Using cannabis can have a big impact on your physical and mental health—for better and, once in a while, for worse. That’s why it’s important to consult a healthcare provider before experimenting.
Here at GreenState, cannabis clinician Dr. Leigh Vinocur is here to answer your questions on healthy living with cannabis.
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Editor’s Note: The answer to this question is meant to supplement, not replace, advice, diagnoses, and treatment from a healthcare provider. Always consult a medical professional when using cannabis for medicinal purposes, and do not disregard the advice of your healthcare provider because of anything you may read in this article.
Q: Can topical CBD help with my pain?
Yes, cannabidiol (CBD) use is gaining popularity in pain management, due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. Topical formulations in any medication, including CBD, are delivered directly to localized tissues without any systemic effects.
What types of pain can it help
Topical CBD is best for localized, peripheral pain, such as joint, muscle, and skin-related pain, due to its targeted delivery. Preclinical animal studies have demonstrated that topical CBD can significantly reduce arthritis type pain, associated with joint swelling and inflammation in osteoarthritis models. In fact, another recent study found that a one percent topical gel of CBD was comparable or even better than a common prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) topical nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) diclofenac, sold under the brand name Voltaren.
Additionally, we know that CBD is helpful in many inflammatory skin conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and contact dermatitis, which often involve pain, itching, and burning. Now, some studies have found topical preparations of CBD beneficial in these skin conditions, due to anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing effects that reduce both symptoms and discomfort. But try not to use them on open skin wounds. This is due to the fact that many of these topicals are not actually produced in sterile facilities, and there may be a potential for causing an infection.
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Unfortunately, centralized pain syndromes such as fibromyalgia or migraines, as well as visceral pain such as menstrual cramps or endometriosis, are less likely to respond to topical formulations because they generally are not absorbed well into our bloodstream. They primarily only work on the surface. There are some preparations using transdermal technologies that can help with slightly better penetration of the CBD.
However, in general, for deeper types of pain and inflammation that also cause peripheral pain and muscle spasms, such as multiple sclerosis, perhaps combining oral or sublingual routes of administration along with topical or transdermal might be more effective.
Are full-spectrum topicals useful?
Like oral preparations, full-spectrum topical CBD includes many naturally occurring cannabinoids (such as CBD and CBG), terpenes, as well as ≤0.3 percent THC. This combination may offer enhanced therapeutic properties through the “entourage effect,” which is the synergistic interaction among the different plant compounds.
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Additionally, terpene compounds have their own analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. For example, β-caryophyllene binds to CB2 receptors and has demonstrated analgesic effects in mouse models of inflammatory pain. Linalool, a terpene also found in lavender, has both calming and anti-inflammatory effects that may help alleviate conditions characterized by physical pain and mental stress. Another beneficial terpene, myrcene, which is also found in mangoes, may help relax muscles and modulate inflammation.
CBD topicals are a promising tool in pain management, particularly for localized skin and musculoskeletal inflammation and pain. However, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable physician to help guide you in selecting evidence-based formulations. And while not a panacea, CBD topicals may serve as a valuable tool in a multimodal approach to pain management.
Got cannabis questions? Ask Doctor Leigh. Send your questions to GreenState’s Editor at editor@greenstate.com and keep an eye out for new answers from Dr. Leigh Vinocur every month.
The response to this question was not written or edited by Hearst. The authors are solely responsible for the content.