Nowadays, CBD is everywhere: from oils and flowers to vaporizers or smoke, to drinks and edible products, and even topical CBD creams. Although there is still a lot to learn about this product, researchers have already discovered many possible health benefits.
Cannabidiol, commonly referred to as CBD, is a compound found in the hemp plant that does not produce a high. In other words, it’s not psychoactive. Both compounds in cannabis (CBD and THC) act on a system of receptors in our bodies called cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2. This is called the endocannabinoid system.
According to Jordan Tishler, a medical cannabis expert from InhaleMD in Boston, CBD has effects on serotonin receptors (which help regulate depression and anxiety), on the adenosine receptors (similar to the effects of caffeine), and TRPV-1.
What Are Some Uses of Topical CBD Creams?
Topical CBD creams are popularly used to manage chronic pain in diseases such as arthritis or joint pain. Based on a study published by the National Academies of Sciences, Medicine, and Engineering (NASME), cannabinoids are potentially beneficial for reducing pain in adult patients with chronic diseases.
Chronic Pain
A research study was conducted and published in JAMA in 2015 that analyzed the effect of cannabinoids on adult patients with chronic pain. For the study, they looked at the results of 79 studies on cannabinoids and several medical conditions. Of those studies, only 4 involved the use of CBD, so although it does seem to address pain, there’s not yet enough evidence to come to a scientific conclusion.
Localized Joint Pain
Also, a study published in 2017 in Pain showed the results of giving rats with knee joint pain due to osteoarthritis CBD, while others were given saline. As a result, the rats on CBD showed less pain-related behavior.
In 2016, a more recent research study was conducted on rats, which was published in the European Journal of Pain. In this study, rats that were given higher doses of CBD were the ones that showed more improvement in their arthritis. The inflammation of each rat’s knee joint was lower and their pain seemed to be lessened.
How are topical CBD products used?
One of the most popular uses for topical CBD cream is for musculoskeletal complaints like arthritis. A study conducted by the Arthritis Foundations in 2019 showed that 79% of the 2,600 patients with arthritis considered using CBD to be good for their pain. Of those, 55% used CBD topical oil or cream applied to their joints.
Topicals are applied directly to the skin, so the relief can be quite immediate. Always read the package for specifications from the manufacturer.
Skin Conditions
In addition to arthritis, CBD topical creams are often used by people looking to treat eczema and psoriasis, which are serious skin conditions. They are sold in cosmetics and skincare aisles all over the country. These topical CBD creams and lotions are said to be anti-aging and anti-inflammatory. It is believed that CBD is a potential treatment for skin conditions caused by inflammation (like eczema), since CBD and other cannabinoids have been shown to have powerful anti-inflammatory properties.
Faster Healing of Wounds
Cannabinoids have been used to treat topical wounds like burns or cuts for years. Now, there is research being conducted to determine whether there is a scientific basis behind cannabis’ effect on skin and healing. For instance, many tattoo artists recommend the consumption of CBD oil or the application of a topical cream with CBD to help tattoos heal faster. There has also been some research on certain cannabinoids and their antimicrobial properties, which could potentially prevent infections.
CBD and drug interactions
In 2018, the World Health Organization published a study that stated that CBD does not produce any adverse health effects on either humans or animals. However, research has shown that even though CBD use is relatively safe and has minor effects, CBD may have the potential of interacting with other medications. Little is known about how the body metabolizes the combination of CBD and other substances.
Before trying CBD products, you should always talk to your doctor about any other medications you may be taking and the possible effects of mixing them with CBD and other cannabinoids.
The CYP450 Enzymes
When our bodies metabolize a medication or substance, the family of cytochrome p450 enzymes convert the substances into others that can be eliminated from the body. However, there are some substances that seem to affect the CYP450 by slowing the metabolism or speeding it up. As this enzyme family is responsible for metabolizing cannabinoids, it is very important to see if CBD attacks it or slows it down.
A research study shows that CBD affects specifically the CYP3A4, one of these enzymes. As the CYP3A4 is the enzyme responsible for metabolizing 60 percent of medications, if it is inhibited by CBD, it cannot properly function and break down all the medication in our system. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your medications and if they think metabolism will be affected by CBD products. Topical products could be a safer option.
As topical CBD products such as lotions, salves, creams, and oils are absorbed transdermally and not directly into the bloodstream, they are considered to be safer to use than others. Unlike edibles, vaping oils, and flowers, they do not enter the system through our blood, so they are considered safer, as they typically do not interfere with the metabolization of other medications. However, you should always consult a doctor if you are worried about a possible drug interaction.
Topical CBD cream as a treatment for dogs
Some dogs suffer from skin issues or joint pain, and it can be a struggle to give them some pain relief. Nowadays, there are CBD topical creams produced to alleviate cats' and dogs’ muscular and joint pain. These CBD topical creams contain not only CBD but also coconut oil, beeswax, shea butter, and other skin-loving ingredients.
One of the main benefits of administering a topical CBD cream on cats and dogs is that it allows the person to target the animal’s specific patch of skin that is dry or the sore joint. With just a bit of a balm, it may just provide relief without leaving a greasy residue.
What to consider when buying CBD topicals
The first aspect to look at is potency. Potency refers to the cannabinoids concentration found in the product. There are a lot of products out there that look the same, but vary in cannabinoid potency.
Another important consideration is in regards to the type of cannabinoid profile present in the topical product. For example, is it a full spectrum, broad spectrum, or isolate based product? If you want the benefits of all of the cannabinoids working together (commonly referred to as the entourage effect), then choose a full spectrum product If you want to experience the entourage effect, but without THC present, then choose a broad spectrum product. CBD isolate products are ideal for people looking for only the benefits of CBD alone. However, this may strip away some of the therapeutic benefits brought about by the CBD in combination with other compounds.
At Naternal, we offer high potency topicals, but at prices that make sense. Often you see high priced topicals on the market that have low CBD concentrations. Interested in trying different products to see which is best for you? Try our best-selling bundle and save deals to save 20% off MSRP. Bundles are a great way to try new products. They also make great gifts for friends and family.
