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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.
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Ingredients: MNTchooses products containing safe and high quality ingredients that are clearly labeled. They should also confirm they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
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Individuals may try CBD topicals to manage various conditions, such as acne, joint pain, and muscular soreness. Research into the effectiveness of CBD topicals is limited but ongoing.
The following table contains some useful terms relating to CBD.
Term
Meaning
CBD
A compound within the C. sativa plant that does not create the high sensation individuals commonly associate with cannabis use.
THC
A compound in the C. sativa plant. It is the psychoactive compound that creates the high sensation from cannabis use.
Full-spectrum
A full-spectrum product will contain all of the natural compounds in the cannabis plant, including THC. However, THC levels must be no more than 0.3% to comply with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation on full-spectrum CBD products.
Broad-spectrum
Broad-spectrum products contain natural compounds of the cannabis plant. However, while manufacturers remove all or most of the THC in broad-spectrum CBD, it may still be present in trace amounts.
CBD isolate
This is the purest form of CBD and should contain 0% THC.
Cannabinoids
The compounds within the cannabis plant, of which there are over 120. CBD is the second richest compound in the plant after THC.
Terpenes
Another compound of the C. sativa plant, terpenes typically give plants their specific aromas. Some terpenes, such as limonene, may have specific health benefits.
Certificate of analysis (COA)
Reputable manufacturers of CBD products should ensure a COA is available for inspection. A COA provides information on the third-party testing that independent labs conduct on a particular product. Sometimes, products have a scannable smartphone code directing people to the COA online.
According to an older 2018 report by the World Health Organization (WHO), CBD causes no dependency effects in humans. Recent studies in mice further demonstrate that CBD is not an addictive substance.
However, to avoid unwanted drug interactions or side effects, a person could consult a doctor or healthcare professional before using CBD products.
Humans have a high concentration of cannabinoid receptors in their skin. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate several bodily functions. When a person applies CBD topically, it binds to cannabinoid receptors in the epidermal and dermal skin, acting as an anti-inflammatory and helps relieve pain.
A 2022 review that investigated the effects of CBD application on rheumatic conditions in dogs concluded that CBD oil improved pain, activity scores, and the quality of life index in dogs with osteoarthritis.
However, there are limited studies on the use of topical cannabinoids in humans.
CBD is only one of the 100 cannabinoids identified in cannabis. It does not produce the “high” effects associated with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and recreational cannabis consumption. However, CBD and other cannabinoids may help manage epilepsy, chronic pain, and multiple sclerosis (MS) symptoms.
CBD’s potent antioxidant properties may help prevent skin inflammation or damage from ultraviolet rays and environmental pollutants.
Topical CBD might offer a more targeted form of treatment that may address musculoskeletal and joint pain, as well as chronic skin conditions. According to the Arthritis Foundation, CBD shows the potential to effectively manage arthritic pain.
A 2020 study found that CBD has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that may help prevent the overproduction of sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin), which is a factor in acne.
In a small 2019 study, researchers from Italy asked 20 patients with chronic skin disorders to administer an ointment containing CBD twice a day for 3 months. At the end of the study period, all the participants showed significant improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.
Scientific research into the effects and health benefits of CBD topicals is still at a relatively early stage. However, there is increasing evidence that it may have numerous medicinal properties. People should not use CBD as an alternative to other treatment options without discussing it with a healthcare professional first.
CBD resources
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
A person could contact a doctor before using any CBD products, particularly if they have known pre-existing medical conditions or are taking prescribed medications.
Individuals may also consider speaking with a doctor or healthcare professional if they experience side effects from a CBD product. Though often well tolerated, side effects can include:
Yes. CBD absorbs into the skin through receptors and penetrates through the epidermal and dermal levels.
CBD topicals come in a variety of fragrances, ingredients, and doses.
People can look for additional ingredients they enjoy using, such as lavender oil. They should also look for ingredients to which they may have an allergy or sensitivity.
Individuals may also consider whether the product contains THC and how much CBD is in it.
A person should also choose a topical that is within their budget.
Yes, there is evidence that topical CBD does really work and may have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Effects may vary depending on the dose a person uses. People may want to start with the lowest possible dose and increase it gradually until they reach their desired effect.
The most effective form of CBD may depend on what a person intends to use it for.
Topical CBD may be the best option for people with localized aches or pains, as they rub the CBD directly into the affected area.
Ingestible CBD, such as oils and gummies, may be most suitable for people looking for general wellness.
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.
Palmieri B, et al. (2019). A therapeutic effect of CBD-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30993303/
