CBD Topical Salve: What Is It & How Does It Work?

September 19, 2017

The cannabis plant is very complex, to say the least, and it contains several different compounds including the two main ones: CBD (Cannabidiol) and THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol). Nowadays, people don’t have to smoke cannabis to reap the benefits because there are other methods available such as consuming cannabis orally, topically, or inhaling through vaporization.

Many medical patients and recreational users are fond of topically administered cannabis for several reasons, but especially due to the localized pain relief it provides them with. Find out what CBD topical salve is, how it works to alleviate pain, and where you can find some.

Topically administered CBD cannabis products are unique for a variety of reasons, but especially because the individual does not feel high during or after usage. CBD delivers many beneficial medical properties to its users including analgesic, anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory, cell-regenerative, anti-bacterial, and anti-immunity modulating, according to a 2016 study done at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Furthermore, people who suffer from chronic pain from any medical condition, disease, and/or ailment can benefit from topical CBD products like salves, creams, lotions, and oils. Often, topical CBD products are combined with other ingredients like essential oils and additional herbs, which contribute to the alleviation of pain. Users have reported that topical CBD products helped alleviate both mild and severe muscle spasms as well as reduced overall pain from arthritis, menstrual cramps, and migraines, as mentioned by PlanetHerbs.

Unfortunately, there is a lack of clinical research performed on topical uses of cannabis, however, there is a wide variety of anecdotal evidence and testimonials from people who rave about CBD topical salves. The main reason why people enjoy consuming cannabis topically is that they can experience a more focused and fast acting pain relief by administering the salve wherever they need pain relief the most as compared to inhalation and/or edible consumption. CBD topical salves have been shown to be the most effective localized pain reliever since it gets applied to specific areas of the body for either tension, pain, muscle ache, soreness, or inflammation relief.

Moreover, how do topical CBD products like salve work exactly? For starters, the products are infused with active cannabinoids, and they are then absorbed into the body’s skin. The cannabinoids bind to the body’s CB2 receptors near the skin, and as a result, this activates the body’s endocannabinoid system, according to MedicalMarijuanaInc.com. Typically, CBD is the main compound used in topical products because research has shown that it’s more permeable to the skin. CBD also has a higher likelihood of stimulating the body’s CB2 cannabinoid receptors, which is why this compound is in nearly all topical cannabis products.

In addition, topical cannabis products, especially topical CBD salves, are unique because they deliver pain relief alongside a feeling of relaxation instead of feeling stoned or cognitively impaired. Overall, the purpose of CBD salves and other topical cannabis products is to provide users with localized pain relief in specific areas of the body. Not only is this form of medicine effective, but it’s much more natural as compared to traditionally addictive and often harmful pharmaceutical medications.

Other positives of using topical CBD salves are that the user feels relief right away without having to wait for the effects to kick in as compared to consuming edibles. In addition, since users do not feel high from topical CBD salves, they can carry on with their day and experience pain relief wherever and whenever. The topical method is only used on the skin. Thus, it doesn’t enter the body’s bloodstream. Instead, it breaks the skin and muscular barrier in order to provide people with localized pain alleviation, as noted by DrugPolicy.org.

Overall, the cannabis plant has a variety of significant purposes. Each compound and part of the plant brings many positive benefits to suffering individuals, which is one main reason why cannabis is so widely used. Furthermore, the flower buds, the leaves, and the trichomes are aspects of the plant that are often used to create topical products. Unfortunately, currently, there is no evidence that proves how topical cannabis products can deliver headache and migraine relief, but that will most likely change with time.

In the future, more studies will be conducted on the effectiveness of topical cannabis products and the true impact it can have on users with certain medical diseases, conditions, and other ailments. Although the legality of cannabis varies per country and U.S. state, since CBD is the compound of the cannabis plant that is non-psychoactive, many geographic locations categorize it as a legal substance as compared to products that contain THC.

Rather than consuming cannabis through smoking or vaping, you can use topicals! If you or someone you know is struggling with localized pain in certain area(s) of the body, topical CBD salves would be a great method to try. People who may be beginners to cannabis and/or people who are looking to feel pain relief without feeling high should definitely consider trying out topical cannabis products, especially CBD salves.

Not only are topical cannabis products effective, but they are natural, non-addictive, convenient, and easy to use. Why wouldn’t you want to try it out and/or recommend it to a friend or relative in need of localized pain relief?

If interested in reading more about topical uses of cannabis, check out this article:
Cannabis Skin Care