As the human body's largest organ, it’s no surprise that the skin has a high concentration of endocannabinoid receptors, including CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 receptors are closely associated with neurotransmitters in the brain and central nervous system, while CB2 receptors are linked to the immune system and overall inflammatory response.*

When applied topically, CBD and other cannabinoids interact with these receptors, which can be observed as relieved feelings of discomfort, soreness, and physical tension.*

Topical CBD absolutely works as a premium recovery option to incorporate into your daily life. Starting off with a topical cream is a simple, safe, and non-intrusive way to get started with cannabinoids.

Of course, Sunmed always recommends pairing a topical with a daily ingestible CBD product, such as an oil tincture, gummy, water soluble, or soft gel capsule. This way, the topical provides targeted recovery for a problem area—while the ingestible covers the rest of the receptor bases.*

Our body collection includes both topical CBD and ingestible CBD for athletic recovery, self care, and everyday wellness—so you can feel balanced from the inside out.*

How long does it take for topical CBD to produce benefits?

Depending on factors like cannabinoid concentrations, serving amounts, and other active ingredients in your products, topical CBD can take anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes to feel the effects.* As for Sunmed topicals, most customers observe almost immediate sensations and benefits.* 

The main determining factor is the concentration and quality of the cannabis compounds in your topical CBD. At Sunmed, we use premium, plant-rich hemp extract for all of our formulas; this means that our harvested hemp compounds remain in its synergistic, naturally-occurring form—from plant to final formula.*

Secondary ingredients are another key determinant in the topical CBD experience. 

With Sunmed, you can rest assured that our topical products have much more than just CBD: 

• Peppermint, arnica flower, MSM, and shea butter are just a few call-outs from our soothing + cooling broad spectrum topical cream—a premium recovery experience that you just have to try for yourself (pssst… it’s our top-selling product for a reason)!
• For intense athletic recovery, our broad spectrum topical spray has cooling menthol—which works to relieve sprains, strains, and other ailments. 
• And for an everyday beauty product, consider our favorite broad spectrum collagen cream. It’s a one-step moisturizer with broad spectrum hemp and marine collagen—a major ingredient that helps with hydration, firmness, and overall skin radiance. 

Keep in mind that our topicals range from sprays to lotions, massage oils, and moisturizers. Each formulation will be slightly different and includes unique ingredients and CBD concentrations. Always look at the components within your CBD products to make sure you get what your body needs and map out your daily routine accordingly.

Yes—you can put CBD on sore muscles at any time of day, whether you’re wrapping up a trail run or recovering from a heavy lifting session. CBD also works on sore muscles the morning after a tough training day or rigorous shift at work.

The question is how you want to deliver CBD to the muscles using topical solutions, and Sunmed has plenty of options to choose from. Our topical cream comes in full and broad spectrum varieties, while our roll-on product is ideal for precise locations with extra relief.*

If you enjoy a bath soak with an added boost from CBD, our Broad Spectrum Bath Bombs are great for deep absorption and muscle relaxation in the warm water.* Sore muscles are often inevitable, but our Body collection has all you need to soothe them.* 

How does CBD support muscle health?

CBD supports muscle health by interacting with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. While CB1 is associated with neurotransmitters in the brain and nervous system, CB2 receptors are linked more closely to the immune system and overall inflammatory response.*

By targeting both types of receptors throughout the body, CBD helps soothe muscles on a neurological and physical level, serving as a multi-faceted wellness tool.* 

One great application for CBD–topical or otherwise–is for easing muscle tension after a workout. Lifters and runners know that soreness can be nearly debilitating a day or two after a session, and CBD may help soothe some of the discomfort associated with that soreness.*

As muscle fibers break down, they must be restored with rest and nutrition, but this experience isn’t always comfortable, to say the least. CBD supports muscle recovery by limiting some of that post-workout discomfort and feelings of tension or tightness.* That’s a big relief to anyone living the fitness lifestyle or just managing daily muscle health.

Does ingestible CBD help with muscle discomfort?

While topical CBD is the focus of our Body collection, we’ve also included some of our favorite ingestible CBD products that can help address muscle discomfort and tension.

CBD tinctures, gummies, and other ingestibles may not target specific muscles and joints in the same way as topical creams and salves, but the ECS is highly attuned to areas of the body that are out of balance or under stress.*

It may be a good idea to use CBD of various types in your muscle recovery regimen, such as a mix of post-workout edibles and CBD cream or gels. You’ll find that both approaches work great for soothing and general wellness, but more than one method of delivery may provide compounding benefits and support.

Absolutely, yes. Topical CBD is safe for athletes at every level, as any tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in a topical formula doesn’t reach your bloodstream.*

Full spectrum topical products, like our full spectrum topical cream, contain less than 0.3% THC per container. Most of Sunmed’s topical products are made with broad spectrum hemp extract, meaning the THC is extracted before formulation.

Keep in mind that most professional athletic organizations do not endorse full spectrum hemp products because of this small amount of THC. Luckily, broad spectrum topical products provide many of the same post-workout recovery benefits without detectable THC.

Professional athletes love CBD for keeping muscle tissue healthy and resilient, and the right formulations can go a long way.* Research continues to support incorporating CBD and hemp compounds into athletic training and recovery.

It’s hard to say whether ingestible or topical CBD is better for muscle and joint health, since everyone faces unique challenges and biological factors. 

The best way to determine the effectiveness of each product type is to use them individually and take note of your results over the course of several hours. When the effects have worn off, try another method of delivery, then compare the two to see which works best.

You will likely find that all types of CBD support muscle and joint health, and that a combination of two or more products is most effective for soothing and relaxation. This is the goal of our body collection, equipping you with all the tools you need to stay on track with your fitness and wellness goals.

Sunmed products are exclusively sold at over 400 Your CBD Stores nationwide and at getsunmed.com shipping all across the United States. Find your nearest location here