- Cannabis topicals are formulas made from cannabinoids and skin-safe ingredients. They’re designed for localized pain relief, and even products containing THC don’t cause intoxication. Topicals are a non-psychoactive medical cannabis option popular among patients with chronic pain, those living with insomnia, and athletes.
- As you shop for cannabis topicals, keep an eye out for a few specific tidbits on product labels: ingredient lists, cannabinoid content, and recommended dosing.
Struggling with chronic joint pain from arthritis? Trying to overcome delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) after leg day? Looking for a sleep-promoting solution without taking supplements?
Enter the wide world of cannabis topicals—creams, lotions, balms, and other formulas designed to promote localized relief and all-around wellness.
Cannabis-infused topicals have been on the market for quite some time, but they’ve gained a strong foothold among chronic pain patients and people who are skeptical about ingesting or inhaling medical marijuana. But if you’ve never tried these products before, where should you start?
Below, we’re touching on a few topicals basics and offering nine product recommendations to help newcomers on their path to pain relief and overall wellness.
What Are Cannabis Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are made from two key types of ingredients:
- Skincare compounds – Since topicals are designed to be applied to the skin, they’re often made from the same ingredients you’ll find in regular lotions and creams: plant-based oils, humectants, and extracts.
- Cannabis extracts – Oil-based extracts of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are the active ingredients in cannabis topicals—the compounds doing the heavy lifting.
Cannabis topicals introduce cannabinoids to the areas where they’re absorbed into the skin. If you only apply a product to your knees, you’ll only feel relief in those areas. Topicals provide relatively fast-acting results, and effects typically kick in within thirty minutes of application.
It’s important to note that topical products are not intoxicating—they don’t get you high even if they contain THC. Since the cannabinoids in topicals aren’t designed to reach the bloodstream, they only produce external, localized results.
This sets topicals apart from transdermal products like patches (which aren’t widely available in every state). Transdermal products are designed to introduce cannabinoids to your bloodstream, so they will produce psychoactive effects if they contain THC.
Ultimately, cannabis topicals are user-friendly, approachable for beginners, and versatile.
3 Best Cannabis Topicals for Pain
Many patients use cannabis topicals for chronic pain—joint pain from arthritis, skin irritation from cancer treatments (like radiation therapy), or localized muscle soreness.
Here are three topical products designed for chronic pain relief: formulas patients are already using with success.
#1 Moon Mother Muscle Balm
Moon Mother Muscle Balm is a CBD-based, fast-acting cannabis topical designed for everyday aches and pains.
- Even though the CBD in the formula takes between 15 and 20 minutes to take effect, the menthol and capsicum (cooling and warming compounds) kick in within minutes.
- The product is applied in a thin layer for easy application.
- The formula is made from full-spectrum hemp extract, complete with terpenes, flavonoids, and other healing plant compounds.
#2 Rare Cannabinoid Company Rapid Relief Gel
Combining the healing power of three cannabinoids, the Rare Cannabinoid Company Rapid Relief Gel is designed for patients with active lifestyles.
- The formula contains THC, CBD, and CBG (cannabigerol). CBG is a minor cannabinoid with patient-reported chronic pain relief properties.
- This cooling gel also contains other plant extracts: arnica, menthol, dandelion, horsetail, and more.
- Since it’s sheer and lightweight, it’s an excellent option for all-day use and reapplication throughout the day.
#3 iLava TOUCH Gel
Another gel designed for all-day application, iLava TOUCH Gel is made from a combination of cannabinoid-infused oils, plant-based essential oils, and soothing skincare ingredients.
- The formula is fast-acting and delivers consistent results.
- The packaging is designed to prevent oxidation for long-term freshness.
- The dispenser delivers a precise, consistent amount of product with each pump.
3 Best Cannabis Topicals for Sleep
While they’re most commonly used for pain relief applications, cannabis topicals are also a favorite among patients seeking sleep support. Here are a few patient favorites.
#1 Moon Mother CBD Dream Balm
Moon Mother CBD Dream Balm combines multiple plant-based ingredients to promote relaxation, drowsiness, and restful sleep, including:
- Full spectrum CBD extract (containing over 80 naturally occurring cannabinoids)
- Lavender essential oil
- Chamomile essential oil
- Mugwort
#2 Mary’s Medicinals Relax Cream
Mary’s Medicinals Relax Cream contains multiple soothing, sleep-promoting compounds like:
- CBD and THC – Both major cannabinoids have been shown to promote overall sleep improvements.
- Lavender essential oil – Lavender can promote restful sleep, especially for people living with insomnia.
