What to Look for in a Pain-Relief Topical
Cannabis topicals come as balms, lotions, salves, and sticks. They work on the skin and underlying tissue, not the whole body. The two main ingredients are THC and CBD. THC can help with pain and inflammation, but it can also cause a mild buzz if you absorb a lot. CBD is non-intoxicating and may reduce inflammation. Many people find a 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD works best for pain. Others prefer high-CBD, low-THC products to avoid any high. Also check the carrier oils. Coconut oil and shea butter are common. Menthol or capsaicin can add a cooling or warming effect, but they can also irritate sensitive skin. Look for third-party lab tests on the package. That tells you the product is free of pesticides and mold.
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My Top Pick: Papa & Barkley 1:1 Releaf Balm
For most people dealing with sore muscles or joint pain, I pick Papa & Barkley's 1:1 Releaf Balm. It has equal parts THC and CBD. The base is coconut oil, beeswax, and shea butter. No menthol or other irritants. It goes on smooth and absorbs without a greasy feel. The effect starts in about 20 minutes and lasts a few hours. You can find it in California, Colorado, and a few other legal states. If you live elsewhere, look for a similar full-spectrum 1:1 balm from a brand your dispensary trusts.
Runner-Up: Lord Jones High CBD Body Lotion
If you want to avoid THC or live in a state where THC topicals are hard to find, Lord Jones High CBD Body Lotion is a solid choice. It uses 200 mg of CBD per bottle and no THC. The lotion is light and unscented. It works well for skin pain, like sunburn or eczema, and for mild arthritis. The downside is it costs more per milligram than a THC product. But it won't get you high, and you can use it during the day.
How to Make Cannabis Topicals at Home: A Dispensary Buying Guide
Budget Option: Care By Design 1:1 Lotion
Care By Design makes a 1:1 lotion that costs less than the top pick. The texture is thinner, and it has a slight herbal smell. It still has the same ratio of THC to CBD, and it works for everyday aches. The pump bottle is convenient for covering large areas like a back or legs. You may need to reapply more often than with a balm. For the price, it's a good value.
How to Use Topicals for Pain
Start with a small amount on a small area. Wait 20 to 30 minutes to see how you feel. Wash your hands after applying, unless you want the effect on your hands. Don't use topicals on broken skin or near your eyes. If you have a reaction, stop using it. You can layer a topical with an oral product, but check with a budtender or your doctor first.
What to Expect at the Dispensary
When you walk into a cannabis store, ask the budtender about their topicals. Tell them where it hurts and what you want. They can point you to a product with the right ratio and ingredients. Ask to see the lab results. A good dispensary keeps them on hand. Also ask about the return policy. Some stores let you return a topical if it doesn't work for you. That takes the risk out of trying something new.
The Bottom Line
For pain relief, my top pick is a 1:1 THC:CBD balm like Papa & Barkley. If you want no THC, try Lord Jones High CBD Lotion. On a budget, Care By Design 1:1 Lotion works. No topical is a cure-all. But a good one can help you move easier and hurt less. Start low, go slow, and see what your body says.