Best CBD For Knee Pain in 2024: An In-Depth Look at the 9 Best Brands

When you’re searching for a safe, natural way to manage knee pain, sooner or later you’ll start asking questions about cannabidiol, or CBD. Countless users say this hemp compound reduces pain, inflammation, and stress — all of which can make it a huge help for those living with chronic joint pain.

There’s just one problem: choosing the best CBD for chronic knee pain can be a challenge. There are hundreds of companies selling it, and very little oversight.

As a result, many brands cut corners or use deceptive tactics, putting consumer safety at risk. A shocking number of CBD products meant to help with chronic pain are contaminated with toxic elements like pesticides, infectious mold, or heavy metals such as lead.

Fortunately, there are also some companies holding to a higher standard. FOCL is one — our collection of CBD oil, gummies, and topical creams are made with rigorous quality control procedures to make sure they contain only the highest caliber of ingredients. And as we’ve gotten to know the industry, we’ve discovered other brands producing trustworthy CBD products for pain relief.

In this article, we’ll explain how CBD can help with joint pain and help you manage your arthritis symptoms. First, though, we’ll introduce you to the 9 best CBD products for knee pain relief.

FOCL CBD Relief Cream: Best CBD For Knee Joint Pain

For rapid, targeted relief of arthritis pain, our topical CBD cream is hard to beat. It combines a variety of soothing natural ingredients for a multi-pronged approach to fighting aches and swelling.

Camphor oil and menthol deliver cooling and heating sensations and promote circulation, while CBD extracted from organic hemp engages your body’s natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory responses. Botanicals like arnica, eucalyptus, and aloe vera reduce irritation as well as moisturizing and nourishing your skin. This potent blend promotes both short-term comfort and long-term healing.

Every ingredient in our CBD cream is vegan, non-GMO, and cruelty-free. We also stick to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) laid out by the World Health Organization, ensuring that our CBD products contain zero unwanted contaminants. You don’t have to take our word for it — our website shares the Certificates of Analysis from third-party labs that test everything we sell for purity and safety.

We’re not satisfied unless you’re satisfied, which is why we offer a 60-day money-back guarantee on our CBD products. Though our Relief Cream should start making your knee feel better quickly, you’ll likely see greater reductions in arthritis symptoms the longer you use it. Some users won’t feel the peak effects until they’ve been using CBD for five or six weeks.

FOCL encourages all of our customers to try our CBD products for at least that long. If you don’t feel a significant improvement in your joint pain, we’ll refund you, plain and simple. See for yourself why we call this the best CBD cream for knee pain.

Shop FOCL CBD for knee pain here

PlusCBD Roll-On Cooling Topical: Best Roll-On CBD Topical

For some people wrestling with arthritis pain, it can be difficult to use twist-off droppers of CBD oil, or pump-based dispensers of CBD cream. PlusCBD’s roll-on stick can make a nice alternative. It’s also chock-full of plant extracts that may offer additional relief, including camphor oil and menthol (also featured in our Relief Cream).

PlusCBD thoroughly tests all their CBD products to ensure that nothing toxic slips in during the manufacturing process. They’ve even performed follow-up studies to make sure users aren’t experiencing adverse effects.

Users should be aware that roll-on topical CBD products have one notable drawback: it’s hard to know how much you’re applying, so finding the right dosage can be tricky. Using a pump-based dispenser gives you a more standardized amount.

The Cooling Topical Formula is based on CBD isolate, meaning it includes no other cannabinoids or terpenes. There’s some evidence that this may decrease its effectiveness compared to full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD.

Shop PlusCBD CBD for knee pain here

CBDfx Wellness Tincture: Best CBD Oil With CBG

CBD isn’t the only molecule from the cannabis plant that seems to be useful for pain relief. CBG (cannabigerol) seems to have anti-inflammatory properties of its own, which is why CBDfx includes it in their Wellness Tincture. Using these two cannabinoids together may offer greater relief than either one would on its own.

We’ve looked at CBDfx before — they made our list of the best CBD gummies for sleep due to their consistent production of pure, accurately-dosed CBD products. The Wellness Tincture has another advantage: it’s available at several different strength options. You can choose between 17, 34, 67, and 100 mg of CBD oil per ml, so whether you’re a brand-new user or someone with a high tolerance, you should be able to find a suitable choice.

One downside: some reviewers have also mentioned that the taste of CBDfx tinctures is pretty bitter despite the citrus flavoring. They’ll also tend to affect your entire system, not just your joints. This can be a plus or a minus depending on your perspective — customers who only want relief from knee pain may prefer CBD topicals, which can be targeted to the affected area.

Shop CBDfx CBD for knee pain here

Batch Gold Reserve Gummies: Best CBD Gummies For Knee Pain

Those who prefer their CBD in a tasty chewable form might appreciate these cheerful-looking gummies from Batch. Like the CBD tincture from CBDfx, Gold Reserve gummies contain both CBD and CBG in a 2:1 blend, making them well-formulated for chronic pain relief.

