to Use CBD Roll-on for Pain Relief

Brands recommend light circular movements when applying the roll-on to the skin. Roll on a thin film over the affected area and wait for the compound to take effect. 

There are times that the pain does not come from the exact place where you feel the discomfort. For instance, your forehead pain may have come from neck and shoulder tension. Thus, you may have to identify where the pain stems from and apply the roll-on to that area.

You can follow these tips to get the most out of a CBD roll-on:

1. Do a patch test. Try out the roll-on in a limited area to check for any allergic reaction. 
2. Apply sparingly. Formulations produce either a cooling effect or a warming sensation, so it is better to use a small amount at the start.
3. Ensure the area where you apply the compound is clean, and avoid applying on bruised skin (with cuts or wounds). Since you will be using the roll-on repeatedly, rid your skin of sweat or grime before application.

How Long Does it Take for CBD Roll-ons to Start Working 

The speed at which CBD roll-ons take effect varies according to the product and how your body will react. Users may experience relief 15 to 30 minutes after application⁽¹⁶⁾.  

In general, the mode of consumption determines how fast your body can feel the effects of cannabinoid products. 

For example, the peak plasma concentration or absorption rate for cannabinoids taken through inhalation takes only three to ten minutes, according to a study⁽¹⁷⁾.  

How Long Does Pain Relief from CBD Roll-ons Last

The soothing or cooling sensation from CBD roll-ons may last from two to four hours⁽¹⁸⁾. You can reapply after these periods for continuous relief.

For higher levels of relief, pick a product with a higher CBD content (expressed in milligrams, ounces, or milliliters).

Choosing the Best CBD Roll-on for Pain

For your safety, it is best to check the following when shopping for a CBD roll-on:

1. Source of hemp extract 

Research the product to ensure that your CBD roll-on contains organically grown, GMO-free hemp, which means the manufacturer’s source used no fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides during cultivation.

2. Extraction process

CO2 extraction is currently considered the gold standard among today’s types of extraction⁽¹⁹⁾. This approach does not use high temperatures or harmful solvents that can settle or remain in the final product⁽²⁰⁾.

Some manufacturers also use isopropyl alcohol and vegetable glycerin for CBD extraction.

3. Additional ingredients 

Check the label to determine the type of CBD you are getting. The following are the three CBD types available on the market⁽²¹⁾:

• Full-spectrum CBD, also called whole-plant CBD, contains all types of cannabinoids and below 0.3% THC concentration, which will not get you “high”
• Broad-spectrum CBD does not contain any THC
• CBD isolate contains no other cannabinoids except 99% pure CBD

At the same time, consumers should examine the product’s ingredient list. CBD in roll-ons typically features essential and vitamin E-rich oils and other additives.

Examples of additives include:

• Arnica, an herb known for hastening wound-healing, particularly after surgery⁽²²⁾
• Cayenne pepper extracts, which produce a warming sensation that may reduce soreness due to nerve pain or skin conditions⁽²³⁾
• Ilex leaf extracts, popularly grown in South America and used to soothe burns, fever, and swelling⁽²⁴⁾

Based on a study, new products may include carbomer, a gel-like polymer that improves adhesion⁽²⁵⁾.

4. Third-party lab reports

Choose brands that subject their products to third-party testing. Look for up-to-date certificates of analysis. These reports will help you determine the purity and potency of a product.

5. Storage method

To preserve your CBD roll-on’s effectiveness, keep it in a cool and dark place away from heat sources. The quality of the hemp oil or other liquid can degrade with oxygen and heat exposure. 

Side Effects of Using CBD Roll-on for Pain

The effects of CBD roll-ons on the skin of individual users can vary depending on a product’s ingredients and one’s skin sensitivity. 

Note that topical cannabis may lead to contact dermatitis⁽²⁶⁾. Some topical products like CBD roll-ons contain cannabis components. However, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, such a reaction might be due to other ingredients in that product.

