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Can CBD really help with knee and joint pain? What’s the best CBD for knee pain?
We’ll answer these questions in detail in the article below and give you our top 8 CBD products for knee pain, and give you some valuable insight into how to choose the best CBD product for your pain relief.
We've researched and tried numerous CBD brands to find the best CBD for knee pain to help you be pain free.
So let’s dig in.
Knee pain is a common complaint among adults. In fact, it’s estimated that about one in four Americans deal with knee and joint pain and stiffness.
And is most often associated with arthritis, general wear and tear from daily activities like walking, bending, standing, and lifting.
Athletes who run or play sports that involve jumping or quick pivoting are also more likely to experience knee pain and problems.
But whether an individual’s knee pain is caused by aging or injury, it can be a nuisance and take a toll on your life, but it doesn’t have to.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a safe and effective solution that has given thousands of people the freedom to move and enjoy their favorite activities again.
CBD works by reducing inflammation, thus relieving pain and allowing you to resume living an active lifestyle without the limitations knee pain places on your everyday life.
Best CBD For Knee Pain Relief In 2023
Today we'll share our favorite brands for the best CBD for knee pain that helps alleviate knee pain naturally.
How We Chose
We carefully analyzed and tested some of the best CBD brands that offer some of the most popular products to find 8 of the most effective options for knee pain relief.
Along with:
- Ingredients: Products contain safe and high-quality ingredients, and their labels state all ingredients clearly. They should also confirm they are safe, meaning they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and mold.
- Third-party labs: Products undergo third-party testing by an ISO 17025-compliant laboratory for potency and contaminants.
- Available Third party testing (COA): The company demonstrates transparency and shares a product’s COA following lab results easily found on its website.
Best CBD Topicals For Knee Pain
CBD topicals such as lotions, balms, gels, or creams are infused with hemp-derived CBD to produce skin-friendly products that contain the medicinal properties of CBD.
In topical form, CBD is most popularly used for localized discomfort for managing pain, and inflammation.
The value of topical applications is that they work quickly and target one area. Athletes love them for pain and injury.
These products are best for those who want fast-acting targeted relief for knee pain without ingesting CBD.
1. Kanibi CBD Enhanced Heat Cream
Kanibi CBD Cream is the perfect way to ease the pain and stiffness of inflammation in your knees. This product is a powerful pure, CBD-rich oil extracted from premium hemp plants that work within minutes of use to get quick relief and long-lasting effects.
Image courtesy Kanibi CBD
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 250mg of CBD per 1.7-ounce bottle
- Pro: can be applied directly to the knee areas for immediate absorption and faster results
- Con: contains alcohol
- Price: $49 for a one-time purchase, with 10% discounts available for subscriptions
You’ll enjoy a dose of pure full-spectrum CBD-rich cream with every rub, with extracts that include the entire hemp plant for optimal effect.
Not only may your pain and stiffness melt away, but you'll also enjoy the light and smooth texture absorbed quickly into your skin, leaving no oily residue.
I’m a big fan of the lotion pump that comes on the bottle of kanibi's cream, making for easy, clean, and hassle-free application.
The warm, refreshing, tingly effect of this cream brings nearly instant relief. The pain and stiffness relief does last, as does the pleasant menthol aroma. I like this cream for its light texture, absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no oily residue, and pain-reducing potency.
However, it does not take all the pain away, but this product allows freedom of movement with almost no pain in my everyday life.
This product is best for those who like a powerful CBD-infused non-greasy lotion that works within minutes of use, giving you fast-acting targeted relief for your stiff, painful knee.
2. Extract Labs CBD Muscle Cream
Extract Labs powerful cream will leave your stiff muscles and joints feeling relaxed and pain-free. Formulated with a full spectrum of cannabinoids and other powerful ingredients, this premium product is great for resuming your daily activities in comfort.
Image courtesy Extract Labs
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 2000mg of CBD per 2.95-ounce tin
- Pro: this CBD cream is very potent containing 2,000 mg of CBD, which definitely packs a punch
- Con: the child proof tin it comes in is very hard to open
- Price: $81 for a one-time purchase, with 25% discounts available for subscriptions
This topical cream can quickly alleviate soreness and relieves stiffness with a powerful dosage of 2000mg of CBD that is amplified with menthol and arnica.
And if you want to reduce inflammation, repair, and nourish, you’ve got organic Shea and Rosemary on your side.
Finally, here’s the coolest part, these natural plant-based compounds are blended in a synergistic formula designed to provide one of the most effective CBD topical on the market from a popular, veteran owned CBD company best known for its extremely high-quality products.
I'm not a fan of the tin it comes in, but I did like feeling relief from this cream after just one application. I also noticed that the effects become more pronounced over time as I continue using the cream.
