Cannabis Topicals: Balms, Lotions, and Patches Explained

What is the difference between a topical and a transdermal patch?

A regular topical, like a balm or lotion, is made to stay in the skin where you apply it and is not meant to cause a high. A transdermal patch is designed to move cannabinoids through the skin into the bloodstream, so a THC patch can be intoxicating, with a slower start and a longer finish than most other products.

The label tells you which one you are holding. Transdermal products are marked as such, and they carry the same kind of intoxication warnings you see on other THC products.

Types of topicals

• Lotions and creams: Light and moisturizing. They absorb into the skin.
• Balms and salves: Thicker and longer-lasting on the skin. Often scented with essential oils or menthol.
• Roll-ons: A tidy applicator for a small, specific area.
• Massage oils: Cannabis blended into a carrier oil. They tend to be concentrated, so a little goes a long way.
• Bath products: Bombs and soaks for full-body use. Potency varies a lot, so check the label.
• Transdermal patches: Adhesive patches worn on the skin, labeled with the milligrams of THC or CBD per patch.

Some topicals use THC, some use CBD, and some use both. CBD-only products are not intoxicating.

Ingredients worth a look

Cannabis is only part of the formula. Read the ingredient list for the rest:

• Menthol or camphor: Cooling or warming sensation.
• Arnica, lavender, tea tree: Plant extracts and oils that add scent and feel.
• Shea butter, coconut oil: Skin-conditioning bases.
• Essential oils: Mostly there for aroma, and a common trigger for sensitive skin.

Be wary of a product with no ingredient list, or one that lists only "fragrance." If you have sensitive skin or allergies, test a small spot first.

How to use them

For balms, lotions, and oils, follow the directions on the label. Start with a small amount, rub it in gently, and wash your hands afterward, especially before touching your eyes.

For patches, follow the label for where to place one and how long to wear it. Each patch is a set dose, and onset is slow, so do not add a second one because you do not feel anything right away. If the patch contains THC, handle it like any other THC product and do not drive.

What to expect

Research on topicals is limited, and people report very different experiences with them. They are not a substitute for medicine. If you have a health concern, talk to a healthcare provider before using one.

How to judge quality

• On the package: a clear ingredient list, the milligrams of cannabinoids, a batch or lot number, and testing information.
• In the container: a smooth, consistent texture that is not separated or clumpy, a clean smell, and an intact seal.
• The brand: a producer that publishes lab results and that your budtender knows.

The label guide explains what each of those numbers means.

Topicals at Olswell

Olswell's live menus are organized into flower, pre-rolls, vaporizers, edibles, and concentrates. Topicals are not one of those categories, so if one is what you want, call your store before you make the trip and ask whether one is on the shelf. Phone numbers and hours are on each store page: Adrian, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, and Kalkaska.

If a non-intoxicating option is what you want, ask the budtender what is in stock. To see what each store has on its shelves today, open its live menu: Adrian, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, or Kalkaska. The cannabis products guide covers every other format.

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Medical Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Cannabis products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Age Disclaimer: For adults 21 and older only. Must present valid government-issued photo ID. Please consume responsibly.