Paul JamesUpdated on October 29, 2024
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When it comes to CBD’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, a topical is ideal, as it allows you to target specific areas of the body. Many prefer a CBD roll on for pain rather than creams or lotions as it provides you with a hands-free experience.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is often touted for its pain-relieving properties. Many incorporate a CBD product into their daily regimen and topicals have garnered the most attention in this regard.
CBD topicals allow you to target specific areas of the body, providing you with direct relief. For example, if you struggle with back pain, you can apply a topical directly to your back to avoid the CBD’s effects spreading to other body areas.
While topicals come in various forms, CBD topical roll ons tend to garner a lot of enthusiasm. Unlike CBD creams or lotions, these provide you with a hands-free experience, leaving for no leftover mess. This is an ideal solution for those who struggle with pain seeking on-the-go relief.
But what is the best CBD roll on for pain, and where should you buy? Our in-depth guide will provide you will everything you need to know about CBD roll ons.
What is a CBD Topical Roll On?
A CBD roll on stick is a form of CBD topical that’s made using a specially crafted gel. This gel typically incorporates a dose of CBD along with other pain-relieving and skin-soothing ingredients, such as menthol.
The dose of CBD found in a roll on is measured in milligrams (mg). While it’s not always the case, most roll ons provide a higher strength of CBD (around 1000 mg). This is due to the fact that CBD has a difficult time penetrating the skin. Therefore, you’re not going to receive as many mg of CBD into your body as you would if you were to take a CBD oil or CBD gummies.
Compared to other CBD topicals, a CBD roll-on for pain is convenient, easy to use, and provides you with less of a mess. CBD roll ons can be easily pocketed and brought with you wherever you go, from your work office to the gym.
Top 10 Best CBD Roll On for Pain
BEST THC-FREE
MEDTERRA
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
1000 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
16 mg per mL
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$64.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.06 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
It’s no secret that Medterra offers top-quality CBD products, and their roll on is no exception. Each incorporates 1000 mg of CBD isolate, making this topical 100% THC-free. Furthermore, it incorporates other organic botanicals – such as arnica and menthol – to provide you with even more pain relief.
The only downside to Medterra’s product is it uses isolate CBD, not allowing for the entourage effect. This along with the somewhat low dosage (16 mg per mL) may turn off long-time CBD users. However, it’s a great start for newcomers to this industry.
BEST VARIETY
Green Roads
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
350 mg - 1500 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$34.99 - $39.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 - $0.09 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
When it comes to variety, Green Roads doesn’t fall short. They have 3 unique roll-on variations, each of which is designed to provide specific relief. Their most notable are the “Heat Relief” and “Cool Relief” roll ons. Each comes in 750 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, and the “Heat Relief” can also be purchased in 350 mg.
However, the spotlight here has to go to Green Roads’ “Arthritis Pain Relief Roll-On.” Beyond the 1500 mg of broad-spectrum CBD, this is made using menthol and camphor in order to further relieve pain. Not to mention, black cohosh root is also implemented to act as an anti-inflammatory. If you struggle with arthritis and find other CBD products just aren’t doing it, this one may be for you.
BEST VALUE
CBDfx
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
750 mg - 3000 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$39.99 - $99.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 - $0.05 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Free shipping only available on orders of $75 or more
CBDfx offers two types of Balm Sticks – each of which is designed to provide you with a unique relief. The first is their “CBD Balm Stick Muscle & Joint,” coming with either 750 mg or 3000 mg of broad-spectrum CBD. This is also made using camphor oil for a warming effect that can relax muscles alongside peppermint and wintergreen oils for cooling pain relief.
On the other hand, their “CBD Balm Stick Calming & Moisturizing” uses a set of ingredients meant to rejuvenate the skin. While this likely won’t help as much with inflammatory pain, it may be beneficial for skin surface pains, such as those brought upon by acne. This topical is also made with either 750 mg or 3000 mg CBD along with shea butter, roman chamomile oil, lavender, chamomile, and tea tree oil.
BEST FOR BEGINNERS
Charlotte's Web
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
100 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$14.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.15 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Charlotte’s Web roll-on incorporates 100 mg of full-spectrum CBD, allowing for the entourage effect. However, this is a fairly low dosage (even in a 0.34 oz bottle), making this one of the weaker products on our list. Still, if you’re new to CBD and not sure how it’s going to make you feel, such a low potency is ideal. Not to mention, the price point of $14.99 per bottle is great for those just getting started.
