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  1. Papa & Barkley 3:1 CBD:THC RELEAF Balm (2019 Review)

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    Many of my family members from an older generation are hesitant to try cannabis. It can be hard to watch, especially when they suffer from conditions I know medical marijuana could help them fight. I might not ever get them to puff on a joint, but I have convinced a few to try cannabis topical for non-intoxicating pain relief. My grandma used to experience intense arthritic pain in her hands due to inflammation; but with cannabis topical, her gnarled and cramped fingers would extend with relief and full mobility.

     

    Perhaps my own personal experience dealing with a family member in pain makes me feel a certain kinship with the Papa & Barkley brand we’re talking about today. The brand’s name is an ode to his father and their loyal family dog, a pit bull named Barkley. The company began when a son (now the founder) wanted to help his elderly father fight immobilizing back pain. As a result, this well-respected topical brand now crafts multiple high potency formulations of cannabis topicals and tinctures to bring comfort to those that need it most. And they do it using whole plant, sun-grown cannabis from Humboldt County.

     

    Seeing just how powerful cannabis topical can be in my own experience with elderly family members, now when I try out a new topical for my aches and pains, I think, “Would I recommend this to my grandmother?” As I try Papa & Barkley’s 3:1 (CBD: THC) RELEAF Balm, this is the high standard that I set for the product.

     

    In this Papa & Barkley 3:1 RELEAF Balm review, you'll learn about this product's:

    [Click any of the section titles below to jump there]

     

    Packaging, Labeling and Product Design

     

    Papa & Barkley products jump off the shelf. Not because of in-your-face packaging, but rather the complete opposite. Their understated, classy and simple packaging is unique in a world of harsh neon green and black. This Papa & Barkley 3:1 RELEAF Balm comes inside of a beautifully frosted glass jar with a honey-colored wood top, adorned with a P&B logo burnt into the wood. The P&B branded blue label is the perfect compliment to the deep green of the cannabis topical that pokes through the frosted glass. The jar is packaged safely inside of a sturdy blue box with an ink sketch of Papa himself. I could see this jar happily living on the chicest of bedside tables and bathroom countertops.

     

    I appreciate the effort to thoroughly label this product. They include its ingredients, directions for use and some information about the Papa & Barkley brand. But there is one major aspect for concern: the printed cannabinoid contents on the front of the box (450 mg CBD: 150 mg THC) doesn’t match the lab test results label on the side of the box (374.04 mg CBD: 121.19 mg THC). If the lab testing is right (as it should be) that’s nearly 75 mg of CBD short…a major disappointment.

     

    The label on the jar restates the 3:1 ratio and informs me this product is good for “pain and inflammation,” but doesn’t tell me much beyond that. I wish there a little more information on what conditions this product is good for. I find myself wondering, is this good for nerve pain, muscle pain, headaches, bug bites?

     

    Luckily, there is a support phone number listed on the label that I can call to get additional answers. The helpline informs me this 3:1 RELEAF Balm is best for pain due to inflammation, like arthritis or injury. I’ve been experiencing major shoulder pain from an injury that has never quite healed, so I get ready to slather this on liberally.

     

    Quality and Ease of Use

     

    Since the ingredients are right on the jar, I can tell this product is high quality. No harmful fillers, chemicals or additives to be found here; just cannabis, coconut oil, beeswax, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, lavender, vitamin E oil and natural terpenes. Upon opening the jar, the strong aroma of the essential blend punches my nostrils. It smells earthy yet medicinal at the same time and is honestly a bit too pungent for my tastes.

     

    The texture of the balm inside is like that of solidified coconut oil. I scoop a generous fingerful out of the beautifully frosted jar, deposit the chunk of topical to my shoulder and, as I rub, the once-solidified coconut oil spreads like a thick liquid. This topical is so oily and doesn’t fully absorb into the skin for quite some time, so I avoid putting clothing on top of the treated area. I could see this texture being fantastic for a nice cannabis-infused massage.

     

    This product is incredibly easy to use. Just scoop some out, rub it on and that is it! I love the large wooden top on the jar; I think even my grandmother could grab hold and open it, even with her arthritis-ridden hands.

    Potency, Effectiveness and Affordability

     

    This Papa & Barkley 3:1 RELEAF Balm works almost instantly for me. I immediately begin feeling more mobility in my shoulder and feel my body relaxing around the site of injury. It feels incredible and I find myself more grateful for the relief than I expected to be. I would be interested to see if the wonderful tingly sensation is brought on mostly by the cannabis or the strong essential oil blend. Either way, I did feel great relief! I don’t think I would use this product on more sensitive areas of the skin, for fear the essential oil blend might be too strong.