Batch shares FOCL’s dedication to making clean, safe CBD products from domestic hemp and naturally sourced ingredients. That’s why we included them in our rundown of the very best CBD gummies for 2024.

These gummies are made with full-spectrum CBD, so they include a smidgen of THC along with all the other active ingredients in the cannabis plant. That’s not enough to produce a psychoactive “high,” and many researchers believe it could enhance the effects of CBD products. Still, you may want to skip these full spectrum cbd thc gummies for pain management if you prefer to avoid any trace of THC.

One other note of caution: at 50 mg of CBD per gummy, these are fairly high in potency. This may slightly increase the odds of unwanted side effects like drowsiness, especially if you have a low tolerance.

Shop Batch CBD for knee pain here

Chill Frog Max Chill Gummies: Best High-THC Gummies

Although some users prefer to steer clear of any psychoactive cannabis compounds, there’s emerging evidence that taking CBD and THC together may be a potent combo for managing chronic pain. Chill Frog gummies take advantage of this effect, with the highest dose of THC that most states allow in CBD products (5 mg per gummy).

We like that Chill Frog uses organic, domestically-grown ingredients, and their GMP certification indicates that they use clean manufacturing protocols to avoid impurities in their gummies.

The Max Chill gummies get their effects from cannabinoids alone, without any additional ingredients for pain relief. Purists may consider that a plus, but others may prefer CBD products that can combat joint inflammation in multiple ways.

Shop Chill Frog CBD for knee pain here

Aspen Green Relief Organic Full Spectrum CBD Oil: Best CBD Oil For Knee Pain With Added THC

While many CBD oils used for pain relief include full-spectrum CBD, they’ll usually include only trace amounts of THC. Aspen Green’s Relief drops are an exception — with each 1-dropper serving, you’ll get about 2.5 mg of THC.

That shouldn’t produce major psychoactive effects, but it may enhance the tincture’s pain-relieving properties. This formula also includes 133 mg/ml of CBD oil, making it one of the more potent options on the market. Users who are more sensitive to cannabinoids may want to tread lightly since a full serving might make them sleepy or dizzy. 

Another reason we recommend this CBD oil brand for knee pain is that it’s dependable when it comes to dosage accuracy, purity, and transparency. Aspen Green follows the same clean manufacturing standards FOCL does, and they make their Certificates of Analysis readily available to customers who want to verify what they’re taking.

The bad news: the prices are steep. A single 30-ml bottle costs about $150. By comparison, you can get a bottle of our high-potency Full Spectrum CBD oil tincture for just $89.

Shop Aspen Green CBD for knee pain here

Cornbread Hemp CBD Lotion + Menthol: Best Full-Spectrum CBD Cream

If you prefer topical CBD products over edibles and tinctures, Cornbread Hemp’s menthol-infused lotion is another good option. It contains full-spectrum CBD, including up to 1 mg of THC per serving. This means you may get the benefits of the “entourage effect,” which some researchers think can boost the potency of cannabinoids when they’re taken together.

Other welcome additions include peppermint, tea tree, and rosemary oils, all of which may help with muscle soreness and swelling. All of the ingredients Cornbread Hemp uses are certified organic, with no synthetic additives.

Note that Cornbread’s hemp lotion doesn’t have as high a CBD potency as our 2000 mg Relief Cream. They also don’t give you as long as we do to test their product — their satisfaction guarantee only covers the first 30 days.

Shop Cornbread CBD for knee pain here

Charlotte’s Web CBD Muscle Recovery Gummies: Best For Beginners

These edibles from Charlotte’s Web rank among the best CBD gummies for pain relief. That’s partly due to the company’s high-quality manufacturing processes and earth-friendly practices (their hemp is grown using regenerative farming techniques, for instance). It’s also because they incorporate extracts of ginger and turmeric, two herbs that have been found to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.

Charlotte’s Web offers a money-back guarantee for CBD products, but unlike FOCL, it only applies within the first 30 days. This may not be enough time to fully assess whether these gummies offer enough relief for your chronic pain.

We’ve listed them as “best for beginners” because they contain just 10 mg of full-spectrum CBD. That can be nice if you’re brand-new to CBD for arthritis pain and want to start with a very mild dose. However, it may not be enough for some users to feel the effects, so if you have an average body weight and tolerance, you may want to use something more potent.

Shop Charlotte’s Web CBD for knee pain here

CBDistillery ahhh Distilled 5000 mg: Best High-Potency CBD Oil

For some customers, finding the best CBD for severe knee pain may come down to looking for the highest CBD potency. While we generally recommend that new users begin with a low dose, those who’ve tried less concentrated products and found little relief may benefit from something stronger.

At nearly 170 mg per ml, this full-spectrum CBD oil from CBDistillery is a good candidate. The formula is as straightforward as you can get, containing nothing but hemp extract and coconut oil. Detailed test results confirm it contains precisely what the label says, with no unwanted or potentially harmful contaminants.

This extra-high CBD potency likely won’t right be for everyone. Users without a high tolerance may find that a serving of this tincture leaves them needing a nap! The price may be another stumbling block, as it costs more per mg than many other full-spectrum CBD oils (including FOCL’s).