Legality of CBD

The U.S. Food and Drug Authority has not yet approved the marketing of any cannabis product to treat or cure any condition or disease.

However, the agency has approved the use of four cannabis-derived products upon the prescription of a licensed healthcare provider⁽²⁷⁾. 

They are Epidiolex (cannabidiol), Marinol (dronabinol), Syndros (dronabinol), and Cesamet (nabilone)—the last three of which contain synthetic cannabis.

FAQs

1. How can CBD roll-on help with pain?

CBD roll-ons may ease body pain by strengthening endocannabinoids. CBD prevents the enzyme called fatty acid amide hydrolase from breaking down anandamide, the body’s most crucial cannabinoid⁽²⁸⁾. 

At the same time, CBD boosts the strength of serotonin 5-HA1a receptors, which play a variety of body functions in the immune and nervous systems, including those related to managing pain, anxiety, and wellness.

2. What evidence or research exists to say that CBD roll-on helps with pain?

The Rothman Institute Orthopedics recently reported having conducted a study on using CBD roll-on to relieve post-operative pain among knee replacement patients. It has yet to report the results of the 2020 study⁽²⁹⁾.

3. Is there any evidence that CBD roll-on can make pain worse?

There have been no reports on incidents of pain that have worsened after using CBD roll-ons. However, CBD can cause adverse effects like drowsiness, fatigue, dry mouth, reduced appetite, and diarrhea⁽³⁰⁾.

4. Will CBD roll-on interact with any current medication I may be taking for pain?

CBD roll-ons may contain ingredients that will interact with the medications you are taking. It is still best to get your doctor’s advice on the safety of CBD roll-ons if you are taking prescription medications⁽³¹⁾.

5. Are there other treatments I should consider alongside CBD roll-on to help with pain?

Doctors recommend including non-medication solutions in your pain management plan, such as getting exercise and psychological support⁽³²⁾. Doing so can enhance the effect of the CBD oil or gel topically applied via roll-on.

6. Can I fail a drug test if I use CBD roll-on for pain?

No. CBD roll-ons are only topical solutions, so their CBD content will not penetrate your bloodstream.

7. What is the dosage of CBD roll-on for pain?

CBD roll-ons come in different amounts, depending on the brand.

8. Can CBD oil be used topically?

CBD oil with a carrier oil may be used topically by applying the compound directly to the skin. Topical CBD products are formulated for targeted relief.

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2. Ibid.
3. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
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4. TRP Channel Cannabinoid Receptors in Skin Sensation, Homeostasis, and Inflammation
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5. The Effectiveness of Topical Cannabidiol Oil in Symptomatic Relief of Peripheral Neuropathy of the Lower Extremities
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6. Cannabidiol (CBD): a killer for inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
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7. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research
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8. Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use in Patients With Spine Complaints: Results of an Anonymous Survey
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9. Cannabinoid Delivery Systems for Pain and Inflammation Treatment
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11. Cannabinoid use and effects in patients with epidermolysis bullosa: an international cross-sectional survey study
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12. A Single-Center Study Evaluating the Effects of a Novel Retinol and Cannabidiol Combination Topical on Facial Skin
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13. A Study to Evaluate the Outcomes of Cannabinoid (CBD) Roll-on Topical Stick in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
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14. Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery: A Narrative Review
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15. Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence
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16. Healing with CBD, p. 193
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21. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
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22. Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management
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23. Cayenne
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24. Phytochemical and Biological Screening of Leaf, Bark and Fruit Extracts from Ilex dipyrena Wall.
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25. Mucoadhesion and Mucopenetration of Cannabidiol (CBD)-Loaded Mesoporous Carrier Systems for Buccal Drug Delivery
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26. Public, researchers demonstrate growing interest in cannabis treatment
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27. FDA and Cannabis: Research and Drug Approval Process
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28. Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals
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29. A Study to Evaluate the Outcomes of Cannabinoid (CBD) Roll-on Topical Stick in Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
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30. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
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31. Should You Take CBD for Pain?
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32. Does CBD help with arthritis pain?
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