Extract Labs recommends starting with a small amount of CBD lotion and gradually increasing the dosage as needed. This can help you determine the optimal dosage and frequency of use for your specific needs.
This product is best for those who like an effective USDA-certified organic CBD cream that is one of the most potent CBD creams on the market, giving you fast-acting targeted relief for chronic knee and joint pain.
3. FAB CBD Cream
This silky, light, non-greasy cream by FAB CBD doesn't have menthol or camphor and is distinctive in a group of mostly menthol/minty-smelling topicals.
Image courtesy FAB CBD
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 600mg of CBD per 2-oz. container
- Pro: unique non-menthol/minty scent
- Con: outdated third-party lab reports
- Price: $49 for a one-time purchase, with 20% discounts available for subscriptions
This fresh and subtle blood orange scent cream is packed with beneficial naturally occurring terpenes and cannabinoids, designed to help you feel better and smell good too.
The non-greasy cream soaks in quickly. It has a light and airy texture and goes on smoothly. When using this cream, I noticed that my pain was minimized, and I was able to get on with my day much easier than without it.
I wasn't sure how well this would work without the ice/hot feel that other CBD topicals have. But, it did the job of easing my pain quickly.
This product is best for those who like fast-acting, long-lasting, and no menthol/minty smell without the ice/hot feel like other topicals and those who have sensitive skin.
4. Koi Full Spectrum CBD Balm
Koi Full-spectrum CBD Balm boasts one of the most exceptional formulas on the market. Goes deep beneath the skin for soothing relief, delivering an immediate soothing sensation and pain relief you can feel.
Image courtesy Koi CBD
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 3000mg of CBD per 1.7-oz. container
- Pro: It’s not greasy and absorbs into the skin beautifully, smells amazing, and a little of this goes a long way to greatly increase comfort
- Con: some customers note that they wish it was less expensive
- Price: $99.99 for a one-time purchase, with 20% discounts available for subscriptions
Sometimes you need something a little stronger to get in the specific painful areas.
Perfect for flare-ups or a day of doing yard work when your joints are not feeling good.
With over a dozen other natural oils, this deep relief formulation quickly eases knees and joints while producing long-lasting moisture to soften dry, rough skin.
I used this cream after a bad flare-up. I noticed it penetrating my skin immediately. After about 5 minutes, I was amazed at how good my knee felt.
Koi Full Spectrum CBD Balm is my favorite product on this list for those times when I need something a little stronger.
The soothing sensation lasts a while, and it has helped me continue to go about my day in comfort during a knee joint flare-up.
The cream comes in a nice compact container that packs a punch: the high potency has made a big difference in reducing my painful days.
This product is best for those needing more powerful targeted relief delivering the full list of valuable cannabinoids, terpenes, vitamins, and other compounds naturally occurring in the plant.
Best CBD Oils For Knee Pain
CBD oil, which is called a tincture. Generally, you consume this by placing it under your tongue and holding it there for up to a minute.
Some people even use it in their food, or add a few drops to their favorite smoothie recipe. But for those looking to help with a dodgy knee, a topical might be preferred.
CBD oil is best for people who want the fast-acting relief of an oral product that is also natural. However, some people may not like the flavor of hemp.
5. Bloom Hemp Essential Recovery Tincture
If you’re suffering from knee pain the Essential Recovery Tincture from Bloom is packed full of anti-inflammatory ingredients to provide powerful pain-relieving effects.
Image courtesy Bloom Hemp
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: 1200mg of CBD and 100mg of CBG per 1-oz. bottle
- Pro: powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients for pain relief
- Con: often out of stock
- Price: $64.99 for a one-time purchase, with 15% discounts available for subscriptions
You can be sure the relief is fast thanks to the addition of a pepper extract, Bioperine, a pepper extract which is a bioavailability enhancer meaning it maximizes the uptake of the ingredients in the oil for speedy pain relieving effects.
The doctor-formulated, terpene-enhanced tincture is geared with 43mg of cannabinoids per serving, giving you a strong painkilling effect.
The product contains a branded natural terpene blend: a-pinene, terpinolene, myrcene, and B-caryophyllene, each coming with unique health benefits. Learn more about these terpenes.
Within about a week of daily use, my pain was noticeably better, and after a month of daily use, taking it twice a day, my knee is pain-free most days. However, I didn't like the spicy taste of the oil.
This CBD oil tincture is best for people who want the fast-acting relief of an oral product that also contains turmeric, ginger, black seed, cumin, and CBG (known for treating conditions like arthritis and chronic pain).
6. NuLeaf Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Oil
NuLeaf Naturals is one of the leading reputable CBD oil brands on the market today. Highlights of the brand include the effectiveness of the products, quality customer service, quick and free shipping, and the highest quality offerings.