     

    After testing three different jars of this topical, I feel very confident in its consistency. This product is highly potent, especially when compared to other cannabis topicals on the market. Because of this, the price is steep. At nearly $100 for a 50 mL jar, this topical tops the top shelf. I can’t say this high price point is always accessible for me, but if I had a more debilitating inflammation issue, I think it would be worth the investment. In the end, I would absolutely suggest this product for my grandmother.

     

    Nugg Score: How the Nugg Team Rates This Product

     

    Packaging: 5/5

    • Balm comes packaged beautifully in a thick, frosted glass jar with a wooden lid. The lid has the P&B logo burnt into it and it’s labeled in a cool blue.
    • Glass jar is housed in a sturdy cardboard box donning P&B’s classic calming blue and beige design and a sketch of the infamous Papa & Barkley.
    • Unparalleled brand recognition: without being “loud,” I can spot this (and their other products) from a mile away.

     

    Labeling: 3/5

    • Printed cannabinoid contents on the front of the box (450mg CBD: 150mg THC) are contradictory to the lab test results label on the side of the box (374.04mg CBD: 121.19 mg THC).
    • This contradiction is a little confusing and misleading, and the box would be much better off without printing their (what I’ll call) “targeted” cannabinoid content on the front.
    • Customer support staff (whose phone number is listed on the label) is incredibly nice and willing to work through questions.

     

    Fragrance: 3.5/5

    • Blend of essential oils in this balm creates a fragrance that smells calming but medicinal. While it’s not unpleasant, it’s a little overwhelming… and lasts a long time.
    • Because of the strong essential oil blend, I wouldn’t feel comfortable using this on my face or other sensitive skin areas on my body.
    • Anyone with allergies to certain essential oils in this mix won’t be able to utilize the healing powers of these cannabinoids in P&B’s RELEAF Balm

     

    Texture: 3.5/5

    • Balm turns from a solid to a smooth oil as soon as it meets the heat from your body.
    • While it provides a great glide for massaging it onto a sore muscle, it is pretty oily so be careful with clothing.
    • Texture would be ideal for a massage.

     

    Ease of Use: 5/5

    • Product couldn’t be any easier to use.
    • Lid is easy to unscrew and the mouth of the jar is wide enough to easily get to every last drop of the balm.

     

    Ingredients: 5/5

    • Simple ingredients: only cannabis, fractionated coconut oil, beeswax, a blend of essential oils (eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint and lavender), vitamin E oil, and natural terpenes. That’s it!
    • Product is completely natural, uses a whole-plant extract, it’s Cruelty-Free and Sun-Grown in Humboldt.

     

    Effectiveness: 5/5

    • I would love to see Papa & Barkley come out with a fragrance-free version of this product, not only for the reasons listed above, but also
    • so I can tell if the tingling sensation is from the cannabinoids or from the eucalyptus/peppermint/tea tree oils.
    • After giving my shoulder a rub with this oily balm, I immediately felt more mobility.

     

    Consistency: 5/5

    • After working with several jars of this, I always had the same experience and felt the same relief.
    • If this blend of cannabinoids works for you, it should work consistently – every time.

     

    Versatility: 4/5

    • Although the customer support team assured me that it’s a great moisturizer and OK to use virtually anywhere, because of the intense essential oil mix, I’d be afraid you use this near my eyes, on any sensitive skin areas (face, lips, etc.), or skin disorders (eczema, psoriasis, etc.).

     

    Price: 4.5/5

    • At around $100 for this 50ml jar, it’s priced a bit higher than most topical cannabis products I come across, though, most cannabis topicals I’ve come across aren’t nearly as effective.
    • For me, the price is a little steep because I would only use it for the occasional sore muscle. But if I had a chronic and debilitating condition, I would consider this a worthy investment.
    • Because of the high cannabinoid content and potency, you may find the price to be well worth the relief it brings to your ailments.

     

    Overall Rating: 4.35

     

    This is one of the most effective cannabis topicals I’ve ever tried. The potent sun-grown Humboldt cannabis and proprietary essential oil blend immediately go to work to relieve pain. The beautiful Papa & Barkley packaging looks like it belongs in a high-end skincare boutique, but it’s also functional for those opening the jar with limited mobility. On the downside, the contradiction in potency labels is disappointing and the price point a bit steep. All in all, for those with chronic and debilitating inflammation, would probably find this highly potent and highly effective topical well worth the investment.

     

    Ready to alleviate your aches and pains with Papa & Barkley’s 3:1 CBD:THC RELEAF balm? Nugg Club can deliver this product and more right to your doorstep. If you live in the LA area, click here to see if your address qualifies. 

