Hey friends it’s me. Took a big long break from the blog (again 🙄) – but keeping up with it is one of my resolutions for the new year!

II thought I’d go back to my roots and do a post on some totally rad topical products I’ve been using to combat chronic pain over the last few months.

If you’re like me, you entertain all the newfound aches and pains of adulthood, as well as some old flames, like chronic pain and injuries from sports and accidents. No matter what’s acting up – whether it’s my knees, lower back, shoulder, wrists, or feet – I am looking for three things from any topical:

• Close-to-complete numbing of pain within 15 minutes;
• Pleasant and convenient application experience;
• Discreet look and smell so it’s not obvious I have weed cream ALL over me.

The following are my three latest finds – in alphabetical order! I hope you enjoy reading about, browsing and maybe even trying one of these to help you crush your pain.

Hell, maybe you can even recommend one to your parent, grandparent, or other loved one struggling with pains of their own.

All of these products contain active ingredients derived from cannabis or hemp – which I am a huge advocate for. New here? Read my intro to cannabis topicals first to learn more about why you should ditch the IcyHot for something that actually works.

Artemis VITALITY CBD-Infused Salve

CBD-infused topicals provide a special soothing feeling to your skin. I was once skeptical that topical CBD could actually help relieve muscle pain beneath the skin’s surface, but now I see that with the right supporting ingredients, it is possible.

The VITALITY Salve by Artemis is one of the best CBD topicals I have tried. It has totally natural ingredients, starts working on my pain in about 15 minutes, and is good for skin irritations, too.

 

 

 

Arnica is an ancient plant medicine that has been used in pain relievers for years. It penetrates the skin to ease inflammation, swelling, pain, and even bruising. It gives this salve the power it needs to truly get in there and relieve pain.

I always put this on right after I get a bruise! That being said, it’s also excellent on the skin and I have used it for cuts, scratches, and even to chill sunburns. It has a spicy essential oil aroma which is actually pretty nice.

The CBD in this salve is hemp-based, so you can easily buy it online at IAmArtemis.com to support this heart-centered San Diego brand.

Dr. Kerklaan Natural Pain Cream

I’ve been looking for a reliable new THC topical ever since the California regulations changed. Luckily, a friend left this one in my car, and it has proved to be the first major come-up of 2019.

Dr. Kerklaan’s pain cream was formulated by – you guessed it – doctors. That means it’s effective and badass.

 

 

 

 

Now for the key features: This topical provides a balanced ratio of 90mg THC to 90mg CBD. It’s a creamy white formula that rubs in effortlessly and leaves no sheen or residue on your skin. I find it to be VERY fast acting – pain quelled within 10 minutes. Best of all, there is no smell to this cream, so you can wear it anywhere without worrying about leaving a trail of herby-ness behind you.

This one is a traditional cannabis-infused topical containing THC, so it’s very restricted. However, if you live in California or visit often, you’re in luck because it’s available at dispensaries here! All you need is identification saying that you’re over the age of 21. There’s potential to get it delivered, too. It retails for around $60 pre-tax.

Find out more about this awesome brand at DrKerklaan.com.

Kavidiol CBD Spray & Gel

I connected with Kavidiol last year as they were looking for feedback on their Kava Kava & CBD-infused pain relieving spray. After they worked out a few kinks with the formula, I’m glad to say it’s one of the most frequently used products in my arsenal! I even have a 25% promo code below for you to try it, too.

As a spray-on, I think this one is super convenient for those moments when you have pain but don’t want to spend all that time massaging and waiting for product to rub in. It sprays on well, dries almost instantly and starts working in just minutes!

 

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Kavidiol infuses their products with Kava Kava root extract and CBD, and also has a formulation with aloe vera for irritated skin. They are even working on a formulation made with kratom (click to read my post on this herb). You can tell they are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what pain relieving topicals are made out of, and I love that innovation.

Just spray this on, and you will start to feel relief from muscle or nerve pain within 30 seconds. The effect is rapid and noticeable, especially compared to lame drugstore products. Kavidiol even conducted trials, using thermal imaging, to show off just how quickly it decreases inflammation.

 

 

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Their sprays are alcohol-based, so there is a slight smell at first. However, due to being infused with vanilla extract the smell dissipates very quickly! They also have a gel formulation which is great for massaging into those targeted areas.

You can get your own online at Kavidiol.com! Make sure to use GURU25 for 25% off.

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It was definitely really hard to choose my favorites, as I’ve tried and loved SO many topicals since I began my cannabis journey.

Two honorable mentions that I just can’t leave out are Papa & Barkley‘s whole-plant massage oil (SO good for those larger areas) and Humble Flower Co.‘s THC & CBD massage oil with lavender and ylang-ylang. Both of these are dispensary-only brands from California.

Of course, my other go-to for managing chronic pain and muscle tension is a cannabis-infused bath soak, which you can read about in one of my most popular posts here on the blog! Just click below.

Need relief – like NOW?! Eaze is a California-only, compliant cannabis delivery resource that can connect you with some great topical products from a dispensary in your area. Though they currently don’t stock anything I’ve mentioned here, you’re bound to find something to hold you over. Plus, they carry my favorite OM cannabis-infused bath soaks for a great price! Click below to affirm that you are 21+ and to sign up for your first delivery.