Last updated: November 27, 2025
By: Mary Jane Wellness Team

If you train regularly—gym, running, lifting, boxing, yoga, whatever—you already know how your body feels the next day. Some days it is just a light stiffness. Other days it feels like your muscles are arguing with you for even trying. A lot of people reach for CBD topicals after a workout because they want something they can apply directly to the sore spot without taking anything by mouth.

This guide breaks the topic down simply—how CBD topicals work, what types exist, how people usually use them after training, and how to choose one that actually fits your routine. It also includes Miami-specific considerations and references real product categories sold at Mary Jane’s Bakery Co.

Why CBD Topicals Make Sense After a Workout

CBD topicals are different from gummies or tinctures because they stay local. You rub them on the area that feels tight—shoulders, lower back, hamstrings, knees—and that is where they stay.

A few things make them useful for recovery days:

1.1 They target one specific area

People like them because they can focus on just the sore muscle instead of consuming something that affects the whole body.

1.2 No “head” effects

Hemp-derived CBD does not make you feel high, so it feels like a normal part of a recovery routine: ice → stretch → shower → CBD cream → rest.

1.3 Easy to reapply

If your neck starts tightening again in the evening, you can reapply it without overthinking dosage. It feels more like lotion than anything else.

1.4 Works well with other recovery habits

Most gym-goers combine CBD topicals with:

• Heat or cold packs
• Massage guns
• Stretching
• Light mobility
• A warm shower

Topicals fit into that pattern naturally because they do not interrupt anything.

How CBD Topicals Work on Soreness (Simple Explanation)

Your skin contains receptors that are part of something called the endocannabinoid system. These receptors help regulate signals related to things like tension, soreness, or swelling in the area. When a CBD topical is rubbed on your skin, it interacts with those receptors right there, instead of entering the bloodstream like gummies.

CBD creams stay local. They do not circulate the way ingestible CBD does.

This is why athletes, boxers, weightlifters, and runners often keep a jar in their bag:
it works where you put it, and only where you put it.

Types of CBD Topicals Used After Training

Not all CBD topicals feel the same. Some cool your muscles. Some warm them. Some are neutral. Here are the ones people typically use after a workout:

CBD Creams (Most Balanced for Daily Recovery)

Best for: shoulders, back, legs, general soreness
Feel: smooth, lotion-like, absorbs quickly

CBD creams are the most common post-workout option. They usually include soothing ingredients like aloe, shea butter, or herbal extracts. These are good for anyone who wants something they can use every day without overpowering sensations.

People who lift weights often prefer creams because they spread easily over larger muscles (like quads or lats).

3.2 CBD Roll-Ons (Fast, mess-free, gym-bag friendly)

Best for: runners, travelers, people who do not want cream on their hands
Feel: cooling, similar to Icy Hot but lighter

Roll-ons have become popular because you can apply them without touching anything. This is convenient when you are sweaty or leaving the gym. They often include menthol or peppermint, which gives a cooling sensation that makes tight spots feel lighter.

These are handy for quick relief between sets or right after a run.

3.3 CBD Balms & Salves (Heavy-duty moisture + deeper massage)

Best for: intense soreness, very dry skin, deep tissue massage
Feel: thick, oily, long-lasting

CBD balms are thicker than creams. You need to massage them in, which some people prefer because the massage itself feels therapeutic. Lifters often use them on elbows or knees. Runners use them on calves or shins.

If you train hard and like a slower, deeper recovery routine, balms make sense.

3.4 CBD Heat or Cooling Gels

Best for: heavy leg days, back tension, high-intensity training
Feel: strong cooling or warming effect

These are similar to sports muscle gels but with CBD added. They’re meant for peak soreness days—like when you really pushed it. The cooling or warming sensation distracts you from the tightness while the CBD sits on the skin.

What To Look For in a Quality Post-Workout CBD Topical

Not every topical is equal. Here are the things that actually matter:

4.1 Third-party lab results (COA)

A proper COA confirms:

• Real CBD content
• Hemp is under 0.3% Δ-9 THC
• No harmful additives

If the brand does not show test results, skip it.

4.2 CBD Strength (mg count)

For post-workout use, 1,000 mg or higher per container is ideal.
Lower amounts are fine for mild days, but athletes often prefer stronger options.

4.3 Ingredients that help recovery

Common add-ons that feel good after training:

• Menthol (cooling)
• Arnica
• Eucalyptus
• Capsaicin (warming)
• Magnesium
• Camphor

These do not “treat” anything medically—they just feel nice and make the topical more effective for soreness.

