Topicals have become the next big trend in cannabis products, and it’s not surprising when you consider all the benefits that absorption through the skin can bring when you’re using cannabinoids for health and wellness, rather than recreation and relaxation. Topical applications require a much, much higher dose before they enter the bloodstream, so even when THC is part of the equation, they typically don’t intoxicate. Much of the time, they’re not even detectable in consumption tests. CBD topicals are also in high demand, because the direct application to the site where it’s needed provides better relief at low doses, making the formulas that use them far more effective for local pain and stiffness than an oral dose of the same amount of CBD in most cases.

Many chronic pain patients swear by topicals and use them in addition to oral doses for complementary relief on bad days. Because they don’t contribute to the effects of oral doses because the CBD doesn’t penetrate to the bloodstream, it typically does not change the expected side effects patients are used to. This makes it easy to stay on routine while enjoying extra pain coverage. Whether you’re treating acute pain and stiffness due to a pull or muscle overuse or you’re treating something long-term that regularly stresses your muscles and joints, there are a few really effective ways to get that topical cannabinoid dose you’re looking for.

1. Bath Products

Bath bombs, shampoos, and other products designed for your bathing time are a good way to get relief when you have time to really let it soak in. Especially in the cases of bath bombs and oils, which allow you to sit and soak and slowly absorb the medicine into your pores, providing all-over relief without intoxicating side effects. This is great for general soreness and fatigue, but the distributed dose is not always what people are looking for when there’s a single specific site of joint or muscle pain. That’s okay, though. Finding the place for this product means having better general support for fatigue, so your treatments for acute aches and pains are more effective.

2. Creams and Lotions

For direct applications with a higher dose, CBD sports cream and pain relieving balms are the best way to go. They’re designed to be worked into the skin like a traditional cooling menthol balm, so they’re a little thicker than a standard lotion. You can calibrate the amount you apply to the day’s aches and pains, targeting the exact site of muscle strain or long-term pain that’s become aggravated. Like the bath bombs, even these higher doses of CBD typically don’t penetrate to the bloodstream, so those who experience slight sedative effects from oral doses or smoking typically do not experience them from these creams.

3. Time Release CBD and THC Pain Patches

Last but not least, those needing both the higher dose to a direct area and the benefit of long-lasting exposure your skin can absorb over time will find it in pain patches, which are available from select manufacturers in various cannabis-friendly states and recreational markets. CBD patches are more widely available because of fewer restrictions on their status, and they’re very effective on their own or when paired with other treatments like oral analgesics. Topically, CBD use is as safe as any other over the counter and just as low in side effects. Like with any new products, though, you do need to make sure you’re not allergic to anything in the formulation, because while CBD is benign topically, different manufacturers use a variety of other herbal supplements in their custom pain relief blends.

Fast Daily Relief Without Intoxication

CBD is generally preferred for pain control during working hours by cannabis patients because it doesn’t intoxicate. At most, it’s described as having a mild sedative effect at high doses, causing light drowsiness. That can still be an issue for some users, though, and providing direct topical relief means dodging those oral side effects whenever you don’t want to deal with them. It also means being able to safely add to your dose without changing the side effects, so topicals provide additional relief when an oral dose alone isn’t enough but you don’t want to double down either.