Topical CBD Dosage: How Much Topical CBD Should I Use?
Posted on May 9th, 2023 to CBD
For more localized issues with pain or inflammation after physical activity, topical CBD (cannabidiol) products may offer faster-acting relief because cannabinoids applied to the skin are processed differently from CBD oil drops or CBD capsules taken by mouth. Therefore, CBD topical dosage is somewhat different from recommended dosages with orally consumed products. Below is a comprehensive look at how to find the best topical CBD dosage for you.
First, What Are Topical CBD Products
Topical CBD products are creams, lotions, salves, or oils that have been infused with cannabis extracts containing CBD (cannabidiol) and sometimes other ingredients. You can find many different types of these products on store shelves. We recommend using topicals with CBDA, the unheated precursor of CBD because CBDA absorbs better (more bioavailable) and potent compared to CBD. Our 1:1 CBDA:CBD Topical Hydrogel Cream, contains a one-to-one ratio of cannabidiol and cannabidiolic acid (CBDA); and each pump delivers about 20 mgs of total cannabinoids.
Different products can vary widely in regards to cannabinoid potency and carrier agents for easy application. With topicals, you simply apply the product to the area of discomfort. For example, if you are dealing with a sore knee or lower back, you would simply apply the product to the affected area. The carrier oils or moisturizers and the cannabinoids are absorbed through the skin for targeted relief.
If you have CBD or CBDA oil intended for oral use on hand, this can also be applied topically. You can simply apply the oil to the targeted area and rub it in. Or, you can add the oil to a favorite lotion or skin oil and use the mixture as your own topical. This is helpful to remember if you have skin sensitivities that require you to stick with certain products or avoid certain ingredients.
CBD Topical Dosage Recommendations
The best starting point with a topical CBD dosage for pain is around 10 to 20 mg applied roughly every 3 to 6 hours. When you apply the product to your skin, rub the area in a circular motion until the product is absorbed. For best results, you can keep rubbing somewhat vigorously until the skin turns pink or feels warm – this is a sign of increased blood flow in the area. The onset time with topicals is generally between 5 and 30 minutes, and the duration of effects can be variable.
Much like taking CBD orally, each individual may need a unique dose for the topical product to be as effective as possible. Therefore, take note of how the discomfort responds to the CBD topical dosage you use. If, after the initial dose, you don’t feel relief after about 30-60 minutes, try a second application. Because cannabinoid-based products applied to the skin are processed differently, you can apply the topical product to the skin as needed every 3 to 6 hours.
Keep in mind, you can combine topical and orally-consumed CBD products for added support.
Topical CBD Oil Dosage
If you are planning to use CBD oil topically, the same dosage recommendations apply: 10 to 20 mg. With something like Healer CBD Oil Drops which include a significant amount of CBDA, each drop contains 1 mg of total cannabinoids. Therefore, you may need 10 to 20 drops.
Dosage of Topical CBD Massage Oil
CBD massage oils have grown in popularity because they offer an added layer of relief to the massage experience. Most massage oils made with CBD do not contain as much CBD as topical products formulated for pain relief because a larger amount of oil is required for a massage. For example, a bottle of 4-ounce massage oil may only contain a few hundred milligrams of cannabinoids or less, whereas a 1.5-ounce bottle of Healer Hydrogel contains 850 mg of cannabinoids.
How Do You Know How Much Product to Use for an Accurate CBD Dosage?
CBD topicals offer unique concentrations of cannabinoids depending on the product. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the manufacturer’s recommendations about how much of the product to use. At Healer, we make calculating the dose size easy: one pump gives you 20 mg of cannabinoids. It is always a good idea to stick with topical CBD products that have some way to measure the dose, so you know how much you are using during application.
Final Thoughts on Topical CBD from Healer
Topical CBD products can be highly effective for targeted relief. The key is finding the correct CBD topical dosage for you personally. Be sure to get the free Healer CBD Usage Guide and Response Tracker to help as you evaluate different CBD products and their efficacy.
