Cannabis topicals — creams, salves, balms, oils, and transdermal patches infused with THC or CBD — are one of the most approachable ways to bring cannabis into a wellness routine. No smoking, no edibles, no getting high (with one exception I'll get to). You just rub them on the spot that hurts or needs care, and the cannabinoids go to work locally.
That makes topicals a favorite among athletes, seniors, people managing joint pain, and anyone who wants cannabis's wellness benefits without changing how they feel. But topicals aren't right for every situation, and not all of them are built the same.
Here's everything you need to know before you start using — or making — your own.
What Are Cannabis Topicals and How Do They Work?
Cannabis topicals products applied to the skin — creams, salves, balms, oils, bath soaks, and transdermal patches — infused with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. The cannabinoids interact with CB2 receptors in the skin to deliver localized relief for pain, inflammation, and skin irritation, without entering the bloodstream at levels that produce a high. Transdermal patches are the one exception — they're specifically designed to deliver cannabinoids systemically.
Here's a fun fact worth knowing: your skin has its own cannabinoid receptors — mostly CB2 receptors — that help regulate pain and inflammation right where they sit. When you rub on a cannabis topical, the cannabinoids bind to those receptors locally. Think of it as a targeted hand-off. The cannabinoids are talking directly to the tissue under your skin, not traveling through your whole body.
That's why topicals feel so different from edibles or smoked cannabis. Edibles work systemically and affect your whole body (including your brain). Topicals mostly stay put.
Do Cannabis Topicals Get You High?
No — standard cannabis topicals (creams, salves, balms) do not get you high. The cannabinoids absorb locally into skin and muscle tissue but don't reach the bloodstream at levels that affect the brain. The one exception is transdermal patches.
Most THC topicals don't cross the blood-brain barrier, and that's the barrier that has to be crossed to produce the high you get from smoking or eating cannabis. So no head buzz, no couch lock, no impairment — just localized relief where you apply it.
As I previously mentioned, the one important exception is transdermal patches. These are specifically designed to deliver cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream at a steady rate, which means they can produce a noticeable effect and can potentially show up on a drug test. If you're using a transdermal patch (not a cream or salve), treat it more like an edible — start low, go slow, and read the label. (see this video for the one important exception to this rule)
For everyday topical use — the kind you rub into a sore shoulder, an arthritic knee, or a dry patch of skin — you won't feel high, and most users won't fail a drug test. Just read the label. If it says transdermal, it behaves differently than a standard cream or salve.
Who Benefits Most from Cannabis Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are most commonly used for localized pain (joint pain, muscle soreness, arthritis), skin conditions (psoriasis, eczema, acne), inflammation, and post-workout recovery. Many users also report benefits for minor burns, dry skin, and tension headaches applied to the temples. Because topicals work locally and don't produce intoxicating effects, they appeal to people who want cannabis's wellness benefits without changing how they feel.
Here's the short list of who tends to get the most out of topicals:
- Athletes and regular gym-goers, for post-workout muscle soreness and recovery
- People with arthritis or chronic joint pain who want localized relief without systemic effects
- Anyone managing chronic muscle aches, migraines, or menstrual cramps
- People with skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, acne, or generally dry and aging skin
- Seniors who tend to be medication-sensitive but still want something for everyday aches
- Anyone who doesn't want to smoke, vape, or eat cannabis but still wants to explore its wellness benefits
The wellness piece is real. Cannabis topicals almost always pair cannabinoids with skin-loving carrier ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and essential oils — so you're layering nourishment on top of whatever the cannabinoids are doing. A lot of our students tell us they swapped in a cannabis topical for their usual aches-and-pains rub and ended up with better-moisturized, healthier-looking skin on top of the relief they were after. Two birds, one jar.
Who Should Avoid Cannabis Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are considered safe for most people, but a few groups should be cautious: anyone with known sensitivity to cannabis or common carrier ingredients (coconut oil, shea butter, essential oils), people with broken skin or open wounds, those subject to drug testing (especially if using transdermal patches), and people on blood thinners or other medications that can interact with cannabinoids. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult their doctor before using any cannabis product.
True negative reactions to cannabis topicals are rare, but a few cautions are worth knowing.
If you have known skin sensitivities or allergies, patch-test any new topical product — not just because of the cannabis, but because most topicals also contain essential oils, botanicals, and carrier oils that can trigger reactions on their own. People with severe plant-pollen allergies are the group most likely to notice a reaction.
To patch-test: rub a small amount on the inside of your forearm, wait 24 hours, and watch for redness, itching, or irritation. If any develops, that product isn't for you. If your skin stays calm, you're clear to apply more liberally.
Can You Make Cannabis Topicals at Home?
Yes — homemade cannabis topicals are actually simpler to make than edibles, because they don't require precise dosing (they're not ingested). A basic cannabis salve needs only infused coconut oil, beeswax, and any essential oils you want to add. With a little practice you can make creams, balms, bath soaks, massage oils, and more at a fraction of the cost of dispensary versions.
Making cannabis topicals is genuinely fun, and they make terrific gifts on top of being a great addition to your own wellness routine. Because you're applying them externally rather than eating them, you don't need to stress about exact milligram dosing the way you do with edibles. You just need to infuse your base oil cleanly and combine it with the right supporting ingredients.
A basic cannabis salve takes three ingredients: cannabis-infused coconut oil, beeswax, and a few drops of essential oil for scent. From that starting point you can make everything from muscle rubs and joint creams to bath soaks, lip balms, massage oils, and moisturizing wrinkle creams. Most of the tools and ingredients are already in your kitchen.
If you want tested step-by-step recipes — plus the principles behind them so you can design your own blends — Cannademy's DIY Cannabis Topicals and Skincare course covers everything: salves, bath bombs, lotion bars, massage oils, lip balms, and more, using simple ingredients and techniques anyone can do at home.
Important: The information in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Cannabis may interact with certain medications and is not appropriate for everyone. Always consult your doctor before using cannabis for medical purposes.
Ready to Go Deeper?
If you want to bring cannabis into your wellness routine — whether for aches, sleep, skin, or healthy aging — two good starting points on Cannademy:
DIY Cannabis Topicals and Skincare — learn to make your own salves, creams, bath bombs, massage oils, and more. FREE Dosing Class — learn how to dose edibles and infusions so you always know what you're taking.