Since its legalization in 2001, cannabidiol (CBD) has been legally available for medical use in Canada. Since then, the Canadian medical cannabis market has continued to diversify and grow its variety and types of CBD products. For patients that are looking for fast-acting or long-term relief of their symptoms, different types of CBD products are available to help. Some of the new CBD products include topicals, concentrates, infused balms, edibles and more. CBD has the potential to assist patients that are looking to find relief from pain, inflammation, anxiety, arthritis, depression, epilepsy and more. 

What is CBD? 

CBD is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid that is naturally occurring in both the hemp and cannabis sativa plant. CBD extracted from the cannabis sativa plant is only sold by Health Canada approved licensed producers and can be utilized and used in a variety of ways including inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through the skin. 

How does CBD work? 

CBD acts with the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is found in all mammals and contains CB1 and CB2 receptors, more receptors than any other system in the human body. Human bodies naturally produce endocannabinoids, which in turn, act on the receptors to produce a physiologic response. Cannabinoids from the cannabis plant can also bind to these receptors, and work to help regulate many of the body’s functions such as appetite, pain, stress, mood, memory, and more. 

What CBD products are available in Canada?

CBD balms, oils, and creams

CBD muscle balm

Many CBD topical options are now available. Patients are using CBD topicals primarily for pain located in areas such as the shoulder, knees, and hands. Some are also using CBD topicals to help with symptoms of arthritis. Different types of topicals are available and include CBD cream, transdermal cream & gel, and deep tissue roll-on.

CBD lip balm

CBD lip balm is now available for medical patients in Canada. CBD is extracted in a concentrated form before being added to a moisturizing lip balm formula. It works alongside moisturizing ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, or beeswax to add moisture back into dehydrated lips. Applying CBD to a specific area like your lips can help target localized endocannabinoid receptors easily and efficiently. CBD’s interaction with the ECS is subtle yet powerful. It has the potential to improve irritation and redness while helping to soothe the discomfort of broken skin.

CBD lubricant & massage oil

CBD lubricant

CBD intimacy oil may help to decrease inflammation, increase blood flow and help with muscle relaxation, which might make CBD-infused lubricants a reliable option for women who have pain during intercourse. There’s still not enough research out yet about the effects of CBD in lubricants and how it can help sexually. It is recommended to talk with your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

CBD massage oil

CBD massage oil has the same key benefits as other massage oils: reducing tension from stress, deep muscle pain relief, inflammation relief and hydration for the skin. The most notable benefit of CBD massage oils is to provide deep muscle pain relief and recovery. The CBD oil is infused with natural essential oils for deep pain relief and muscle recovery. CBD massage oil may also help with chronic pain, depending on the severity. Besides the muscle, tissue and blood flow benefits of massages, a CBD massage oil has the potential to further aid in skin hydration, and healing from wounds, bruises, irritations or skin toxins which further aids in deeper muscle pain relief and relaxation.

CBD transdermal patch

CBD patches are transdermal patches containing cannabidiol that slowly releases into the bloodstream through the skin. CBD patches may be a more suitable option for certain applications, such as treating chronic pain. They work in a similar way to nicotine patches or other opioid patches, delivering CBD directly into the bloodstream without the psychoactive effects of the THC. They also provide a more consistent solution than other topical methods, such as topical CBD creams and massage oils.  The transdermal patch will stay applied to your skin for a period of 72 hours, delivering a steady release. To maximize the transdermal patch’s effectiveness, apply it to a soft area of skin where it gets as much contact as possible, rather than near bony or irregular areas of skin.

CBD pens/cartridges

For patients that are looking for fast-acting CBD products that are easy to use, discreet, and practical, CBD-only vape pens and cartridges are available. These products offer a higher CBD concentration to be used via inhalations. This is a great product for patients that are not interested in using THC products and need a quick and effective CBD product to find more immediate relief. 

