cbd for muscle spasms · muscle · muscle and joint health · muscle spasms · pain and recovery · Nov 10, 2026

CBD for Muscle Spasms: What You Need to Know

Muscle spasms can be difficult to deal with. Research suggests CBD might help.

Key Takeaways

Muscle spasms can be caused by different factors.
Cramps often happen due to overuse and dehydration, and may be worsened by things like poor sleep and stress.
Spasms can be caused by long-term neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Research suggests that CBD and THC can help with spasms.
Studies suggest CBD can support pain, inflammation, sleep, and stress.

See More: Is CBD Legal? Legality, Drug Testing, & More

Can CBD Help With Muscle Spasms?

Meredith Farrow, founder of Clean Remedies, says:

"CBD is widely used for muscle aches, pains, and inflammation. Some research suggests CBD and THC may be helpful for muscle spasms, too."

Muscle spasms are a pain. Literally. They can strike after an intense workout, wake you up in the middle of the night, or appear as a symptom of various conditions.

If you get muscle spasms, aches, or pains, chances are you want to do something about it.

Many people use CBD for pain. In fact, pain is one of the most commonly cited reasons for using CBD.

CBD is also used for muscle spasms, too. There hasn't been as much research into CBD and spasms specifically. We'll break down what the science says to help you decide if CBD might be helpful for you.

person experiencing neuropathic pain and muscle stiffness

How Does CBD Work?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is one of more than 100 cannabinoids naturally produced by the hemp or cannabis plant. Unlike THC, CBD is not a psychoactive compound. It doesn't have intoxicating effects and won't get you high.

CBD works by interacting with various receptors throughout your body. These include certain neurotransmitter receptors, which play a role in the signaling process connected with muscle spasms.

What Is the Endocannabinoid System?

Some of those receptors are called cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are located throughout your body, including your brain, spinal cord, and nerve fibers. There are two kinds of cannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2.

They collectively form part of your body's endocannabinoid system. It's linked to many important bodily processes, including pain and inflammation. CBD interacts with your body's endocannabinoid system, producing various potential benefits.

What Are the Potential Benefits of CBD?

Before we dive into muscle spasms specifically, it's worth exploring some of the many other potential benefits of CBD. Some of these potential benefits may also affect muscle spasms.

Can CBD Relieve Pain?

CBD is widely used for muscle and joint pain and chronic pain management. It's thought to have analgesic, or pain-relieving, properties.

One 2024 scientific review found that CBD may reduce pain by 42-66%.¹ In another study, almost two-thirds of participants said they would recommend CBD to relieve pain.²

Can CBD Lower Inflammation?

One of the reasons CBD might be able to help with pain is because of its anti-inflammatory effects. Other cannabinoids, like CBD, may also have anti-inflammatory effects. Anti-inflammatory properties can support muscle recovery.

For example, one study found that CBD reduced levels of inflammatory cytokines in the body. CBD and THC had a similar effect.³

Can CBD Help With Sleep?

Sleep is one of the most common reasons people use CBD. Studies suggest CBD can enhance sleep duration and quality.

For example, two studies from 2023 found that CBD improved sleep quality and the duration of non-REM sleep.⁴

Can CBD Help With Stress?

CBD is widely used to promote relaxation. Many users report sensations of balance and calm.

Several studies have found that CBD helps with stress.

person managing muscle spasms in their legs by massaging them for improved mobility

What Causes Muscle Cramps and Spasms?

Muscle spasms can happen for all kinds of reasons. It's important to distinguish between cramps and neurological muscle spasms. Figuring out the cause of your spasms is an important step in addressing them.

Sometimes, spasms are just muscle cramps. Common places to get cramps include your calves, thighs, and abdomen.

Cramps are often caused by muscle overuse, dehydration, or poor blood flow. Other factors that may cause or worsen muscle spasms include anxiety, poor sleep, and inflammation. As we discussed, CBD is widely used for stress, sleep, and inflammation.

Muscle spasticity is different. It's often caused by damage to the nervous system, such as with a spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis (MS). Spasms might involve stiffness and involuntary contractions.

