Proleve offers a wide variety of CBD topicals, including targeted products that address discomfort with CBD and warming or cooling sensations. CBD topicals are known for their ability to promote healthy skin, and to target pain, inflammation, irritation, itching, soreness, and stiff joints. 

But you may be wondering: how do CBD topicals differ from the THC creams sold in dispensaries? In this article, we cover the differences and similarities between these types of cannabis topicals, telling you everything you need to know about CBD vs THC lotions, salves, and creams. 

About Cannabis Topicals

Topicals are created with CBD or THC extract from cannabis or hemp plants, and they’re designed for use directly on the skin. This therapeutic cannabis extract is combined with a base salve, lotion, cream, roll-on, or balm. 

Topicals are designed for direct, localized application to the problem area. They provide fast-acting relief from various forms of discomfort, stiffness, and soreness. In addition to discomfort relief, topicals can be used for skincare purposes such as moisturization, hydration, or to address common cosmetic concerns.

What are CBD Topicals?

Proleve’s CBD topicals are created from American-grown hemp cultivated with zero pesticides. Hemp plants contain below the legal limit of 0.3% THC, which is why CBD topicals can be purchased in any state, rather than in dispensaries only.

Proleve offers full spectrum CBD topicals, and topicals with CBD isolate for THC-free pain relief.

What are THC Topicals?

THC topicals are created from marijuana, rather than hemp--a different subtype of the cannabis sativa plant that is dominant in THC, rather than CBD. For this reason, THC topicals are only sold at dispensaries in states where cannabis is legal for medical or recreational purposes. 

Like CBD topicals, THC topicals are designed to address localized discomfort, inflammation, stiffness, and soreness.

The Differences Between CBD vs THC Topicals

Though CBD and THC topicals share the aforementioned similarities, researchers suggest key differences in terms of their therapeutic effects. Generally speaking, THC and CBD topicals can be used to address the same issues. However, one may be more effective than the other depending on the type of relief you need. 

Here at Proleve, we offer full spectrum CBD topicals with THC for the best of both worlds. For those who prefer a THC free option, Proleve also offers hemp topicals created with CBD isolate and 0% THC. 

Pain and Inflammation

According to research and anecdotal reports, customers find CBD topicals more effective in reducing inflammation, while THC topicals may be better for addressing pain. 

Arthritis and Joint Mobility

CBD topicals are believed to be more effective in addressing stiff, sore joints, and for enhancing joint mobility. This may make CBD topicals particularly useful for arthritis. In addition, CBD creams may help tendonitis by reducing discomfort and inflammation. 

Pre and Post Workout Support

Because CBD topicals target inflammation, they may be especially useful for application before and after workouts. Prior to your workout, you can apply CBD cream in order to prevent soreness, stiffness, and cramping, while supporting joint and muscle mobility. Many Proleve customers also use CBD cream after workouts in order to soothe stiff and sore muscles. 

Dry, Itchy, Irritated Skin

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, CBD topicals may be more effective for skincare concerns such as acne, eczema, and other conditions involving dryness, itchiness, and flaky or irritated skin. 

CBD topicals are suggested to help with soreness from arthritis, stiff joints, and discomfort in the tendons. Proleve customers also report using CBD topicals for joint mobility, and for pre and post-workout purposes to address cramping and sore muscles. 

Shop CBD Topicals from Proleve

Here at Proleve, we make it easy to harness the effects of CBD topicals with a wide variety of full spectrum and THC-free hemp lotions and creams. 

Our CBD Topical Collection includes: 

• CBD Salve. Harness the benefits of topical CBD with THC through Proleve’s full spectrum hemp salves. If you prefer a THC-free option, we also offer THC-free salves created with CBD isolate. 
• Broad Spectrum CBD Cooling Roll On. 
• Broad Spectrum CBD Warming Roll-On. 
• CBD Isolate Hand and Body Lotion. 
• CBD Bath Bombs
• CBD Recovery Bundle, featuring 1 bath bomb, 1 cooling roll-on, and 1 warming roll-on.