Image courtesy NuLeaf Naturals
- Type of CBD: full-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: available in strengths of 300mg, 900mg, 1800mg, 3000mg, and 6000mg of CBD per bottle bottle
- Pro: simple all-natural ingredients: Full Spectrum Hemp Extract, Organic Virgin Hemp Seed Oil and that's it
- Con: nothing bad here
- Price: $19–249 for a one-time purchase, with 20% discounts available for subscriptions
When you go to NuLeaf's website, you’ll find you can buy this oil in five different bottle sizes — but the CBD potency (60mg/mL) itself is the same in all sizes.
This oil is one of the best tastings with a very lite nutty taste and has some incredibly powerful pain relieving effects compared to most of the other oils I’ve tried.
I immediately noticed a reduction in knee pain, back, and neck. I take 20mg at night to sleep great without pain, and 10mg in the morning so I'm able to get on with my day in comfort.
This CBD oil is best for people who want one of the most effective pain-relieving products on the market with simple all-natural ingredients.
Best CBD Gummies For Knee Pain
CBD gummies are sweet, chewy candies infused with cannabidiol (CBD).
Gummies are certainly a more enjoyable and tastier way to get your CBD than tinctures. They can also be more effortless to consume in public than other methods.
For that reason, many people enjoy taking them along to work, on trips, or anywhere outside the house.
Keep in mind, though, that when you eat your CBD, it takes longer to feel the effects than if you used topical or a tincture.
Generally it will take an hour plus to feel it working.
7. CBDfx CBD Gummies with Turmeric and Spirulina
You’re benefiting from the inclusion of two super-healthy ingredients that are rich in anti-inflammatory properties, along with 25mg of organically farmed, broad-spectrum CBD in each agave-sweetened chewy vegan gummy.
Image courtesy CBDFX
- Type of CBD: broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: available in strengths of 1500mg of CBD per container (60 gummies)
- Pro: is a unique formula that brings together both CBD and two well-known health supplements, Turmeric and Spirulina
- Con: takes a while to feel the effects
- Price: $54.99 for a one-time purchase
As expected, the onset was slow, about 1 hour after consumption. I took one of the CBDfx gummies (25 mg) first thing in the morning after breakfast and noticed the pain relieving effects that made it easier to get going and also stay focused throughout the day.
The natural flavor was ok—not too sweet or artificial-tasting. However, you can taste the earthy hemp flavor, but for me, it’s not overwhelming.
These CBD gummies are best for people who want their daily CBD dose along with the benefits of antioxidants to offer maximum bioavailability of important cannabinoids, terpenes, and amino acids while having non-detectable levels of THC.
8. FOCL Premium CBD Gummies
FOCL CBD gummies are designed to provide effective pain relief using premium broad-spectrum CBD made in the USA. They are gluten-free, organic, vegan, and made using natural ingredients.
Image courtesy FOCL
- Type of CBD: broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD strength: available in strengths of 25mg of CBD per gummy
- Pro: some customers report relief from aches and pains and complement the product’s taste and texture
- Con: the price is a little high for 30 gummies
- Price: $49 for a one-time purchase, with 20% discounts available for subscriptions
Not expected, the onset was slower than the CBDfx gummies, about an hour and a half after consumption.
I took one of the FOCL gummies (25 mg) first thing in the morning after breakfast and noticed the pain lessen, but not completely gone.
But, it was enough to get through the day happily and be more relaxed than usual without being tired.
The tropical punch flavor was great—not overly sweet. However, they do contain 2.5g of cane sugar.
The product is best for those who want relief from knee pain while being able to easily control the amount of product they take. It may also be a suitable option for people who do want a great-tasting, vegan gummy.
CBD “Terminology”: Understanding The Best CBD For Knee Pain Products
Full Spectrum products contain all terpenes and cannabinoids of the cannabis plant, including up to 0.3% THC. Many users prefer full spectrum products, as they are often associated with the “entourage effect”—multiple cannabinoids working synergistically together.
Broad Spectrum products include a blend of the plant's naturally occurring cannabinoids but contain 0% THC. Broad spectrum tends to be a popular favorite among users, as these products contain a variety of other cannabinoids without THC.
Isolate refers to a singular cannabinoid profile contained in a product. Isolate is strictly one cannabinoid such as CBD, CBG, or CBN. Isolate is completely THC-free and does not include any other cannabinoids or additional hemp compounds.
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that are found in cannabis as well as hemp plants. Common cannabinoids besides CBD include THC, CBC, CBG, CBN, and offer much more promising results when taken together.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis that helps create the right environment for the synergistic effects of cannabis to occur, otherwise known as the entourage effect. However, While most scientists believe in the entourage effect, it is still only a hypothesis.
