With the current push for full legalization of CBD products nationwide, it is no secret that public opinion on hemp products is changing quickly. Perhaps one of the more damaging effects of the “War on Drugs” is the fact that the public has long been denied any real research or information about the benefits of CBD and other cannabinoids.
CBD topical products are quickly trending throughout the cosmetics and skincare world, and it’s about time that we learned all about them together, so let’s get started!
What Are Topical CBD Products?
For those who are new to the world of skincare, you have likely seen the word “topical” a fair amount. A topical medication is a medication that is applied to a particular place on or in the body. Topical is now generally used as another word for lotion, balm, ointment, etc. When you get down to it, all of these words are pretty much interchangeable and dependent on the ingredients of each respective topical product. They all accomplish the same goal, allowing the CBD to absorb into the skin, and most have an oily or creamy consistency to make them easy to apply.
Can You Use Too Much? Can You Overdose On Topical CBD?
The short answer is, nothing unexpected. CBD has virtually no toxicity. To understand what an overdose is, you need to understand LD50. LD50 stands for “Lethal Dose, 50%”. This is the amount of a toxic compound, usually illicit or prescribed drugs, that is required to kill 50% of test subjects. The LD50 for CBD has not conclusively been determined; however, the best estimate provided is around 250mg/ Kg of body weight. This is an incredibly low toxicity, and keep in mind this is referring to a rapid intake such as inhalation or consumption, not when applied via a topical. So, for an average size person of 75Kg that would be an amount of 18,750mg. All you have to do is look at the packaging to determine that it is simply not possible to overdose on CBD without actively trying to do so, and even then chances are the oil will make you sick long before you can reach that level.
All of this only applies when the subject ingests the CBD. When CBD is applied topically, it does not absorb into the bloodstream and only affects the immediate area, unless you apply it to a mucous membrane. This means that you could cover yourself from head to toe in CBD topicals and the effects would be no different than if you applied the recommended amount. In short, CBD is safer than just about anything in your medicine cabinet, even ibuprofen.
Can I get high off of CBD topicals?
Again, the short answer is, no, but it does depend. While some CBD oils do contain small amounts of THC, the concentration is generally so minute that it is unlikely that you would be able to achieve a high. While it is theoretically possible, the toxicity of CBD has yet to be determined from our research, although you can see interactions with some medications. Always consult your physician with any changes in your diet, and ask them about CBD and their recommendations. Some doctors won’t discuss cannabis related products, but you’ll find most will at least point you in the right direction and let you know of any known conflicts with your other medications. CBD oil is no different in this regard. To consume enough to get high, you would have to make yourself violently ill, at which point your body will expel the oil before you can get high anyway. From our understanding, it will not be the CBD that gets you sick; it would be the MCT oil or other ingredients likely.
You do have to be aware of the difference between types of CBD topical products, as some are more likely to get you high or test positive for cannabis on a drug test. Note the difference between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate sources of CBD.
On the topic of topicals, topicals do not necessarily require THC for their maximum effectiveness. Generally, CBD needs THC for maximum efficiency is when treating severe debilitating issues, such as epileptic seizures. Not all patients require the same amount of THC; some don’t require any, while others may need as much as 5%. The entourage effect is not fully understood yet, but numerous studies have observed this effect, and many people swear by it. Most broad spectrum and full spectrum topical CBD products would have cannabinoids other than CBD, but broad spectrum gives you less likelihood of failing a drug test or getting high since the vast majority of THC is removed.
Where Can You Buy CBD Topicals?
While cannabis is still federally illegal and is only legal in individual states, there is another source of CBD that is legal in all 50 states, industrial hemp. Hemp is a member of the same family of plants as cannabis, but it does not produce THC in high enough quantities to have any effect. It is also a great source of fiber and is poised to replace trees for paper and cotton for textile in the next few decades. Hemp requires less land and less water than cotton and can produce pulp fiber in a matter of months, rather than years or decades for trees.
There are many websites where you can purchase CBD oils, sprays, and topicals derived from hemp that are 50-state legal. One such site is healthyhemp.com. All of their products are made from hemp, not cannabis so that they can be shipped anywhere in the country. Healthy Hemp places a strong focus on using only natural, non-GMO ingredients in their topicals. They do not use artificial dyes or preservatives, so you don’t have to worry about causing new irritation while you are trying to treat one source.
Popular Topical CBD Products
What Benefits Do CBD Topical Products Offer?
The answer to this depends on who you ask. Ask ten different people, and you will get 12 different answers, and they will all likely be correct. CBD topicals are widely used to treat nerve and joint pain, such as that caused by arthritis. CBD supposedly has a calming effect on nerve endings and may help reduce inflammation at the same time. CBD topicals have many famous endorsements from well-respected celebrities and athletes. Perhaps one of the most well known of which is Sir Patrick Stewart, who uses CBD cream at night and CBD topical spray during the day to help treat his arthritis symptoms. His reports mirror those of countless others: Less pain, less stiffness, and full use of his hands; he is even able to make a fist again.
In addition to pain relief, CBD can also help with various other skin conditions. The anti-bacterial properties of CBD make it effective at treating acne as well as bug bites. It is also an anti-inflammatory and can be used to help reduce puffiness caused by inflammation.
Since CBD is anti-inflammatory and works to calm nerve endings, it is also an effective treatment for muscle soreness. CBD can be used after a workout or injury in place of over-the-counter pain killers such as ibuprofen and can possibly be just as effective, without the wait or downsides associated with pills.
Conclusion
If you suffer from arthritis, inflation, eczema, acne, or simply dry skin, it may be time to try a CBD topical product. With the stigma surrounding cannabis and cannabis-derived products fading by the day, there is no reason to continue living in pain or relying on ineffective methods of pain management when a proven, effective treatment is available. Also, CBD, unlike opioids commonly used for nerve pain, has no risk of dependency.
CBD Topical Studies & Resources:
HHS Patent – Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants