Does CBD Ointment Get in Your Bloodstream is what comes to mind for those who use it every time. CBD ointment typically does not reach the bloodstream when applied to the skin. It works by interacting with cannabinoid receptors in the upper layers of the skin, delivering targeted relief. However, specially designed transdermal CBD products can penetrate deeper and may enter the bloodstream under certain conditions.
What Is CBD Ointment?
CBD ointment is a skincare product infused with cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from the hemp plant. It is designed for external use and is commonly blended with oils or waxes like coconut oil, beeswax, or shea butter. Unlike CBD oils or edibles that are ingested, ointments are meant to be rubbed onto the skin to provide localized relief from pain, inflammation, or skin irritation.
How CBD Ointment Works
The body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS), which plays a key role in regulating pain, inflammation, and immune responses. When you apply CBD ointment to your skin, it interacts with cannabinoid receptors (particularly CB1 and CB2) located in the dermis and epidermis layers.
Because the skin acts as a semi-permeable barrier, most of the CBD remains at or near the site of application. This allows for targeted, localized effects without needing to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
Topical vs. Transdermal CBD
Understanding the difference between topical and transdermal CBD is essential.
Topical CBD products like ointments, balms, and creams are designed for surface-level use. They stay within the skin layers and do not penetrate deeply enough to enter the bloodstream.
Transdermal CBD, on the other hand, is formulated with special ingredients called penetration enhancers (such as ethanol or essential oils). These enhancers help CBD pass through the skin and reach the bloodstream, making it act more like an ingested product.
As outlined by HempWell, only transdermal CBD formulations are capable of producing systemic effects due to their deeper absorption capabilities.
Can CBD Penetrate the Skin?
CBD has a naturally low permeability, meaning it does not easily pass through the skin. The outermost layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, acts as a protective wall. While CBD can be absorbed into the upper skin layers, it typically requires additional help to go deeper.
A study published in the journal Molecules confirms that unless formulated with permeability enhancers, CBD remains in the skin’s surface layers. These findings are supported by data from PubMed Central, emphasizing that traditional ointments are designed for local, not systemic, relief.
Does CBD Ointment Show Up in Drug Tests?
In general, CBD ointments are very unlikely to trigger a positive result on a drug test. That’s because they do not reach the bloodstream, where drug screenings typically detect THC metabolites.
However, there are exceptions. If the ointment includes full-spectrum CBD (which may contain up to 0.3% THC), and it’s applied in large quantities or over broken skin, there’s a slight theoretical risk of THC entering the bloodstream. Still, this is considered extremely rare.
To reduce the risk altogether, opt for products made with CBD isolate or broad-spectrum CBD, both of which are THC-free.
This insight is backed by Natural Ways CBD, which also emphasizes that topical products pose minimal to no risk of drug test interference.
What Studies Say About CBD Absorption
Multiple studies have explored how and when CBD gets absorbed through the skin:
CBD Market reported that some high-strength topical formulations with chemical enhancers can lead to measurable CBD in the bloodstream. These, however, are typically medical-grade or transdermal products.
Pharma-Hemp states that standard creams and ointments remain local in action. Any CBD that enters the bloodstream is minimal and not consistent across users.
Cannovia agrees, noting that for CBD to affect your entire body, it must be absorbed via methods that surpass the skin barrier.
When Might CBD Enter the Bloodstream?
Although standard CBD ointments are not designed to deliver CBD into the bloodstream, there are scenarios where small amounts might enter:
- Use of transdermal patches or gels containing penetration enhancers
- Application to large surface areas
- Application to broken or inflamed skin
- High CBD concentration combined with long exposure times
Even in these cases, the amount of CBD that enters the bloodstream tends to be small and slow-acting.
Is CBD Ointment Effective Without Entering the Bloodstream?
Absolutely. Most users apply CBD ointment specifically for localized effects rather than systemic ones. Even without reaching the bloodstream, CBD ointments have been shown to help:
- Reduce joint or muscle inflammation
- Relieve chronic localized pain
- Calm irritated skin and reduce redness
- Support healing in conditions like acne, eczema, or psoriasis
Research from Harvard Health notes that topical cannabinoids can be highly effective for pain management and dermatological conditions, making them valuable even without full-body absorption.
Key Takeaways
- CBD ointment generally stays within the upper layers of the skin and does not enter the bloodstream
- Only transdermal CBD products formulated with penetration enhancers are capable of reaching systemic circulation
- Topical CBD is ideal for treating localized issues such as joint pain, muscle soreness, and inflammation
- Drug test risks from topical CBD are extremely low, especially when using THC-free products
- Even without systemic absorption, CBD ointment can be highly effective for external pain and skin relief
Try CBD Ointment For Pain
Interested in trying CBD ointment for localized pain or skin support?
- Start with a broad-spectrum or isolate-based product to minimize THC exposure while getting maximum skin-level relief.
- Look for third-party tested CBD topicals from reputable brands and read reviews to find what works best for your specific needs.
- Want to learn more? Visit trusted guides like Healthline’s CBD Topical Reviews to compare top-rated options.
FAQ’s
Q. Does CBD ointment absorb into the bloodstream?
Most CBD ointments do not enter the bloodstream; they work locally on the skin where applied.
Q. Can CBD ointment cause a positive drug test?
CBD ointment is unlikely to cause a positive drug test, especially if it’s THC-free.
Q. What is the difference between topical and transdermal CBD?
Topical CBD stays on the skin’s surface, while transdermal CBD is designed to enter the bloodstream.
Q. How long does CBD ointment take to work?
CBD ointment typically starts working within 15 to 45 minutes after application.
Q. Is CBD ointment good for pain relief?
Yes, CBD ointment is commonly used to relieve localized pain and inflammation.
Q. Can you use CBD ointment daily?
Yes, CBD ointment is safe for daily use on targeted areas as needed.