     

     

  2. CBD Ointment Gives You Instant Pain Relief – Here’s How

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    Do you have aches and pains, but traditional creams don’t cut it, or the pills you’ve taken do more harm than good? It’s time to consider using topical CBD ointment, derived from cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive compound found in marijuana.

     

    We have answers for you. And if one topical topic’s been on your mind more so than others, just click on that link right below!

     

    What you'll learn in this post:

    [Click any of the section titles below to jump there]

     

    What Is CBD Ointment?

     

    CBD ointment is a safe, easy-to-use topical agent that can be applied to almost any bodily area to relieve several problems like soreness, inflammation, and irritated skin. When applied to the skin it doesn’t create the “high” effects that cannabis ingestion does via smoking, vaporizing or eating edibles.

     

    So CBD ointment is a great alternative for people who don’t want cannabis’ THC high and/or for those who’d like to have other options besides over-the-counter steroid-based creams.

     

    How Long Has Topical Cannabis Been Used?

     

    Topical cannabis use dates back thousands of years. While its primary form of ingestion has always been smoking, it’s also traditionally been used as a medicinal component to existing remedies such as ointments, salves and tinctures.

     

    Topical use has been linked to ancient Egypt, other parts of Africa, and in Europe, where it was used for its antiseptic, antibiotic and pain-relieving properties to treat bacterial infections, skin infections, foot inflammation and localized pain.

     

    After all, ancient civilizations relied on plant medicines for their natural therapies, and it’s really quite a shame that our modern society has departed so much from analgesic herbs. Luckily, with legalization efforts succeeding nationwide, we’re seeing substantial new interest in cannabis-derived topical therapies.

     

    What Is CBD Ointment Used For?

     

    CBD contains anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties, kills pain, enhances circulation and regenerates cellular activity. There are a wide variety of conditions that can be treated by using CBD ointments and other CBD infused topicals. The list is long, but a few of the most commonly treated are:

     

    • Skin conditions: eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, rashes, fungal infections, dry skin, blisters, etc.
    • Localized joint pain, arthritis pain, inflammation muscle soreness, sprains and other mild injuries.
    • Faster healing of wounds, cuts, scrapes and bruises.
    • Chronic pain
    • Multiple sclerosis
    • Nerve pain/sciatica
    • Seizures
    • Muscle spasms
    • Earaches
    • Migraines
    • Menstrual cramps
    • Hemorrhoids
    • Mental disorders (anxiety, depression, PTSD)

     

    Top healing (and in some cases, now world renowned) CBD strains include:

     

    • ACDC: a hybrid of THC and CBD considered to be the most effective for pain relief. This strain also produces relaxation and euphoria as well as a heightened focus.
    • Harlequin: a sativa-based strain with a CBD and THC ratio of 5:2, Harlequin’s especially useful in treating inflammatory-based pain like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Its psychoactive properties are euphoria, increased energy and enhanced focus.
    • Charlotte’s Web: with less than 0.3% of THC, this potent CBD strain produces no psychoactive effects and is best used to treat migraines, neuropathic pain, and, maybe most effectively, epilepsy.

     

    What’s the Best Way to Apply CBD Ointment?

     

    Cannabis Ointment

     

    Topical CBD absorbs into the skin and is really successful when liberally applied to the affected area(s). When using topicals, be sure to first wash the area with soap and water to remove any excess dirt, oil buildup, or previously applied CBD lotions or topical creams. Doing so will ensure that there aren’t any barriers between the ointment and your skin, creating the best environment for absorption.

     

    For adults, generously rub the ointment onto the affected area and allow it to absorb for several minutes before covering with clothing and/or bandages so it doesn’t rub off. Be sure to watch the area for bad reactions like itchiness, redness, soreness, rashes or bumps.

     

    For children and the elderly, apply smaller amounts so they don’t over medicate since their skin is naturally thinner.

     

    Once applied, the ointment can take anywhere from 1-48 hours to provide relief, depending on the dosage, how often it’s used, and severity of your condition.

     

    Ointment producers typically list the recommended rate of use, which usually ranges from 1-3 times a day to as needed. Again, how often you use the ointment will depend on the severity of your condition and the product’s CBD and THC levels, so begin with doses as low as 2-3mgs then increase the amount if needed.

     

    CBD vs. THC: What’s the Difference?

     

    CBD appears in both cannabis and hemp, and both are widely available as ointments, but while hemp-based products contain no active THC, cannabis-derived products often do.

