Cannabis isn’t just a substance people smoke to get high. There are also topical cannabis products that can provide therapeutic relief of pain. We’ve taken the time to locate and highlight some of the best topical CBD products on the market. By reading this guide, you’ll be able to make an informed decision before buying a product for pain relief and have your questions answered regarding dosage and application techniques.

CBD stands for Cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive chemical compound found in cannabis plants such as hemp and marijuana (note: it doesn’t produce any of the negative side effects associated with THC). The CBD in cannabis is being widely studied for its potential to relieve pain and inflammation, potentially without the accompanying high typically attributed to pain treatments.

CBD can be extracted from hemp and marijuana, but these plants are different varieties of the Cannabis sativa L (also called cannabis) plant. Hemp contains very little THC and is therefore classified as a hemp variety, while marijuana contains higher concentrations of THC and is therefore considered a cannabis variety. While CBD is found in both varieties, it is more prevalent in non-psychoactive hemp than cannabis.

There are two basic ways that CBD can be utilized topically: mixed with a carrier oil or infused directly into the skin.

Hollyweed CBD Topicals with carrier oil are the easiest option for the average person to use since they can be applied directly to the affected area without much fuss. For this purpose, oils such as coconut and olive oil work well. These oils are safe for skin use, will not clog pores, and can carry some CBD from the formula into your skin. Depending on how much CBD you want to apply topically, you’ll need to add additional or less carrier oil accordingly.

The drawback of using a topical formula with a carrier oil may be messy and inconvenient. For instance, with hemp oil, the carrier oil can make it challenging to apply CBD without leaving a layer of oil on top of your skin. This can be especially problematic if you have sensitive skin or are prone to acne breakouts.

We’ve found that using CBD directly into the skin is a much more practical option since it requires no extra measures and won’t mess with your existing cosmetic routine. However, be warned that most forms of topical CBD products on the market need you to rub them to absorb effectively into the skin.