It should be noted that Charlotte’s Web offers one of the best varieties of CBD topicals on the market. While these aren’t all roll-ons, if you’re struggling with a specific type of pain, you’ll likely find a topical here geared towards that discomfort.
cbdMD
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
300 mg - 3000 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$29.99 - $129.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.04 - $0.09 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Free shipping only available on orders of $59.99 or more
cbdMD’s CBD Freeze Roller is one of the best broad-spectrum topicals on our list. It can be purchased in 4 different total CBD range options: 300 mg, 750 mg, 1500 mg, and 3000 mg. Each of these also incorporates menthol for temporary pain relief and arnica, tea tree oil, and aloe vera to soothe skin.
Since there are so many potency options here, you can guarantee there’s one for everyone. The only downside to cbdMD’s topical is the fact that it doesn’t allow for the entourage effect. If you’d prefer this formula in a CBD cream, cbdMD also offers that.
Social CBD
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
1000 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
About 40 mg per use
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$34.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.03 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Free shipping only available on orders of $75 or more
The highlight of Social CBD’s Balm Stick is undoubtedly the value – each costs only $34.99 and comes with 1000 mg of CBD. In other words, you’re only paying $0.03 per mg of CBD! In comparison to most competitors, this is a great deal and made even better with coupons or a subscription service.
The Balm Stick itself is also one of the highest qualities on the market – incorporating CBD isolate alongside a natural blend of botanical butters and oils and a lavender-based blend of essential oils. This combination of ingredients is sure to provide you with a soothing pain relief.
Hemp Bombs
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Isolate
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
200 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$25.00
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.13 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Hemp Bombs’ premium CBD is incorporated into their roll-on formula with a total of 200 mg. Admittedly, this is a fairly low amount and may not be ideal for all users. However, the 4% menthol incorporated here really helps to provide further and immediate relief – making this one of the best CBD roll-ons on the market.
Koi CBD
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Broad-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
500 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$39.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.08 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
0.0%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Our coupon doesn't work on official Koi CBD website
No potency or scent options
Koi CBD’s Roll-on for Pain made our list due to its incorporation of 10% menthol. This goes way beyond what most brands offer and is certain to give you an instant cooling effect. On top of that, this roll-on also contains 500 mg of broad-spectrum CBD along with a number of other all-natural ingredients to provide a smoothing effect.
Batch CBD
Specifications
Extract Type
Type of extract, dependent on the cannabis plant component present in the product.
Full-spectrum
Total CBD Range
The CBD amount available for a product option.
1250 mg
Potency Range
Potency of the product, can also be called "strength".
Not identified
Price Range
Price range of applicable products.
$49.99
Value ($/mg)
Cost of CBD per milligram in dollars, used to calculate product value.
$0.04 per mg
THC Content
Amount of THC that is present in the product.
<0.3%
Lab Report
The verified reports of a product's test results.
Free shipping only available on orders of $25 or more
Lab reports are outdated
Batch CBD offers two unique formulas of a CBD Balm Stick, the “Original” and the “Fire & Ice.” The Original is great for calming irritated areas (i.e. acne, inflammation) as it incorporates lavender and tea tree oils. On the other hand, Fire & Ice is made with menthol and camphor to provide you with more pain relief. Both topicals come with 1250 mg of full-spectrum CBD.
While CBD roll-ons are not meant to treat, cure, or prevent any health condition, they may be able to provide therapeutic relief while you undergo traditional treatment options.
What are the Benefits of Topical CBD?
CBD topical roll ons are best known for their analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. While more research is necessary, most agree that CBD has the potential to be used as a therapeutic alternative.
When it comes to certain types of pain, a CBD topical is the most ideal solution as it allows you to target specific areas of the body. For example, if you struggle with muscle pain, you’ll likely feel more relief from a topical as you can pinpoint the exact muscle that’s in pain.
When it comes to other types of pain – such as neuropathic pain – CBD topicals may help, but you’ll likely benefit more from a product that affects the entire body (i.e. tinctures, gummies, capsules, etc.).
While CBD in and of itself has many observed potential benefits, CBD topicals, in particular, may provide relief from the following conditions:
Still, it’s worth mentioning that other cannabinoids may also promote pain relief.
In fact, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive compound found in cannabis – has been found to be incredibly effective in difficult to treat pains. Not to mention, cannabigerol (CBG) holds the potential to reduce pain and inflammation, according to some research.
