I’ve always been an ibuprofen girlie. Headache? Pop a pill. Sore muscles? Grab the bottle. Sprain my ankle? Manage the pain and swelling with over-the-counter pills. But the more my relationship with the cannabis plant grew and the more I learned about the endocannabinoid system, the more I felt that cannabis topicals could replace NSAIDs in my routine, helping me manage pain without taxing my liver.
Since incorporating cannabis topicals into my routine years ago, they’ve become a staple in my medicine cabinet. I use them regularly, my husband uses them regularly, and I’ve even managed to convert a few of my family members as well.
Beyond the High: Understanding Cannabis Topicals
Unlike other cannabis products, topicals don’t produce psychoactive effects. They’re applied directly to the skin, working locally to address pain and inflammation without entering the bloodstream in significant amounts. This makes them ideal for people seeking relief without the “high” associated with cannabis.
Some products, called “transdermal” rather than topical, may get you high, because the product is designed to move through the skin (the dermal layer) and into your bloodstream. However, transdermal products are quite uncommon and you’re more likely to come across topicals.
What makes cannabis topicals particularly effective is their interaction with the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a complex network of receptors throughout our bodies that helps regulate pain, inflammation, and immune function. Pain management is a huge function of the ECS. By supporting this system externally, topicals help promote balance where it’s needed most.
Cannabis Topicals
The turning point for me came a few years back when I sprained my ankle. I stepped off a curb wrong, and the next thing I knew, I had a black and blue egg-sized lump (check out the photo in the linked blog!) Rather than reach right for the ibuprofen, I grabbed a cannabis topical. I elevated my ankle and applied the solution. Within minutes I noticed my pain levels were reduced. I continued to apply topical CBD products for two weeks and it made a noticeable difference in my pain, swelling, and healing time.
Since then, I reach for topicals for many physical ailments: sore muscles after hikes, tightness and tension in my back, and general aches and pain. I love how topical CBD products reduce my pain levels without putting a strain on my liver.
A Holistic Approach to Cannabis Wellness
My exploration of cannabis topicals has evolved into a comprehensive approach to whole-body healing:
For inflammation: I use a high-CBD salve on my joints after intense physical activity. The anti-inflammatory properties help reduce swelling and support natural recovery without the stomach irritation I experienced with NSAIDs. Two of my favorite balms are from HIGH N MIGHTY and this heating balm from Veteran’s Ananda.
For muscle recovery: A CBD muscle rub with herbal infusions helps my sore and tight muscles relax. I apply it at night before I go to bed to wake up feeling better, like this balm from HIGH N MIGHTY.
For skin conditions: A cannabis-infused balm delivers a slow-absorbing and long lasting moisture that is very helpful in the arid desert climate I live in, like the Uh Huh Honey Bee Balm.
For stress-related tension: A lavender and cannabis oil blend applied to pulse points helps ease physical manifestations of stress—particularly the tightness in my shoulders and back I get from hunching over a computer all day. I love this lavender balm from Blooming Botanicals.
Creating a Personalized Topical Regimen
The quality of your products matters. CBD balms must use high-quality extractions, emulsifiers, and herbal infusions to create an effective product. The brands I’ve listed above are my tried and tested choices for high-quality CBD balms that work for me, time and time again.
I’ve also discovered the importance of finding the right cannabinoid profile for different needs. CBD formulations are the easiest to find, but products that can include other cannabinoids like THC or CBG have added benefits.
Beyond Physical Healing
There are many reasons I love cannabis topicals. I feel confident using them for pain management, knowing I’m not creating a liver-taxing situation by relying too hard on OTC pain relievers and NSAIDs. Don’t get me wrong – if I wake up with a wicked headache, I’m reaching for migraine meds. But adding cannabis topicals has given me another avenue to explore for regular pain management that supports my body.
It’s also wonderful to apply these topicals to myself or my husband. It’s ritualistic; the time it takes to massage a balm or salve into the skin forces you to pause and connect to your physical body.
If you’re looking for holistic healing methods that actually work to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain, I can’t recommend cannabis topicals enough. Learning about your endocannabinoid system is one of the best ways to learn about holistic methods of healing
