I used to be a magician’s assistant (among other things). Yes, I’ve had some crazy jobs but that one really put my body through the wringer when I was younger. The long rehearsals, the being put into small boxes, cut in half, the countless hours on my feet in heels—at the time, I didn’t think much about the toll it would take on me later. I was strong, flexible, and full of energy. Fast forward to 71, and let’s just say my body has a few things to say about those years of levitation, disappearing and reappearing, and having my body pulled into three different boxes on stage.
These days, my back and hips are constant reminders of the past. Some mornings, I wake up feeling like I just finished trying to break a world record of metamorphosis (something that we actually did for the World’s Book of Records back in the day) the night before, except all I actually did was sleep—wrong, apparently. The stiffness, the deep aches, and the occasional sharp pains have all become a part of my daily life. And like a lot of people my age, I’ve had to figure out how to manage it in a way that doesn’t involve taking a handful of painkillers every day. My stomach can’t handle taking all of those pills and my orthopedic surgeon wants me to try to keep the inflammation down.
The Problem with Relying on Pain Meds
When you’re dealing with chronic pain, reaching for ibuprofen or acetaminophen can feel like the easiest option. And trust me, I’ve been there—especially on those rough days when my back feels like it’s locked up and my hips protest every step. But the older I get, the more I realize how hard those medications can be on the body, especially when taken too often.
Long-term use of NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can lead to stomach issues, kidney problems, and even heart risks. Acetaminophen? Well, let’s just say your liver isn’t a fan of too much of that. And prescription painkillers? That’s a whole other road I’d rather not go down. So, like many Baby Boomers looking for alternatives, I started exploring other ways to deal with my aches and pains—and that’s when I discovered cannabis-infused topicals.
Cannabis-Infused Topicals: A Game-Changer for Pain Relief
I’ll admit, I was skeptical at first. Cannabis was something that we snuck around with when I was young. It wasn’t exactly a part of my world of work growing up, and the idea of using it—even in a non-psychoactive form—took some getting used to, especially at my age. But after years of trying everything from heating pads to physical therapy, I figured, why not?
Here’s the beauty of cannabis-infused topicals: they don’t get you high. Instead, they work directly on the area you apply them to, targeting pain and inflammation right where you need it. The cannabinoids in the cream or balm interact with receptors in your skin, helping to ease tension and soreness without ever entering your bloodstream.
I started with a CBD and D8 THC-infused cream, rubbing it into my lower back and hips before bed. I wasn’t expecting much—maybe a little warming or cooling sensation, like a regular muscle rub. But the next morning, I noticed something surprising: I felt looser. Less stiff. Moving didn’t feel like such a battle. And after a few days of using it consistently, I realized I wasn’t reaching for my bottle of ibuprofen nearly as often.
Why Topicals Work So Well for My Performance-Worn Body
The reason cannabis topicals are so effective is that they work right at the source of the pain. Unlike pain meds, which travel through your digestive system and bloodstream, topicals stay put. They interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in your skin, reducing inflammation and discomfort in a localized way.
For someone like me—who spent years pushing my body to its limits—this has been a game-changer. My biggest trouble spots are:
- Lower Back Pain: Years of bending, twisting, and lifting have left my lower back in a near-constant state of protest. A cannabis salve helps ease that deep-seated ache.
- Hip Pain: All those twisting my body into weird positions? Yeah, my hips remember. Rubbing a CBD/D8 THC balm on them helps loosen things up.
- Arthritis in My Hands: I still love to write, cook, and do little projects around the house, but my fingers don’t always cooperate. A quick massage with a cannabis-infused cream helps with the stiffness.
My Go-To Product: TribeTokes CBD Pain Cream
After trying a few different brands, I finally landed on TribeTokes CBD Pain Cream—and I haven’t looked back since. It’s got a blend of CBD, menthol, and arnica, which work together to provide instant cooling relief while also helping with long-term inflammation. Unlike some other creams I’ve tried, it absorbs quickly, doesn’t leave a greasy residue, and actually works.
What I love most is that it’s made with clean, all-natural ingredients. I don’t have to worry about weird chemicals or artificial fragrances irritating my skin. Plus, the addition of botanicals like aloe and turmeric makes it feel more like a luxury skincare product than just a pain remedy. It’s become part of my daily routine—especially on those days when my hips and back decide they’d rather not cooperate.
Choosing the Right Topical
If you’re thinking about trying cannabis topicals, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Look for a combo of D8 THC and CBD. CBD alone is great for inflammation, but when paired with a little D8 THC, it tends to work even better for pain relief.
- Check the ingredient list. Go for products made with nourishing oils like coconut or shea butter.
- Try a patch test first. Just like any new skincare product, test it on a small area to make sure your skin likes it.
My Advice? Give It a Try
If you’re like me and dealing with the aftermath of an active, movement-filled life, cannabis-infused topicals might be worth exploring. They’re not a magic cure, but they’re a much gentler way to manage pain without putting extra stress on your body.
And honestly? If someone had told me back in my magic days that cannabis would be helping me stay mobile and comfortable at 71, I probably would’ve laughed. But here I am, finding new ways to care for the body that’s carried me through so much.
Have you tried cannabis topicals? Let’s swap notes—I’d love to hear what’s worked for you!
Want to Try One That I’ve Already Put to the Test and Know Works Well?
- Visit TribeTokes and check out their TribeTokes CBD Pain Cream
