FAQ
CBD comes in a variety of forms, including topicals. CBD topicals can help in various ways, including relieving muscle pain, reducing inflammation, speeding up wound healing, reducing itching, and increasing hydration.
Many people with skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis benefit from CBD topicals due to these benefits. When applied, the CBD topical will relieve their itching and speed up healing, which can help reduce the amount of scarring caused by the condition. People with chronic pain benefit from CBD topicals, too, as they can target muscle pain when applied directly to the area experiencing pain.
Many people without chronic pain or skin conditions benefit from CBD topicals, too, thanks to the hydrating effects. A CBD cream can be applied to the body for more nourished, hydrated skin. Some people will even use it as a CBD face mask to reduce the signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. It works due to the presence of rich antioxidants in the CBD.
CBD topicals provide benefits such as muscle pain and itching relief and work pretty quickly. In fact, the benefits usually kick in within twenty minutes (which is fast compared to CBD gummies, which can take up to an hour to take effect). This is highly beneficial for those who experience pain and itching in waves, as you want it to take effect as soon as possible to experience fast relief.
Once CBD topicals have kicked in, the effects usually last up to three hours. After that, you will likely need to apply more to keep on experiencing the benefits. If you find that it takes too long to kick in or the effects are too subtle, it may be worth trying a more potent CBD topical cream.
Of course, everyone's body is different – CBD topicals may take effect in as little as ten minutes in some and up to one hour in others, so expect some variants.
When taking something like CBD, it is normal to be worried about whether it may lead to a failed drug test. There is good news here: the answer is, no, topical CBD will generally not lead to a failed drug test. That's because CBD is not the same as cannabis, which has THC in it. The only time CBD will cause a positive drug test is if it's laced with THC, which is something you should/would know about. If you are worried about your topical CBD potentially impacting the results of a drug test, look closely at where you get your CBD from, ensuring it's all natural and free from THC.
It is worth pointing out that CBD is legal in the United States at a federal level – however, you may want to check the legalities in your particular state, as they can vary.
Like with any medication (topical or otherwise), topical CBD can lead to some side effects. Of course, there are benefits, which include relief from muscle pain, skin itchiness, inflammation, and joint pain – however, some of the side effects may not be so pleasant and are worth keeping in mind. These include:
- Skin Irritation
- Fatigue
- Reduced Appetite
- Dry Mouth
- Allergic Reactions
However, be aware these symptoms are very uncommon, and many are more likely to occur with oral CBD (such as dry mouth). If you are worried about the side effects of topical CBD, start with a low dosage and work your way up.
It's also worth pointing it some people may be more prone to adverse effects from topical CBD creams compared to others. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should typically avoid taking any form of CBD – as should those with specific liver conditions.
It is hard to say whether topical CBD is safe while breastfeeding as there simply are not enough studies pointing one way or the other. Topical CBDs do not enter the bloodstream the same way oral CBDs do, so many may think they are safe to take when breastfeeding and will not transfer to the baby. However, it's always best to be cautious, especially when a little one is involved. While topical CBDs likely won't affect the baby when breastfeeding, it's best to wait until you have stopped breastfeeding before taking topical CBD once more. If you decide to take topical CBD, be sure it's a safe product that doesn't contain TBC and will not enter the bloodstream.
Of course, this is all general advice. If you're curious about whether topical CBD is safe for you when breastfeeding, it's best to speak to a healthcare professional, as they know your specific circumstances.
The safety of topical CBD in pregnancy isn't a straightforward topic. Generally, topical CBDs are considered safe for those who are pregnant as the CBD does not enter the bloodstream, meaning it will not affect the baby. However, there is limited research into these facts, so many mothers-to-be might err on the side of caution and avoid topical CBD until after they have given birth.
Of course, some pregnant people might find this challenging, especially if they already took CBD topicals before getting pregnant to relieve symptoms like pain, stress, and itchiness from a skin condition. In this case, it's best to speak directly to a medical professional to see whether a CBD topical would be safe to use during pregnancy. If you do choose to use topical CBD while pregnant, aim for an all-natural one that doesn't contain any THC and does not enter the bloodstream.