Some CBD and other OTC cream/pain relief research:

          CBD Creams, Lotions:

          I have tried several.  In general, I go online and purchase straight from the companies:  they often have discounts.  In NY, where creams are available in local bodegas/smoke shops, they are hideously expensive.  Think $60 for something that is $30 online.

          Quantity is a consideration.  You may want to sacrifice strength to get an Aquifor/CerVe-sized vat.  I find it helps relax the muscles that tense up around the areas that hurt most.

      Strength is my major consideration.  Currently I have CBDFx Muscle and Joint Cream 1000mg.  That’s right, 1000mg (1g).  It is easy to find stuff with as little as 25mg.  At that strength, Voltaren is better.

         CBD Salve:

          Think Tiger Balm with CBD.  I use one from Straight Hemp.  I have been known to use it as I use Tiger Balm, on my temples.  It can have a mild botox-like effect on wrinkles.

CBD Tincture:

Under-the-tongue drops.  I use these a lot.

          Oil:  Hemp is oil-soluble.  This is the reason one finds it in baked goods, capsules, creams, etc.  My criterion is taste and effect.  This is also the area where is type of hemp comes into play.  Leafly has real information.  For example, Sativa can be energizing.  I have been known to clean the kitchen after taking some.  Indica is more relaxing, anxiety-reliving, and sometimes soporific. 

I have Extract Labs Immune Support Hemp Tincture because it is rumored that it offers immune support.  But it is yucky:  it tastes like hemp. 1000mg.  Believe me, I did not pay $125.  They tripled their price when it received news coverage. 

My local (yes, my stretch of Kings Highway is equally divided between smoke shops and pharmacies (who claim they have notaries but do not)) has Blueberry and Blood Orange flavors *the same price as online*.

CBD Distillery is another source I have used. 

          Water-soluble: Binoid CBD has this.  I’m trying out peppermint 500mg.  This is magic because one can put it in fizzy water, hot tea, etc.              

          Delta 8, Delta 10, THC-O, etc.: These tinctures are perfectly legal and widely available.  They are metabolized as THC/Delta 9, which is not legal in NY.  They can show up as THC in drug tests.  However, they are stronger than just plain CBD.  So, yes, one gets a bit stoned. 

          Edibles:

CBD Gummie Bears are widely available.  I don’t use them because they contain HFCS.  Edibles in a vast variety are available where THC/Delta 9 isn’t banned.

Non-CBD:

Many creams contain menthol and lidocaine.  I have had co-workers who complained about the smell. Thus:

Voltaren was prescription-only ten years ago, but now it is in every “big box” pharmacy (I had friends who visited Italy all the time and would bring it back for me).  It is unscented. It is much better than

Vanishing scent Icy Hot.

Vanishing scent BenGay.

Lists include:

https://www.forbes.com/health/body/best-cbd-creams/