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Salve is a type of ointment, spray, or balm that promotes healing or protection of the skin. CBD salves for athletes can help soothe muscle soreness or dry skin.
CBD comes from the Cannabis sativa plant. Producers make CBD oil by mixing CBD with a carrier oil. This process dilutes the CBD, creating a less potent product.
Some companies add CBD oil to salve. A salve is a product that a person applies directly onto the skin to protect it from damage or promote healing.
Few studies have explored the effects and benefits of CBD salves.
2022 research found that CBD improved arthritis pain in 83% of the study’s 428 participants. It also improved physical function and sleep quality in 66% of people. However, the authors did not state the type of CBD the participants used.
A 2022 systematic review also concluded that CBD is effective for chronic pain and may be a suitable alternative to opioid medication. However, the authors call for more clinical trials.
A 2018 case report examining CBD oil in three participants with epidermolysis bullosa, a rare disorder that causes blistering skin, suggests that applying CBD oil to the skin can promote faster wound healing, reduce blistering, and ease pain.
Although these initial results are promising, scientists need to conduct further research to understand the benefits of CBD oil on skin injuries.
People apply salves topically, so CBD has a very low risk of entering the bloodstream. This means CBD is unlikely to cause any impairment that could adversely affect athletic performance.
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 CBD salves and other topical CBD products that meet the following criteria:
Ingredients: Topical products contain safe and high quality ingredients, and the packaging states all ingredients clearly. According to the product’s certificate of analysis (COA), they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and molds.
Dosage: Products contain and recommend a safe CBD dosage serving size. All brands we feature must clearly state the recommended dosage on their products.
Third-party laboratories: Products must undergo third-party testing for contaminants at an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory.
Laboratory results: Products are from brands that make their testing results publicly available and easy to access.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Medical News Today has tested some of the products below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
A person may wish to consider the following factors when shopping for CBD salves:
CBD type: People should consider whether they wish to purchase a product that contains THC. For example, CBD isolate products do not have any THC.
Potency: Those who are new to CBD may wish to start with a salve with less CBD per dose. Then, they can gradually increase the amount of CBD until they reach the desired effects.
COA: People should consider only buying from companies that have an easily accessible COA for all of their products.
Price: People may wish to consider their budget when buying a CBD salve.
There are other ways a person can reduce muscle or joint pain associated with doing sports. Some people choose these options alongside CBD salves. The options include:
Massage: Sports massages may improve flexibility and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.
Stretching: An older article exploring the benefits of stretching highlights that it can benefit shoulder, back, and knee pain. However, a 2021 review and analysis concluded that there is not enough scientific evidence that stretching can aid recovery.
Ice: Ice may act as a local anesthetic by numbing the sore tissue and slowing down the pain messages from the brain. When using ice, a person should never put it directly on the skin. Instead, they should always wrap it in a cloth or towel.
Anti-inflammatory drugs: Certain over-the-counter medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can help reduce pain and inflammation. However, this is not a long-term solution.
Bath salts: Older 2005 research suggests that soaking in bath salts may reduce inflammation and relieve irritation. There is no recent research discussing the benefits of bath salts.
The World Anti-Doping Agency does not prohibit CBD. It is therefore legal for athletes to use it. Athletes can use CBD cream to manage stress, muscle pain, and soreness after exercise. However, they may wish to avoid full-spectrum CBD due to its THC content and talk with a doctor or coach before using CBD.
Some early research has shown that CBD can improve oxygen consumption and pleasure during exercise. A summary of research also indicates that CBD can help athletes rest, recover, and reduce stress before competition and pain after exertion. These elements may help an athlete perform at their best.
People expecting to take a drug test may want to avoid using CBD products in the days preceding the test, as some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which may result in a failed test.
CBD has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which may aid in muscle recovery. However, more research is necessary to fully understand the benefits of CBD muscle salves, creams, and other products for muscle recovery.
An athlete may wish to apply a CBD salve when they experience muscle aches and pains.
People should always start with the lowest possible dose of CBD and gradually increase the amount until they reach their desired effect.
It is important to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using CBD products.
Many companies stock CBD salves to help relieve sore muscles after a workout. A 2020 study suggests that CBD oil may be effective in targeting muscle soreness.
Athletes should avoid full-spectrum CBD products as they can contain THC, which may cause a positive drug test result. Broad-spectrum and isolate CBD products can be suitable for athletes.
Hemp salve comes from Cannabis sativa seeds, which do not contain CBD. Hemp salves are also very unlikely to contain THC, the psychoactive compound in the plant.
Salves using CBD will have come from the leaves, stems, and flowers of the Cannabis sativa plant, which do contain cannabinoids and may contain traces of THC.
Individuals who engage in a lot of exercise, such as athletes, may experience blisters, dry skin, muscle soreness, and chafing. Applying salve can heal and protect the skin from these injuries.
There are a variety of salves on the market that may reduce inflammation and pain. Some athletes opt for CBD salves because they offer quick relief, often taking effect within 10–15 minutes, and may last for a few hours.
A person may consider using CBD salve products in combination with massages, stretching, or ice to help address minor injuries.
Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Afonso J, et al. (2021). The effectiveness of post-exercise stretching in short-term and delayed recovery of strength, range of motion and delayed onset muscle soreness: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2021.677581/full
Melhaoui R, et al. (2021). Characterization of sweet almond oil content of four european cultivars (Ferragnes, ferraduel, fournat, and marcona) recently introduced in Morocco. https://www.hindawi.com/journals/scientifica/2021/9141695/
Sahinovic A, et al. (2022). Effects of cannabidiol on exercise physiology and bioenergetics: A randomised controlled pilot trial. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35235092/
Szulc J, et al. (2020). Beeswax-modified textiles: Method of preparation and assessment of antimicrobial properties. https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/12/2/344
