For martial artists, sore shoulders, bruised shins, and tight hips are part of the lifestyle. Many fighters now use cannabis balms, creams, and roll-on products to manage those aches while staying clear-headed enough to drill and spar. Evidence is still emerging, but early data suggest topical cannabinoids may help some people with musculoskeletal pain when paired with basics like rest, ice, compression, and mobility work.
Unlike edibles or vapes, topicals are meant to act locally on the skin and underlying tissues. Laboratory and early clinical studies indicate that cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can reduce inflammation and modulate pain signaling through CB1 and CB2 receptors and other pathways in the skin and peripheral nerves. A 2022 review of topical cannabinoids for musculoskeletal pain reported encouraging results for arthritis, back pain, and myofascial pain with generally good tolerability, while calling for larger trials.
For combat sports athletes, that may translate into targeted relief for overworked knees, elbows, and shoulders without the drowsiness that can come from oral THC. Most balms and creams are not designed to push THC into the bloodstream, so they do not cause intoxication in typical use. Papa & Barkley, for example, notes that its 3:1 Releaf Balm, which combines CBD and THC, is intended for localized relief without psychoactive effects.
Several products are marketed with active people in mind. Papa & Barkley’s 3:1 Releaf Balm and CBD-only CBD Releaf Balm blend full-spectrum cannabis extract with essential oils for post-training joints and muscles. Muscle-focused CBD sticks from Muscle MX, such as ACTIVATE and RECOVERY, provide warming or cooling sensations aimed at tendons and soft tissue before or after workouts. Muscle MX Lazarus Naturals’ Relief & Recovery CBD Balm Stick combines full-spectrum hemp with menthol, wintergreen, and capsicum in a twist-up applicator familiar to anyone who has used traditional sports rubs. Lazarus Naturals roll-on fans can choose options such as Puresport’s freeze roll-on or CBD roll-ons from CBD.market, which pair cannabinoids with essential oils for quick, mess-free application before or after training.
To fit these products into a recovery plan, basics still come first. Acute injuries such as a suspected fracture, ligament tear, concussion, or deep cut need prompt medical care. Topicals should complement, not replace, standard treatment. For routine bumps and strains, many athletes apply a thin layer of balm or roll-on to clean, dry skin over the sore area once or twice daily, often after a warm shower or post-training stretch. Following label directions and doing a small patch test helps reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
The evidence for CBD alone in pain relief is mixed. A 2024 review of CBD products for pain found that most randomized clinical trials did not outperform placebo, highlighting how powerful expectations can be. At the same time, surveys of people with chronic musculoskeletal pain report that many perceive cannabis, including topicals, as helpful and that some reduce use of other analgesics.
Martial artists considering cannabis balms or roll-ons should keep anti-doping rules in mind. Topical CBD is generally permitted, but THC remains banned in competition under many anti-doping codes, and some transdermal products can deliver THC systemically. Checking third-party lab reports, reviewing local rules, and talking with a sports-savvy clinician can help athletes use these products more safely.
Used thoughtfully, cannabis topicals are not a magic fix, but they can be one more tool in a recovery toolkit that already includes training load management, mobility work, sleep, nutrition, and regular rest days. For many martial artists, that combination may mean fewer nagging injuries and more time on the mats.