The cannabidiol (CBD) topicals market has registered tremendous growth, a trend largely driven by the growing awareness of CBD’s skincare benefits.
Recent estimates put the CBD topicals market size at $10.68 billion. The industry is projected to record a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% from 2025 to 2033, reflecting a major shift to cannabidiol-infused skincare products.
Most people use CBD salves for pain relief. If properly administered, these products can effectively relieve acute and chronic pain.
Read below as we examine the role of CBD salves for pain, with a special emphasis on full-spectrum cannabidiol.
Unpacking Full-Spectrum CBD Salves
While shopping for CBD-infused ointments, you’ll often encounter the term “full-spectrum.” Understanding what the word denotes is critical in selecting premium-quality products.
Now, full spectrum CBD salve is an ointment formulated with cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), plus several other cannabinoids and terpenes.
Note that cannabis produces 100+ naturally occurring, therapeutically beneficial compounds known as cannabinoids. Besides, the plant secretes scores of aromatic substances called terpenes.
Cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol are cannabis’s most popular cannabinoids.
Both CBD and THC can provide immense health benefits. The two cannabinoids differ principally in their psychoactive abilities, with THC triggering additional euphoria.
While cannabidiol is inherently effective against pain, you can optimize its effects by co-administering it with tetrahydrocannabinol.
CBD and THC work synergistically via the entourage effect. This mechanism includes other lesser-known cannabinoids like cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC), as well as terpenes like myrcene and caryophyllene.
Therapeutically, full-spectrum CBD salves are more effective than broad-spectrum CBD and CBD isolates.
Broad-spectrum CBD products contain cannabidiol and non-psychoactive cannabinoids, while isolates are almost 100% CBD-based.
How Do Full-spectrum CBD Salves Relieve Pain?
When applied topically, the active cannabinoids in full-spectrum CBD salves enter your endocannabinoid system (ECS) via the skin pores. It’s here that the compounds exert their analgesic effects.
Studies have established a close interaction between phytocannabinoids and the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1), an endocannabinoid receptor involved in pain mitigation.
CBD notably activates and then desensitizes the TRPV1 receptor. That dual mechanism leads to pain alleviation, among other key benefits.
Full-spectrum CBD salves may also alleviate inflammation. The ointment’s active ingredients, notably CBD and THC, ease swelling by inhibiting pro-inflammatory proteins like cytokines.
By soothing muscle pain and joint inflammation, full-spectrum CBD salves can play a significant role in post-workout recovery.
Full-spectrum ointments are chock-full of antioxidants, too. Applying these topicals regularly may guard against varied dermatological conditions, including acne, psoriasis, and even melanomas.
Will Full-Spectrum CBD Salves Get Me High?
While full-spectrum CBD salves contain significant levels of the psychoactive tetrahydrocannabinol, they won’t get you high.
Applying the topicals externally eliminates potential interactions between THC and CB1 receptors, a mechanism necessary for cannabis euphoria to occur.
Using full-spectrum CBD salves lets you enjoy cannabidiol’s analgesic properties without becoming intoxicated. With a clearer mind, you’re able to track your recovery progress more effectively.
How To Apply Full-spectrum CBD Salves for Optimal Benefits
1. Start with the right product
Always buy full-spectrum CBD salves from reputable cannabis stores.
Seek out ointments that come with a certificate of analysis (CoA), validating that the products have undergone industry-mandated screening in independent laboratories.
Read the CoA for insights into the active ingredients. To avoid hypersensitive reactions, shun ointments laced with artificial chemicals.
2. Consult a dermatologist
Consult a board-certified dermatologist and get pre-approved for CBD ointments. Even better if the provider is a medical marijuana doctor, as they may also issue you a proper prescription.
Be sure to disclose your medical history, any current skin conditions, and overall wellness goals.
If a healthcare provider is presently unreachable, insist on buying full-spectrum CBD salves from a highly-reputed brand. You can then follow the manufacturer’s dosage guidelines.
3. Identify the target area
You can apply full-spectrum CBD salve for muscle pain, joint inflammation, and backache.
The ointments are also effective against skin irritation, particularly that caused by external factors like contact dermatitis.
4. Prepare your skin
Clean skin enhances cannabidiol’s bioavailability (absorption rate).
Before applying full-spectrum CBD salves, clean the target area using mild soap and water. This helps dislodge dirt, excess oils, and dead cells from the skin pores.
Pat the spot completely before proceeding to the next step.
5. Warm the salve
Pre-warming full-spectrum CBD salves enhances their absorption rate further.
Fortunately, you don’t need a stove for this.
Simply rub a small amount of the ointment between your fingers, and then let it sit for about one minute.
6. Apply!
Transfer the CBD salve between your fingers onto the target spots and gently massage it in using your hands.
For optimal benefits, start with smaller, pea-size portions.
Massage the salve in a circular motion until it completely dissolves into your skin.
7. Beware of side effects
Full-spectrum CBD salve is considerably safer than many skincare products.
The ointments will unlikely trigger severe adverse events, provided that you follow professional dosage guidelines.
However, you can expect some initial irritation at the application site.
Summary
Full-spectrum CBD salves ease muscle and joint aches by desensitizing certain endocannabinoid receptors responsible for pain signaling. The ointments are rich in cannabinoids and terpenes, enabling them to deliver compounded analgesic effects.
Using full-spectrum CBD salves eliminates the risks of systemic adverse effects associated with orally administered cannabidiol. Moreover, these products are remarkably safer than standard skincare ointments.
However, careful application is vital to unlock CBD salves’ cosmetic benefits.
Remember to also start small. While topically administered CBD won’t get you high, overdosing on the ointments may trigger skin sensitivity.
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