This invention relates to cannabinoid-containing compositions, particularly cannabinoid-containing gel formulations and methods for the treatment of traumatic injury, e.g., strains, sprains and contusions, and disease conditions, e.g., arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. The methods involve topically applying a cannabinoid or a cannabinoid-containing composition to a subject's skin near, or distant from, the area of the injury or the area affected by the disease condition, e.g., an arthritic joint. The cannabinoid-containing composition is preferably a pharmaceutically acceptable gel containing a therapeutically effective amount of a cannabinoid sufficient to alleviate the symptoms associate with the injury or disease condition.