4.4 Texture (Important depending on your routine)

• Cream → absorbs fast, no residue
• Balm → deeper massage, longer feel
• Roll-on → clean, fast, convenient
• Gel → strongest cooling/warming

Pick based on your lifestyle, not the label.

4.5 Fragrance level

If you work indoors or around others, a strong menthol smell may not be ideal.
If you train outdoors or at home, it is less of an issue.

Best CBD Topicals for Recovery

5.1 High-Strength CBD Topicals (1,500 mg – 10,000 mg)

Great for people who train almost every day. Strong concentrations stay noticeable longer. Some people keep these for “big workout days” only.

Great for:

• Lifters
• Runners
• People with intense weekly routines

5.2 CBD + Menthol Roll-Ons

One of the most practical post-workout products. Menthol makes the spot feel lighter almost instantly.

Why they’re popular:
Roll-ons dominate Google Discover and fitness subreddits because they are compact and convenient.

Great for:

• Quick cooldown
• Mid-gym use
• On-the-go training

5.3 CBD Balms With Arnica or Eucalyptus

Balms that include herbal extracts feel more relaxing for sore areas. People who enjoy slow, mindful recovery routines pick these.

Great for:

• Deep muscle knots
• Massage gun sessions
• Evening recovery routines

5.4 Full-Spectrum CBD Creams

Full-spectrum creams contain multiple hemp compounds (under the legal limit) which some people believe makes them feel richer or more effective.

How to Use CBD Topicals After a Workout

Step 1 — Warm or Move the Area First

A warm shower or light stretching helps absorption.

Step 2 — Apply a small amount first

About a thumb-sized portion for a medium muscle (like a calf or forearm).

Step 3 — Massage slowly

Go in circles for 20–30 seconds.
Let the product sit. Do not wipe it off.

Step 4 — Reapply later if needed

You can reapply after a few hours if the tightness returns.

Step 5 — Combine with other recovery habits

CBD topicals pair well with:

• A foam roller
• A massage gun
• Magnesium lotion
• Light mobility
• Epsom salt bath

Who Benefits Most from CBD Topicals After Training?

Based on real-world user reports, CBD topicals fit best for:

• Weightlifters with tight shoulders or lower back
• Runners with calf and shin tension
• Cyclists with quad fatigue
• People with stiff necks from boxing, grappling, or rowing
• Anyone starting a new routine after a break

It’s not about curing anything. It’s about making recovery days feel smoother.

How to Choose the Right CBD Topical for You

If you want something fast: CBD Roll-On

If you want something strong that lasts: High-Strength CBD Cream

If you want something for massage:CBD Balm / Salve

If you prefer a cooling blast:CBD Gel with menthol

If you do daily workouts and want a general solution:CBD Cream (1,000–3,000 mg)

Miami-Specific Considerations (Important for Local SEO)

People in Miami tend to train outdoors—heat, humidity, long walks, runs, biking, gym sessions. That means:

• Cooling roll-ons are extremely popular
• Lightweight creams absorb better in humid weather
• Strong menthol products do well for people training in heat
• Late-night workout crowd loves 24/7 pickup options

If you want to try CBD topicals after your next workout, you can browse our full CBD Topicals collection here.

The Best CBD Topicals for Post-Workout Recovery 

These are all available through Mary Jane’s Bakery Co.

1,000 MG Full Spectrum CBD Topical Relief Cream

Good for people who train often but don’t absolutely destroy themselves every session.
If you just want something that absorbs fast and doesn’t feel heavy, this is the “daily driver.”

5,000 MG High Strength Full Spectrum CBD Topical Relief Cream

This one hits stronger.
If you do leg days that leave you walking funny or you run long distances, this strength feels more fitting. A lot of people upgrade to this after realizing 1,000 mg wasn’t enough.

 10,000 MG Maximum Strength Full Spectrum CBD Cream

This is the heavy-duty option.
It’s usually the pick for lifters, athletes, and people who train almost every day. If you deal with deep tightness after hard sessions, this one tends to make the biggest difference.

Blue Dream Full Spectrum CBD Body Butter

Feels softer and more “buttery.”
Nice for people who want the moisturizing feel, or who prefer evening recovery routines where they take their time.

Safety Notes

• CBD topicals are not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure anything.
• People should avoid applying them to broken skin.
• Always check COA results to confirm quality.
• Start with a small amount and see how your skin reacts.