CBD pre rolls & CBD kush

Dry flower or pre-rolls are not options only available to THC users. Different strains of CBD dry flower are available. Patients may benefit from inhaling CBD flower which preserves the terpene benefits. Vaporizers are recommended for inhaling dry flower to preserve its medicinal benefits. This will ensure you extract as much of your CBD, and terpenes and have a healthier inhalation as recommended by Health Canada and Apollo Clinics. 

CBD isolate oil

CBD isolate oil is different than regular CBD oil. In general, regular CBD oil can have a trace or small amount of THC, which is generally beneficial for medical purposes, even though the effects of the THC cannot be felt at such low doses. For CBD isolate, extracting all substances and compounds from the cannabis plant leaves pure CBD behind. What’s left behind is a pure crystalline substance that doesn’t contain THC, terpenes, flavonoids, or other cannabis plant compounds.

CBD isolate (powder)

CBD isolate is a crystalline solid or powder comprising pure CBD. To produce CBD isolate, manufacturers use various processes to extract all the compounds and other substances from the cannabis plant, including THC. The process leaves behind pure CBD in crystal form. CBD isolate does not have a distinctive smell or taste. The isolate powder can be consumed in different ways. You can place the powder directly under your tongue, mixed with oil to apply topically, or infuse/ mix with food and beverages. 

CBD honey

CBD honey sticks can be used as a natural sweetener and a convenient way to consume your CBD. It can be added to your coffee, or smoothies or taken orally. In general, CBD oil is not hydrosoluble and the taste can bother some patients. This is a different way to take your CBD easily and THC-free. 

CBD infused drinks

Different options are available on the market that let you drink your CBD with an enjoyable flavour. You can find CBD tea, a dissolvable powder to be mixed with your favourite beverage or an even more convenient “ready-to-drink” CBD-infused beverage. You will receive all the benefits of CBD with long-action relief and a tasty flavour. 

CBD edibles

CBD edibles can be a discrete and more enjoyable way to consume your CBD. Different options are available such as chocolate, truffles, gummies, soft chews, lozenges, gems and gum. In general, edibles are used for long-action relief. Some of them, like the lozenges, can be used as short-action products . Be sure to ask your healthcare provider to have more information about the products you are interested in to have optimal relief. 

CBD sublingual strips

For a fast-acting, discreet, portable and convenient option with a consistent dose you can control every time, CBD sublingual strips are gaining popularity. The rapid delivery of active ingredients and quick absorption of CBD into the bloodstream from under the tongue can result in maximum effect. Sublingual strips quickly dissolve when in contact with saliva and the contents are absorbed through the oral mucosa into the bloodstream, ensuring rapid onset of effects. Compared to edibles or CBD oil which are generally absorbed within your digestive system and will make their effect within 1-2h, sublingual strips generally take 15-30min to take effect. 

Comparison Chart (Time of action, absorption)

How can Apollo help? 

Those looking to try CBD cannabis for medical reasons are encouraged to contact the experts at Apollo Cannabis Clinics. We are an evidence-based clinic that has been conducting observational research on medical cannabis and conditions since 2014. Our team of healthcare professionals and patient care specialists will guide you through a thoughtful process that will answer all of your questions while helping you take charge of your health. We will also help you determine the best strains, method of consumption and a personalized treatment plan.

To find out if medical cannabis is right for you, book your free appointment today. 

CBD Products – Frequently Asked Questions

Which medical conditions CBD can help? 

CBD may help with different conditions such as chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression and more. Consult our healthcare provider to know if you are eligible for medical cannabis and book your free appointment today.

How to choose the right CBD products for me? 

If you are looking for a fast or long action product, tasteless or convenient products, different options are available for you. A personalized treatment plan will help you determine which products will be a better option to help find the relief you are seeking. 

What type of CBD works best for pain? 

If your pain is located or chronic a CBD product taken orally will offer you a long action relief. For people looking to have extra relief for example to their knee or even shoulder. It can be beneficial to discuss a topical CBD form with your healthcare provider. 

Which products can help me to have a fast relief effect? 

Sublingual strips, lozenges, certain topical creams, vape pens, vape cartridges, dry flowers & prerolls have a fast relief effect.