Bonus: Your Guide to Using CBD for Pets

What Do Clinical Studies Say About CBD and Muscle Spasms?

Most of the research into cannabinoids and muscle spasms has examined THC and CBD together. There's limited research on isolated CBD and muscle spasms.

For example, one 2016 review found that THC and CBD reduced spasm frequency in people with MS.⁵

That review looked at studies of a THC-CBD oromucosal spray called nabiximols. Other clinical trials similarly suggest this combination of THC and CBD can help with muscle spasms. In one, 40% of participants experienced more than 30% improvement.⁶

The number of sprays people use varies. Many people do around 8 sprays per day, and experts usually don't recommend doing more than 12.

There are potential side effects to this THC-CBD spray. Common side effects include fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. Side effects are usually mild. Still, one study found that 12% of people stopped using the spray.⁷

CBD is broken down in the liver. That means it can interact with other medications, so make sure to check with your doctor before taking it.

That's one potential way CBD is used to try to address muscle spasms. It's not the only way. There are also CBD topicals.

Topical products work a little differently from most THC and CBD products. Instead of entering your bloodstream, the CBD provides localized relief where you apply it.

Multiple studies have found that topical CBD products can reduce self-reported pain.⁸

Where Can I Get High-Quality CBD?

Before you grab any old CBD product, take a moment to check for quality. Many CBD products are inaccurately labeled, which means they may have different levels of CBD or THC than their label claims. Others have been found to be contaminated with toxic substances.

For that reason, it's important to check that your CBD product was tested by a third-party laboratory. All of Clean Remedies' CBD products are tested for potency and purity. You can check the results of these tests by looking at the certificate of analysis.

The next step is determining what kind of effects you want. Do you want systemic effects that impact your entire body? Or do you want localized relief for a specific muscle or joint?

If you want something systemic, consider a CBD edible like Clean Remedies' Relax & Calm CBD Gummies. Each gummy contains 10 mg of broad-spectrum hemp extract. CBD oil is also a great choice. Grab a full-spectrum oil if you want some THC in the mix.

If you prefer targeted relief, grab a topical product. Clean Remedies' CBD Muscle & Pain Cream is fast-absorbing and designed to restore tired muscles back into balance.

This cream "is a great way to help tired and sore overworked muscles," notes Clean Remedies founder Meredith Farrow. "It has a very light scent and absorbs very quickly. People can use this in a massage, they can use it in isolated areas, or sometimes people just use it for the properties of relaxation."

For something quicker and less messy, grab a roll-on gel. You get full-spectrum CBD in a portable, mess-free roller-ball applicator, designed to provide targeted support where your body needs it most.

person massaging cbd cream into their leg for muscle relaxation and symptom management

Conclusion

CBD is widely used for muscle aches and pains. It's used with THC to help with muscle spasms due to neurological problems. And some limited research suggests CBD in isolation may also provide benefits for muscle cramps and spasms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the Best Muscle Relaxer for Muscle Spasms?

There isn't really a single "best" muscle relaxer. Which is most effective depends on what is causing the spasms in the first place, be it an injury or chronic condition.

How Do I Stop a Muscle Spasm?

That depends on what is causing the spasm. If it's a cramp, experts often recommend gentle stretching and massaging, applying heat or ice, drinking fluids, and resting the affected muscle. A topical CBD cream or roll-on gel may also reduce sensations of pain.

What Is the Most Powerful Natural Muscle Relaxer?

Some natural muscle relaxers include magnesium, turmeric, heat and cold, and cannabinoids like CBD and THC.

Keep Reading: Can THC Be Absorbed Through Skin? Facts & Myths

Sources

Clean Remedies is a woman-owned, independent family business that uses clean and natural hemp extract to create products that are free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and made in the USA, meant to benefit your well-being and meet our own high standards of efficacy. For CBD facts, product discounts, and more, follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest.

CBD for Muscle Spasms: What You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

Can CBD Help With Muscle Spasms?