Meaning that when terpenes work with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, they form a synergy that creates stronger and better effects than both would achieve on their own. Terpenoids are the unsung heroes of cannabinoid wellness.
Flavonoids are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory health benefits providing painkilling properties that aren’t available from just terpenes and cannabinoids alone.
Entourage effect: the theory that all of the compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work better together than when taken alone.
Certificates of Analysis (COA): A COA from a third-party lab is a detailed document that displays the lab test results. The COA provides independent evidence showing the exact cannabinoid profile, potency, and THC content in a given product plus other test results, which show that the product is free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other impurities.
What To Look For When Shopping CBD For Knee Pain
There is good reason to be a cautious shopper because CBD products are largely unregulated in the U.S. market.
The biggest issues are the strength of CBD (significantly more or less than the label says), the presence of undeclared THC, and contamination with pesticides, metals, and solvents. Here’s what to look for:
- Find products manufactured in the U.S. with all ingredients grown domestically.
- Choose products made by companies that follow good manufacturing practices (GMP) established by the FDA for supplements (a voluntary quality standard because CBD products are not federally regulated or required by the state where they are manufactured.
- Buy from companies that test each batch and provide a certificate of analysis from an independent lab that uses validated standardized testing methods approved by the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia (AHP), the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), or the Association of Official Agricultural Chemists (AOAC).
- Dosage: Companies should always state the CBD dose within the product. They should also clearly list all other ingredients.
- Customer Reviews: One of the best ways to know whether a CBD product is effective and safe is to read customer reviews. Some of the best CBD companies will average 4-5 stars on individual products.
Does CBD Help With Knee Pain?
Studies have suggested that CBD has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, but these effects have not been validated in quality studies in humans.
Clinical trials investigating hemp-derived CBD products and Patients’ Perspectives and Attitudes. While limited, have reported reductions in opioid use; lower pain and disability scores; and improvements in sleep quality, sleep quantity, and quality of life.
They reported believing that CBD was a good treatment option, not harmful, and not addictive.
The overall attitude and experience of participants regarding CBD are reported as positive, while 91.9% of people expressed a desire to learn more about it.
Anecdotally, some people with knee pain who have tried CBD report noticeable pain relief and sleep improvement. However, like any medication for knee pain, some people do not report any symptom improvements when taking CBD.
Pros and Cons of CBD for pain
Below are some potential pros and cons of using CBD for pain relief.
Pros
- CBD can potentially treat a variety of conditions besides pain.
- CBD is usually well-tolerated by most people.
- CBD is a natural, alternative way to pain relief.
- Research has shown CBD can be effective for pain reduction.
- CBD may have numerous additional wellness benefits.
Cons
- There is no FDA approval of CBD products, except Epidiolex for seizures.
- People may experience undesirable side effects with an excessive dose.
- CBD may interact with certain medications.
- Research into the safety and effectiveness of CBD is still ongoing.
Frequently asked questions about CBD for knee pain
How long does it take for CBD to work on knee pain?
How long it takes for CBD oil to work for joint pain depends on the delivery system used and the individual.
CBD topicals such as lotions, balms, gels, or creams, should take effect almost immediately.
If you use the appropriate dose, you may be able to feel relief in just 15 minutes to a half hour or so with CBD oil.
However, if you choose to take CBD gummies, you may not feel the effects of for one hour to possibly 3 hours.
How long will my relief last?
How long your pain relief lasts depends on the delivery system you choose. As a good general rule of thumb, you can expect relief to last for two to six hours.
The effects of a CBD tincture have been known to last for between four and six hours.
For topicals, the effects should be felt within a few minutes and last on average two to four hours.
If you opt for CBD gummies, you can expect your relief to last for four to six hours depending on the dose you take and the severity of your pain.
Is CBD oil better than CBD cream for pain?
CBD creams are a better alternative for targeted pain relief than CBD oil, as they can be applied directly to the area of the body where you feel pain and it will be more effective, as compared to CBD oil which provides general all-over relief in the body.
Final Thoughts On The Best CBD For Knee Pain
Statistics show that about one in four adults report that they suffer from knee pain, and while the best thing to do is to consult a medical professional.
Going for less mainstream options like the best CBD for knee pain that includes CBD topicals, oil/ tinctures, and gummies may help you deal with symptoms naturally.
At the end of the day, CBD isn’t a magical cure for knee and joint pain, and not even the strongest CBD will work for everyone.
It is, however, a possible aid to help you deal with symptoms and manage discomfort. If you currently are suffering from knee and joint pain, go through our list of the best CBD for knee pain products and pick one that you think will be best for you.
Any suggestions, tips, advice, or guidance we may discuss are for educational and informational purposes only. Our content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, and don’t disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.