Some Patients Have Found Relief with Bison Botanics Topical Salves

At Chicago Pain Medicine Center we want to share practical information with patients and families living with chronic pain. In recent months, several patients who tried topical salves from Bison Botanics have told us they experienced meaningful, localized relief for joint and muscle discomfort. Because these are practice-based, patient-reported outcomes—not results from formal clinical trials—we present them as experiences that may be helpful for others to know about.

What patients used and what they reported

Bison Botanics offers a High-CBD Full Spectrum Salve (a 2.65 oz roll-on listed by the vendor as containing 900 mg Full Spectrum CBD Distillate) and a CBD + Delta-9 THC salve formulated at a 2:1 CBD:THC ratio (listed as 450 mg CBD / 220 mg Delta-9 THC in the 2.65 oz stick). Several patients at Chicago Pain Medicine Center who tried these roll-on salves described reduced pain or improved comfort in specific joints or muscle areas after application. Benefits have typically been localized and temporary, and responses vary between individuals.

“After using the roll-on for a few minutes my knee felt less stiff and I could walk more comfortably,” a patient at Chicago Pain Medicine Center reported (anonymized).

Who these products may help

From patient feedback and clinical experience, topical cannabinoid salves can be a reasonable option to consider for:

• Localized superficial musculoskeletal pain (for example, sore joints or soft-tissue pain).

• Some types of peripheral neuropathic discomfort.

These products are less likely to resolve deep visceral pain on their own. Individual response depends on many factors, so they may help some patients and not others.

Practical checks and safety notes

• Certificates of Analysis (COAs): Bison Botanics posts COAs for many lots. We encourage you to review the COA for the exact lot you purchase to confirm CBD/THC amounts and testing for contaminants.

• Drug testing: Topical use generally produces lower systemic exposure than oral or inhaled THC, but repeated or high-dose use of Delta-9 THC products could, in some cases, contribute to detectable THC on sensitive drug tests (urine/blood). If workplace or legal drug testing is a concern, check with your employer or clinician first.

• Drug interactions: CBD and THC can interact with prescription medications (for example, drugs metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes, some anticoagulants, and certain anticonvulsants). Ask your prescribing clinician or pharmacist about interactions.

• Pregnancy, lactation, minors: Avoid use in children and neonates. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your clinician before using products that contain CBD or THC.

• Skin sensitivity: If you have dermatitis or known allergies, test on a small patch first. Stop use and contact Chicago Pain Medicine Center or your clinician if irritation occurs.

• Not a substitute for medical care: If pain is severe, worsening, or accompanied by fever, marked swelling, redness, or signs of infection, seek medical evaluation.

  
  

Why we share this

We share these patient experiences so people living with chronic pain can be aware of topical options that others in our practice have tried and sometimes found helpful. These observations are not definitive clinical proof, but they can inform conversations between patients, families and their healthcare providers.

Manufacturer information & purchasing

• Manufacturer: Bison Botanics — www.bisonbotanics.com · (716) 259-9001

• Discount code: PAINFREE (use at checkout; subject to manufacturer terms and availability)

• Note: Chicago Pain Medicine Center does not manufacture these salves and has no commercial manufacturing relationship with Bison Botanics.

  
  

If you’re thinking of trying one of these salves, bring the product label or COA to your next appointment or call us — we’re happy to review compatibility with your current treatments and help you weigh potential risks and benefits.

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If you have questions about managing your pain or want to explore personalized treatment options, schedule an appointment with our specialists at Chicago Pain Medicine. We’re here to support your recovery every step of the way!