     

    Seeing as how CBD and THC offer similar health benefits, patients may opt for high-CBD cannabis ointments with or without THC. But if you decide to combine CBD and THC, you’ll reap the benefits of both, from what’s known as the “entourage effect.” Research suggests that using the two together are more effective than when used individually, a fact that’s been proven with cancer research as well as with multiple ailments.

     

    When CBD and THC are combined they produce a powerful one-two punch by enhancing each other’s most useful characteristics. Interestingly, CBD slows down the breakdown of THC in the liver, allowing THC’s therapeutic effects to last longer.

     

    If you have plant allergies, you might want to use hemp-based CBD ointments instead of those produced from cannabis. Marijuana cultivators tend to use pesticides and other herbicides that could irritate or even worsen skin conditions for those who are particularly sensitive to these chemicals.

     

    What’s the Difference Between Cannabis Ointments, Creams, Salves, Balms, Oils, Lotions & Patches?

     

    Balms, creams, lotions, ointments & salves

    Highly-concentrated cannabis salves and balms are great options for healing wounds and small cuts, while creams, lotions and ointments are best for alleviating itchiness, dryness, burns, rashes and other inflammatory skin conditions.

     

    Oils

    Oils tend to be higher in potency and can include THC or just CBD. They’re most likely mixed with other beneficial herbs and essential oils that penetrate the skin for deeper healing. Oils are also more versatile because they can be ingested. It’s no secret that high doses of cannabis oil have been used to effectively treat epilepsy, kill cancer cells, heal ear infections and stop migraines.

     

    Patches

    Transdermal patches containing CBD and/or THC are highly popular among pain relief seekers, as they deliver cannabinoids straight into the bloodstream for faster and more effective healing. Because they adhere to the skin they can last longer than other topicals. You can even sleep with them on and can participate in just about any activity while wearing them, whereas weed creams, marijuana salves or cannabis lotions can rub off easily.

     

    Patches typically offer a range cannabinoids with a split 1:1 ratio of CBD to THC, but you can choose patches based on your condition and the effects you wish to receive.

     

    Keep in mind, patches containing THC will produce a psychoactive effect that can be just as, if not more, potent than smoking, vaping or eating edibles since it’s absorbed more quickly; so CBD patches may be the best option if you need to function without those effects.

     

    How Popular Are Topicals in the U.S.?

     

    There are a few reasons why topical cannabis products are making their way into mainstream cannabis culture.

     

    First, many unfamiliar patients would rather not ingest cannabis due to its psychoactive effects, and prefer to inch slowly into their cannabis experience with something milder like a tincture or topical. We totally get that, trying THC for the first time for its psychoactive effects can be intimidating (although trust us, with the proper dose, anyone can feel comfortable with it). 

     

    Next, chronic smoking could take a harmful toll on the lungs, although not enough long-term research has been done to say definitively. Some preliminary studies even show that smoking the herb could have benefits for your overall lung health, but only time will tell.

     

    Regardless, if you want the health benefits that cannabinoids provide, topical options present a great existing alternative to other means of use.

     

    This is especially true for aging patients, parents who use the CBD products on their children, or adults who are concerned about practical matters (like failing drug tests, for example). For these reasons, the topical medical marijuana industry is growing rapidly here in the United States, with its primary consumers being female & senior chronic pain sufferers.

     

    That being said, when compared with the other methods of consumption, topical applications lag far behind. From our own online cannabis marketplace (think of it like the GrubHub for cannabis), topicals only make up about 1% of all purchases. Even at just 1% of total purchases, topicals saw a 100% increase in popularity since the same time last year.

     

    Do Medical Experts Support Topical Cannabis Use?

     

    Given the stigma surrounding marijuana and cannabinoid use in general (which is dissipating quickly), and marijuana’s Schedule I drug status with the federal government, substantial scientific and clinical research on the health benefits or consequences of cannabis have been severely constrained. 

     

    In fact, other countries like Israel are far ahead of the U.S. in attempting to decode how cannabis acts on one’s physical and psychological well-being.

     

    That being said, preclinical evidence suggests that CBD’s therapeutic, neuroprotective, sedative and anti-inflammatory effects are very promising. Overall, the medical community agrees that CBD can provide powerful relief for many conditions and poses little to no health risk.

     

    What Are Some of the Most Popular CBD Topical Products?