Other CBD Consumption Methods
If you find a CBD topical roll-on isn’t doing it for your pain, here are a few other CBD consumption options to consider:
CBD Oils – A liquid extract that is placed under your tongue for maximum bioavailability.
CBD Gummies– A gummy treat infused with CBD, great for those looking for unique flavors.
CBD Capsules– A standard health supplement form that’s infused with CBD.
CBD Vapes – A vaporizer that allows for the most instant CBD effects of all consumption methods.
While you have a lot of options within the CBD industry, when it comes to localized discomfort, CBD topicals remain the best option.
Safety & Side Effects of CBD Roll-ons for Pain
CBD roll-ons are generally safe to apply to all skin types, as long as they’re used properly. It’s recommended you don’t use them too frequently – about once in the span of an eight-hour period.
Naturally, CBD can produce side effects similar to other medications. However, these side effects are mild and tend to only be experienced in a select few users. They include:
Diarrhea
Drowsiness
Dry mouth
Fatigue
Reduced appetite
Keep in mind that these side effects don’t account for the other ingredients found in CBD roll-ons. Therefore, you may experience side effects you weren’t expecting. For example, menthol may cause burning, stinging, redness, or irritation when applied to the skin.
If you are currently on medication, it’s worth consulting your doctor before taking CBD. This is to ensure that there are no negative drug interactions with your prescription.
Furthermore, if you are pregnant or lactating, it’s best to avoid CBD altogether as we don’t have enough evidence for the safety of women in this category.
Will a CBD Roll On Appear on a Drug Test?
Since drug tests often check for THC rather than CBD, it’s very unlikely a CBD roll on will appear on a drug test. However, it does remain possible.
If you’re looking to avoid failing a drug test, you should only use products that contain either broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate – these extract types are 100% THC-free.
How to Choose the BEst CBD Roll On for Pain
In order to develop our list, we had a set of criteria when determining the best CBD roll-on for pain. This included:
Certificate of Analysis
A Certificate of Analysis (CoA) is a third-party lab test that determines many aspects of a CBD product, including its cannabinoid profile and whether it has any contaminants. A reputable brand will always be transparent about its lab reports in order to show customers that its product is safe and effective.
Customer Reviews
If you see a product you think you might like but aren’t too sure about its efficiency, it always helps to take a look at what other people are saying. Customer reviews are a great way to determine how a specific product has made other people feel and will give testimonial on whether or not a product is of a high-quality standard.
Extract Type
CBD products can be made in 3 different extract types. These are as follows:
Full-spectrum – Contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytonutrients from the hemp plant. Also contains less than 0.3% THC.
Broad-spectrum – Contains everything found within full-spectrum extract except for THC. In broad-spectrum extract, the THC is removed.
CBD Isolate – Pure CBD and no other cannabinoid.
Hemp Source
In order to garner CBD, it must be extracted from the hemp plant. Since we purchase in the United States, we prefer USA-grown hemp. However, if you’re purchasing in the United Kingdom, we’d recommend only products that are made from European-grown hemp. Furthermore, we prefer companies that have control over products from seed to shelf and practice organic farming.
Ingredients
CBD roll ons are made using a wide variety of other ingredients besides hemp extract. The most prominent are menthol, camphor, and other botanical oils. In order to ensure your safety, we highly recommend checking out an ingredient list to ensure you don’t have allergies to anything within a product.
Potency & Pricing
All CBD roll ons have their strength measured in milligrams (mg). The larger this number is, the more potent a product. If you’re new to CBD, we recommend starting with lower potencies. However, long-time users will likely prefer higher potencies.
Furthermore, the potency of a product tends to determine its price. We understand that CBD isn’t cheap. So, we made sure to only feature brands that offered ways to save, such as promo codes, subscription services, free shipping, loyalty programs, and assistance programs.
Paul James is a seasoned cannabis and CBD writer and expert. He is a mental health blogger who advocates CBD as a natural alternative to prescription medications. You can read more about this and other natural alternatives on his blog: https://bedlamite.co/."
Frequently Asked Questions
CBD roll-ons should be applied directly to the area most affecting you. For example, if you’re experiencing pain in the lower back, you should rub the CBD roll-on into the lower back, targeting the pain.
CBD roll-ons should not be used more than once within a 6-hour period. It’s recommended you only use it twice a day at most, whenever your pain is most affecting you.
Most CBD roll-ons produce their effects within 15 minutes. However, some are designed for instant relief, such as those that incorporate menthol.
