Product Review: Apothecanna Extra Strength Pain Creme

This pain relief creme from Apothecanna is one of the best, handmade, small-batch, hemp-based products I have come in contact with. It’s available at most medical dispensaries throughout Colorado, and even some recreational spots (or online if within the state of Colorado).

Hemp seed oil is the main basis of this medicinal muscle rub, and it contains such healing agents as arnica, peppermint, juniper, aloe and lavender, just to name a few. But what really separates it from the competition is that it contains THC from Cannabis sativa flower concentrate, aka “oil” extracted by CO2 procedures, as well as CBD cannabinoids at tested levels.

This specific product contains 25 mg of THC and 2.5 mg of CBD. This specifically applies to the double strength product, and this company has many other forms and types of products ranging from a warming lotion, known as the stimulating creme, to a calming creme with frankincense and chamomile, to an everyday lotion that smells of mandarin oranges and cedar. I recommend all of these and their other forms such as sprays, salves and lip balms!

Additionally, the basis of these topical products is hemp, which has great medicinal potential in itself, and is a good alternative to popular skin care products that contain sulfates and parabens. We also cannot forget the true medicinal nature of the herbs used in conjunction with cannabis. Arnica, peppermint, juniper, aloe, lavender, borage, wintergreen, clove, jojoba, chamomile, white tea, and sunflower oil are all herbs known for healing qualities when dealing with muscle pain, sprains and irritation. This approach also allows this product to be 100% plant based, which is always a bonus in my book!

However, you may be thinking, “Will this get me stoned?” The answer is: No! It also will not show in a drug test, so it opens up a lot of options for the average medical cannabis patient that works under ‘conditions-of-use’ employment, but experiences daily aches and pains.

According to Apothecanna research, this is because the body’s CB1 receptors respond to the THC in normal methods of use (such as smoking or edible form), that is the route in which it gets you “high.” However in the form presented in this product, the CB2 receptors are activated in the body by the other cannabinoids.

As Apothecanna puts it, these other medicinal herbs help act as a catalyst in the absorption and use of the cannabinoids by the body, and vice versa, the cannabis helping with functionality of the other herbs which also have their own effects (as I stated earlier). More information on the Apothecanna product line and philosophy can be found on their website at Apothecanna.com.

Overall, this product is not only for relieving pain of the body, but also of the mind, due to its aromatherapy properties. The smell is strong but not overpowering, and can be worn delicately out in public or covered with another type of perfume or essential oil mist. Personally, I’ve found the smell dissipates within the hour of application. Since I discovered this product I keep it in my house and it always does wonders for after-hike pains, all-day standing pains, my rheumatoid arthritis muscle pains and stiffness, headaches, bruises (due to the arnica), and the “every-day” product is one of the best skin care products for overall skin health and appearance.

Though, while I hope you’ll take my word that this product is amazing in quality, one should know that since Cannabis is federally illegal (and herbs are not recognized by them either) these claims are not evaluated by the FDA or with oversight of health, safety or efficacy of any institution.