Answer
Apply a cannabis topical to the inflamed area. Rub it into the skin. Wait 15 to 30 minutes. Reapply up to 4 times a day. THC topicals do not enter the bloodstream in large amounts. CBD topicals bind to local receptors in the skin. Both may reduce swelling and pain at the site.
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Forms of cannabis topicals
Topicals come as salves, balms, lotions, gels, and patches. Labels list THC and CBD in milligrams. A salve holds 100 mg to 1000 mg per container. A patch holds 10 mg to 50 mg. Patches release over 8 to 12 hours.
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How to choose a product
- CBD-dominant: 1:0 to 5:1 CBD to THC. Use for daytime and joint pain.
- THC-dominant: 1:0 to 1:1 THC to CBD. Use for deep muscle pain.
- Balanced: 1:1 THC to CBD. Use for nerve pain.
- Check the certificate of analysis (COA) for pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
Application steps
- Wash the area with soap and water. Dry it.
- Dispense 1 mL to 2 mL (a pea to a dime size).
- Massage into the skin for 30 to 60 seconds.
- Wash hands after use.
- Wait 20 minutes. Onset is 15 to 45 minutes. Effects last 2 to 4 hours.
- Reapply no more than 4 times in 24 hours.
Patch test
Put a small amount on the inner forearm. Wait 24 hours. Check for redness, itching, or blisters. Stop use if a reaction appears.
Safety
- Do not apply to broken skin, eyes, or mucous membranes.
- Do not use on children or pets.
- Ask a doctor before use if pregnant, nursing, or taking blood thinners.
- Store below 25°C (77°F). Keep out of sunlight.
What the evidence shows
Clinical trials on topical cannabis for inflammation are small. A 2020 review in Journal of Clinical Medicine found limited evidence for pain relief. The FDA has not approved cannabis topicals for any medical use. State-legal dispensaries sell lab-tested products.