     

    When it comes down to choosing a CBD topical, the main factors will be the CBD:THC ratio, the type of cannabinoid that should work best for your condition, and the product’s scent (although that last one usually isn’t a critical factor for many of us). Here are a few highly-rated CBD containing topicals:

     

    CBD topical cream

     

    • Chronic Health (Green Halo) High CBD Ointment uses high levels of CBD in conjunction with other pain relieving cannabinoids to tackle a wide spectrum of medical conditions. Combined with almond oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter and beeswax, their CBD ointment offers a wonderful scent along with strong antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties. Their products come in 350mg and 700mg CBD containers.

     

    Mary's Medicinals CBD Transdermal Patch

     

    • Mary’s Medicinals has gained a lot of attention recently for their innovative CBD transdermal patches (also available in indica and sativa), childproof gel pen, topical compound that heals inflammation and back pain, and their Muscle Freeze CBD lotion that soothes and cools sore joints and muscles. Their products are discreet, simple to use, and provide strong, lasting relief. Perfect if you need constant and stable healing.

     

    SEE ALSO: In-Depth Review of Mary’s Medicinals Products

     

    CBD lotion

     

    • Nature’s Best CBD is a THC-free topical designed specifically for pain relief. Created with a high absorption rate, Nature’s Best is chemically engineered to quickly penetrate the deepest layers of the skin to provide relief within minutes. Customers use it for fibromyalgia, diabetic nerve pain, eczema and a variety of other skin conditions. Keep in mind that this product also contains menthol to aid in pain relief. It’s also available in a convenient travel size 3-pack.

     

    CBD patches

     

    • Sweet Releaf offers a high-CBD ointment that comes scented, unscented and in extra strength formula, if needed. Their ointment is made by hand and contains, cannabis trichomes, coconut oil, Shea butter, cocoa butter and a proprietary blend of essential oils. All ingredients are organic and cruelty-free, as many believe emu oil (a common ingredient found in CBD topicals) to be extracted in inhumane ways. Users have found that Sweet Releaf reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle, back and joint pain, spasms and more. 

    • Theramu Relieve is a fast-acting compound that combines 100mg of pure hemp extract and emu oil (a carrier of CBD) for deeper penetration. Theramu boasts no side effects nor interference with other medications, and that’s only possible because hemp extract is not the same as cannabis-derived CBD. In fact, hemp-derived CBD is available in only trace amounts and does not provide the same wide-ranging medical benefits that true CBD products will. Nonetheless, it can still be a useful anti-inflammatory and wound healer, but should be considered more along the lines of a dietary supplement as opposed to true medicine.

     

    shop popular topicals

     

    How Can I Make My Own CBD Ointment?

     

    cbd anti inflammatory

     

    If you’d like to create your own ointment, here’s a CBD ointment recipe to make at home:

     

    1. Gather at least 10 grams of organic hemp for a CBD only ointment, or combine it with ½ oz of herbal cannabis for a combined CBD-THC effect.
    2. Grind all leaves and stems with a coffee grinder, then place them into a jar.
    3. Pour an organic, preferably extra virgin carrier oil like coconut or almond, over the hemp/cannabis. The ground hemp/cannabis should be completely covered in oil.
    4. Seal the jar tightly, fill a saucepan with 2-3 inches of water, then place the jar into the pan. Bring to a low boil for 3 hours. Be sure to refill the pan when the water level gets too low.
    5. After 3 hours, remove the jar from the saucepan and allow it to cool at room temperature.
    6. Repeat the low boiling process over the next 2 days for another 3 hours each day; this will increase the ointment’s potency.
    7. On the 4th day, use a cheesecloth to strain the ointment into a new jar to remove the excess debris.
    8. Add beeswax, cocoa butter or Shea butter to thicken and firm up your ointment. Now it’s ready to use!
    9. Store in a cool, dry place otherwise the ointment’s consistency can change dramatically.

     

    How Can I Buy CBD Ointment & Other Topicals?

     

    Not in the mood to make your own CBD ointment? Rather leave ointment making to the professionals, you’re in luck! Finding some high-quality CBD cannabis ointment takes just a few clicks on getnugg.com.

     

    Nugg provides safe and legal access to the relief you require. Simply enter your zip code and gain instant access to several vetted cannabis dispensaries near you. Nugg also provides customer-rated storefront collectives and delivery options for CBD ointments along with a plethora of cannabis topicals to be delivered straight to your doorstep!

     

    buy cbd tincture

     

    Though many online retailers will claim they can ship products containing CBD your way since CBD is legal to use, keep in mind that shipping these CBD products is actually illegal. A medical marijuana recommendation or card must be presented to purchase CBD products within the state of California and everywhere else.

     

    If you’re in need of a medical marijuana card, just visit NuggMD to get yours in minutes. There’s no appointment needed, and you won’t be charged the small $49 fee unless your doctor approves!

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