- Chamomile oil – Found in many relaxing tea blends, chamomile is a natural sleep-supporting herb.
- Menthol – Menthol is a cooling ingredient that can help clear the airways and improve breathing during sleep.
#3 Doctor Solomon’s Unwind Balm
Doctor Solomon’s Unwind Balm is a unique product for a few reasons:
- It’s a transdermal balm: a topical product that can introduce cannabinoids to the bloodstream for both localized and widespread relief.
- It contains both cannabinoids (THC and CBD specifically) and rest-promoting ingredients like calendula and sea buckthorn.
- Since it uses a transdermal delivery system, this product could provide other holistic benefits aside from sleep support and pain relief.
Keep in mind that this product is a transdermal formula that contains THC—so, there’s a possibility that it could cause intoxication.
3 Best Cannabis Topicals for Athletes
For athletes looking for a simple, fast-acting way to relieve muscle soreness and promote recovery, cannabis topicals are an exceptional wellness match. Here are three formulas athletes are already using to achieve their goals.
#1 Moon Mother Massage Oil
Perfect for sports massage applications, Moon Mother Massage Oil offers a full spectrum CBD oil blend combined with just two other simple ingredients:
Plus, it’s designed for both localized application and whole-body use, making it a versatile option for quick relief and decadent self-care routines.
#2 Mary’s Medicinals Recover Cream
Mary’s Medicinals Recover Cream, like Doctor Solomon’s Unwind formula, is transdermal—the cannabinoids infused into the product will penetrate deeper skin layers and potentially reach the bloodstream.
This deep absorption may be of particular benefit for athletes trying to recover after a hard workout. Results are long-lasting and fast-acting, easing everyday aches and post-workout soreness.
Additional healing ingredients (aside from CBD and THC) include:
- Sandalwood essential oil
- Musk essential oil
- Menthol crystals
#3 Extract Labs Muscle & Recovery Lotion
Extract Labs Muscle & Recovery Lotion is infused with:
- THC and CBD
- Arnica
- Menthol
- Jojoba oil
- Rosemary
- Lavender
A topical packing a big plant-based punch, this lightweight formula is perfect for all-day wear after a morning gym session. It’s specifically designed for localized, deep muscle relief—a perfect combination for athletes.
What to Look for in a Cannabis Topical
In your search for the perfect cannabis topical, which characteristics should you keep an eye out for?
High-quality products (and informative product listings) showcase:
- Soothing ingredients – Skin-friendly compounds like jojoba, menthol, and calendula will only boost the soothing properties of a cannabinoid-infused topical.
- Cannabinoid content – As you peruse product listings, look for detailed descriptions of the cannabinoid content in a product. While dosing precision isn’t a must for topical applications, knowing exactly which cannabinoids you’re introducing to your skin (and in which ratios) can help you track your progress and evaluate different products.
- Dosing instructions – While you can check out our complete guide to topicals dosing for the full scoop, each product on your shortlist should offer general dosing advice—the amount to dispense, where to apply it, and whether it’s suitable for widespread or localized application.
Unlock Medical Cannabis Access with TeleLeaf
Medical cannabis offers wide-ranging benefits for many common health challenges—including chronic pain and sleep disturbances. But in a world of ever-expanding cannabis knowledge, how can you access reliable clinical advice about medical marijuana?
Turn to TeleLeaf: the best online medical marijuana card service on the market right now. Our network of licensed healthcare providers can offer same-day appointments and medical cannabis recommendations. We’re passionate about medical cannabis access, and we’re here to help you get the plant-based medicines you need to thrive.
Ready to explore what medical cannabis could do for you? Sit down with us to explore your options.
Sources:
Garden Remedies Cannabis. What Are THC Topicals and How Do They Work?
https://gardenremedies.com/blog/thc-topicals-faqs/
Michigan State University. Exploring Product Ingredients – Lotions.
https://www.canr.msu.edu/
Silver Stem Fine Cannabis. Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis Topicals.
https://silverstemcannabis.com/
VeryWell Mind. What Is Cannabigerol (CBG)?
https://www.verywellmind.com/cannabigerol-cbg-uses-and-benefits-5085266
Sleep Foundation. Cannabis for Sleep.
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-aids/cannabis-and-sleep
Evidence Based Complementary Medicine. Lavender and the Nervous System.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Molecular Medicine Reports. Chamomile: A Herbal Medicine of the Past with a Bright Future.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Canadian Respiratory Journal. The Effect of Inhaled Menthol on Upper Airway Resistance in Humans: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Study.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Cleveland Clinic. How Jojoba Oil Benefits Your Hair and Skin.
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/jojoba-oil-benefits
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