It is almost impossible these days to avoid the wave that is CBD. It seems that everywhere you look, people are advertising some new product that contains cannabidiol which purports to be able to relieve one chronic symptom or another.

Since cannabis was legalized here in Canada a couple of years ago, CBD products have rapidly flooded the wellness and supplement markets, coming in a wide variety of forms which range from oils and capsules to vapes and even CBD beers and teas! Among this innovative array of new products are CBD topicals, including creams.

In this article, we will take you on a quick journey through the A-to-Z of CBD creams. Among other things, we will touch on CBD and its properties, the uses of CBD creams and how to make sure that the cream that you are buying is of good quality.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol is one of 113 compounds known as cannabinoids that are present in different quantities in the cannabis and hemp plants. Unlike its better-known cousin THC, the compound which is famous for causing the ‘high’ sensation reported by recreational users of cannabis, CBD has few or no psychoactive effects. However, this does not mean that it does not have a strong effect on the human body.

CBD is known to interact positively with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors and neurotransmitters which is a common feature of the anatomy of all mammals. This system is responsible for a wide range of bodily functions, including appetite, sleep, immune function, stress, memory, mood and pain. It is for this reason that CBD is rapidly gaining a reputation for its therapeutic properties in the treatment of a growing number of diseases and conditions.

Although research into the effectiveness of CBD treatments is still in its infancy, early studies have thrown up some very promising results. There is now evidence that it is effective at reducing the frequency of seizures for sufferers of certain forms of epilepsy, and the signs are that it may be capable of slowing down the advance of other progressive neurological diseases as well as relieving the more mundane symptoms of anxiety-related mental disorders.

CBD Topicals

One of the fastest-growing markets in CBD is the topicals market. The skin is the body’s largest organ and is absolutely crammed full of cannabinoid receptors. When applied to topically, CBD interacts with these receptors, producing powerful analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

CBD is also known to be a potent antioxidant, which makes it an excellent ingredient for facemasks, moisturizers and body lotions. In addition, CBD contains essential oils which make the products smell nice while also providing benefits of their own

The Uses of CBD Creams

The beneficial skincare properties of CBD have resulted in an increasing number of creams which contain the cannabinoid. You can now find CBD in balms, massage oil and much more. These products are often used by athletes to soothe injured muscles and ligaments and to relieve post-workout aches and pains.

Other than to manage pain, people are using CBD creams across Canada for many reasons. One is the ability to moisturize and hydrate dry areas of skin. While this is great news for people interested in cosmetics and looking good, a growing number of people are also finding that CBD creams can also help to alleviate the symptoms of chronic skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Not only this but the antioxidant properties of CBD have been proven to reduce acne as well.

How Do I Know If a CBD Cream Is of Good Quality?

The effectiveness of CBD creams varies greatly depending on a variety of factors, such as the source, quality, and dosage. Here are a few tips to help you make sure that what you are buying is the real deal if you have never bought CBD cream before.

1. Check for Third-Party Lab Test Results

Before you buy any CBD product, you should also check to see whether the manufacturer provides a third-party lab test certificate. Not only is this to verify that your cream or other product contains the advertised levels of cannabinoids, but it also ensures that the CBD extract in the cream contains safe levels of heavy metals and zero pesticides.

2. Look for Full-Spectrum

The most effective CBD creams will be of the full-spectrum variety. This is because of a phenomenon known as the ‘entourage effect’ whereby cannabinoids like THC and CBD are known to be more potent when in the presence of the other cannabinoids and terpenes with which they occur naturally in the cannabis plant.

3. Look at Reviews

The market in CBD products is still relatively young. Brands are not yet subject to much government regulation, and this can mean that product quality can vary greatly. The best way to make sure that you are getting a good product is to do your research on review sites and Reddit before you buy.

The Final Word

If you suffer from aches and pains or skin imperfections, CBD creams are a great way of relieving symptoms and preventing outbreaks. There are more and more excellent products on the market. Finding the right cream for you is just a question of using some of the tips mentioned above!