Shop CBDistillery CBD for knee pain here

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CBD actually work for knee pain?

The science on CBD in pain management is still far from settled, since federal drug policy made medical research on cannabis compounds impossible until very recently. There hasn’t yet been much investigation into the effects of CBD products on knee pain in particular.

That said, evidence is beginning to emerge that using CBD for arthritis and other forms of chronic pain may be an effective way to manage symptoms:

• A 2015 experiment showed that applying topical CBD reduced inflammation and apparent pain in rats.
• A 2022 trial of CBD for arthritis pain showed improvements in pain, sleep quality, and physical function. Interestingly, it seemed to work better for osteoarthritis than rheumatoid arthritis.
• A 2023 research review noted that virtually all published studies on the use of CBD in joint pain management reported some positive treatment effects, even if they weren’t all clinically significant.

Bolstering this scientific evidence are the thousands of anecdotal reports from users who have said they experienced dramatic pain relief and improved wellness when using CBD for knee pain. There’s a chance it may not work for everyone, but the results so far suggest it may be worth a try.

What form of CBD is best for chronic knee pain?

Virtually all types of CBD products have both advantages and drawbacks, and the choice will typically depend on your symptoms, lifestyle, and preferences.

Topical creams, oils, and lotions may be the best CBD for joint pain stemming from old injuries or injury or exercise-related strain. You can apply them directly to the area where they’re most needed — they’ll quickly absorb into the skin and muscles to reduce inflammation and soreness.

This method should also avoid any systemic effects, such as changes to your mood or energy levels. (Of course, some people may see that as a downside!)

Gummies or oils might be the best CBD for joint pain caused by arthritis or another systemic condition. They tend to take longer to kick in, but their effects may also last longer, and they should be felt throughout your body rather than at just one spot. You can also use CBD gummies to help with anxiety, sleep disruptions, stress, and other secondary symptoms that often accompany arthritis pain.

What is the best way to use CBD for knee pain?

In most cases, it’s best to use CBD products regularly, taking a consistent dose once or twice per day. The exact timing may depend on your needs, but it’s best to allow 30-60 minutes for the cannabidiol to kick in.

For instance, if your joint pain is interfering with your ability to exercise, you may want to administer CBD a half hour or so before hitting the gym. If you need help easing your pain so you can sleep, you might want to take CBD as part of your bedtime routine.

What is the recommended dosage and strength of CBD for knee pain?

The FDA hasn’t yet issued any specific guidance on CBD dosage when used for joint pain. In our experience, effective doses can vary widely depending on things like body weight and individual tolerance.

You’ll typically want to start with a relatively small amount at first to see how your body responds. If you don’t see any improvement in your joint pain, you can increase the dose.

Taking CBD oils under your tongue or applying topical CBD products to your skin may allow for more efficient absorption than eating gummies or other edibles. This means you may not need to take quite as much. We offer some specific dosage suggestions in these articles:

• What is the Best Way to Take CBD Oil
• How Many CBD Gummies Should I Take?
• How to Use CBD for Neck Pain

What are the benefits of CBD for knee pain?

As we discussed above, science has yet to fully map out the benefits of cannabidiol. That said, those who have used CBD products to help them with chronic joint pain have reported effects including:

• Reduced pain
• Decreased inflammation
• More restful sleep
• Less stress and anxiety
• Improved mobility
• Better mood

Is CBD safe to use for knee pain?

Current scientific evidence indicates that taking CBD for pain management is generally safe — as long as it comes from a reliable source. (That’s why it’s so important to choose the best CBD brand for knee pain.) Some people do experience side effects, but they’re usually minor issues like:

• Sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Dry mouth
• Nausea or diarrhea

Some prescription drugs can have negative interactions with CBD, including blood thinners, anticonvulsants, thyroid drugs, and cardiac medicines. It may also increase the drowsiness or lightheadedness that other medications can cause as side effects.

If you’re taking any medications, it’s best to talk with your doctor before trying CBD.

Is CBD better than pain meds to relieve knee pain?

There’s not currently much evidence comparing CBD to other pain medications. Existing studies suggest that it has moderate effects on most people.

Some users may prefer CBD rather than regularly taking medicines like ibuprofen or acetaminophen since it may not place the same kind of strain on the liver. The few reported side effects are also usually mild.

However, you probably shouldn’t discontinue any medicines you’re taking for arthritis pain in favor of CBD. It’s not yet clear whether CBD can reduce joint inflammation as well as existing treatments, and you don’t want to risk making your condition worse. These kinds of decisions are always best discussed with your doctor.

Experience the Best CBD For Joint Pain and Arthritis

If you’re ready to start treating joint pain with CBD, there’s no better place to start than with FOCL. You can choose our topical CBD cream for laser-focused relief, our full-spectrum CBD oil for body-wide wellness. No matter which you choose, you’ll have 60 days to experiment and find out if they work for you. Find out why so many customers consider FOCL the best CBD for arthritis, knee pain, and more!