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Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 cannabinoids in the Cannabis sativa plant. A topical CBD lotion or cream may help relieve muscle aches, joint pain, and skin inflammation.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: MNT chooses products containing safe and high quality, clearly labeled ingredients. The products should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Dosage: MNT chooses products that must clearly state the CBD dosage.
Serving size: MNT selects products in which manufacturers recommend a dosage.
Third-party labs:MNT chooses products that must undergo third-party testing for contaminants by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Available certificate of analysis:MNT chooses companies that demonstrate transparency and share a product’s certificate of analysis (COA) after receiving its third-party lab results.
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A person should consider the following factors when buying a CBD lotion:
Potency: Beginners to CBD may wish to start with a low-potency lotion. However, lower potencies may have weaker effects.
Ingredients: People may wish to prioritize products with organic, natural ingredients and USA-grown hemp. Buyers with allergies or sensitivities should check ingredient lists carefully.
Dosage: A person should follow the company’s dosage guidelines. However, measuring the dose for a topical CBD product might be problematic. People should start with a small amount, increase it slowly to get their desired effect, and reduce their dosage if they experience adverse effects.
Third-party testing: A person should ensure that the company they buy from puts its products through third-party testing and provides access to the lab test results. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products, so third-party testing is important to determine the quality and safety of CBD products.
CBD type: Those who want to avoid THC should purchase a CBD isolate or broad-spectrum products. However, full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products may provide more significant benefits.
Reading CBD labels
As the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate CBD products, a person needs to read the labels and be able to recognize the most important pieces of information when choosing a CBD product.
The table below provides some key terms and their definitions.
Term
Definition
CBD
This is a compound present in the C. sativa plant. This compound does not create the “high” feeling that people associate with cannabis use.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
This is also a compound present in the C. sativa plant. This is the psychoactive compound that creates the “high” sensation linked with using cannabis.
Full-spectrum
A full-spectrum product contains all of the natural compounds present in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, the products must not contain more than 0.3% THC to comply with FDA regulations.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum products contain all natural compounds of the cannabis plant, but THC is only present in trace amounts.
CBD isolate
This is the purest form of CBD, and it should contain 0% THC.
Cannabinoids
These are compounds present within the cannabis plant. There are over 120 cannabinoids. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC.
Terpenes
These are also compounds of the C. sativa plant. Terpenes typically give plants their unique aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits.
Certificate of analysis (COA)
Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure that a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing carried out by an independent laboratory that has no vested interest in the product. Sometimes, products have scannable smartphone codes that link directly to the COA.
Dosage
The labels on most CBD products display the dosage information in milligrams (mg), but it is often difficult for a person to determine the correct amount to use. Currently, there are not enough studies to indicate appropriate dosages.
It is typically advisable to start with a low dosage, which a person can slowly increase over time if needed.
Using CBD lotions for pain involves rubbing the lotion into the painful area. Each product will have its own instructions on how to use it and how frequently. A person should follow this guidance closely.
People may also wish to do a patch test before applying the product to the painful area to ensure they are not sensitive to any of the ingredients.
Many people use CBD lotions and creams to relieve occasional muscle and joint pain.
However, people should contact a healthcare professional if they experience severe joint pain or swelling, or their pain does not improve with home remedies, such as rest and icing the affected areas, or if it interferes with their daily life.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, people should talk with a doctor if they experience:
pain that interferes with daily activities
joints that feel warm to the touch
problems with more than one joint
more than a few episodes of joint pain a month
Additionally, some CBD products contain ingredients that may interact with medication. Talking with a qualified health professional before using CBD products will help people understand which products will be safe for them.
If a person develops skin irritation or allergic reactions after using a CBD product, they should stop using it and seek medical advice.
Skin creams may also help with other conditions, including arthritis, peripheral neuropathy, and jaw pain.
How do I choose a CBD cream or lotion?
When choosing a CBD product, a person should consider the following:
dosage
whether or not it contains other organically grown ingredients
the extraction process, which may sometimes involve harsh chemicals
the possible interactions with prescribed medications or other supplements
cost
How do I use CBD creams and lotions?
Individuals can apply a CBD topical in the same way as any other skin product by massaging a small amount of product into the required area.
The more lotion a person applies, the higher the dosage of CBD they will receive. For this reason, it is important to start with less and build up the amount gradually.
A person should discuss ongoing pain or skin condition symptoms with a qualified healthcare professional.
Is CBD lotion good for skin?
2020 research notes that preclinical results suggest topical CBD products can be good for eczema, psoriasis, and pruritus. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
The authors also write that CBD could benefit people with acne, seborrhea, and dermatitis. Research on the side effects topical CBD products may cause is limited, including hyperpigmentation and hair growth or loss.
A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using CBD lotions to treat or improve a skin condition.
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American Academy of Dermatology. (2018). Public, researchers demonstrate growing interest in cannabis treatment [Press release]. https://www.aad.org/news/topical-cannabis
