Topicals

Cannabis Applied Directly Where You Need It

Topicals stand out as a unique way to use cannabis. Instead of being inhaled or eaten like flower, edibles, or vaporizers, topicals are applied right to your skin. If you want targeted relief in a specific area without feeling the effects throughout your whole body, topicals are a simple and easy choice.

Learning about the different types of topicals and how to use them will help you narrow down the right product for the right situation. Read on to learn what cannabis topicals are, the formats available, how THC and CBD each contribute, and what to expect in terms of onset and application.

What Are Cannabis Topicals?

Cannabis topicals are cannabis-infused products applied directly to the skin. Creams, balms, oils, and patches all fall under this category. They are designed for targeted, localized use rather than a full-body experience.

Most topicals do not produce intoxicating effects. The cannabinoids interact with receptors in the skin and surrounding tissues without entering the bloodstream, which is what keeps most formats non-psychoactive.

Types of Cannabis Topicals

Topicals come in several formats, each with a different texture and ideal use case. Here is a breakdown of the most common ones:

Cannabis Topical Creams & Lotions

Creams and lotions are water-based and absorb quickly into the skin. They are easy to apply and well-suited for covering larger areas of the body. This format is a practical, everyday option for consumers seeking general skin comfort or broad-surface relief.

Cannabis Topical Oil

Cannabis topical oils are versatile and can be applied directly or used in massage. They are often combined with essential oils and work well for consumers who want a more fluid application experience or are incorporating topicals into a broader wellness routine

Cannabis Topical Balms & Salves

Balms and salves are thicker and wax or oil-based. They are designed for smaller, more targeted areas and stay on the skin’s surface longer than creams or lotions. This makes them a good choice when consistent, concentrated contact with a specific spot is the goal.

Cannabis Gels

Cannabis gels turn to liquid on contact with the skin and often produce a cooling sensation. They are popular for post-activity soreness and areas that benefit from that cooling effect, such as joints or muscles after physical exertion.

Transdermal Patches

Transdermal patches are a distinct format worth understanding separately. Unlike other topicals, they are designed to penetrate all layers of the skin and deliver cannabinoids directly into the bloodstream. This means they can produce systemic effects rather than localized ones. Consumers considering transdermal patches should be aware of this difference, particularly those sensitive to THC.

Explore the full range of cannabis topicals available at Kind Goods

THC vs CBD Topicals

Both THC and CBD are used in topical products, and each contributes something different when applied to the skin.

THC Topicals

THC topicals bind to cannabinoid receptors in the skin and surrounding tissue to address localized discomfort and tension. When applied directly to the skin, THC does not produce a high. The cannabinoid works at the surface level and does not enter the bloodstream.

CBD Topicals

CBD topicals are non-intoxicating and widely used for their soothing and calming properties on skin and muscles. Applied directly to the skin, CBD works at the surface level without producing any psychoactive effects, making it a practical option for everyday use.

Products with THC & CBD

Not all topicals rely on a single cannabinoid. Some combine THC and CBD in one product, and some consumers find that combination more effective for persistent discomfort than either one used alone. Both cannabinoids work together at the skin level, and these products are available at licensed dispensaries.

Which one to reach for depends on your needs, such as:

• For general skin comfort and everyday use, CBD topicals are a good place to start.
• For more targeted discomfort or tension, THC topicals or a combined product tend to work better.
• For effects that go beyond the surface, a transdermal patch is the right choice.

Topicals Onset Time & Duration

Onset time and duration vary depending on the type of topical you choose. Here is a general overview of what to expect:

Always remember, results vary based on skin type, area of application, cannabinoid concentration, and the amount of product applied, so give the product time to work before reapplying.

How Much Cannabis Topical to Use

Unlike other cannabis products, topicals do not have a standard dose. The right amount depends on the format, the area of application, and what is being addressed.

General guidance:

• Start with a pea-sized to dime-sized amount and assess before applying more
• Apply enough to cover the affected area and massage in thoroughly
• Wait at least 60 minutes before reapplying
• Follow the product label, as most include recommended use amounts
• For transdermal patches, start small and allow 15 to 30 minutes before assessing

Reach out to our Kind Goods team for help choosing the right potency and format based on specific needs. You can also connect with our virtual budtender anytime for personalized guidance before the visit.

Is It Okay to Use Cannabis Topicals Every Day?

For most topical formats, the answer is yes. Daily use is well tolerated, and tolerance does not build the same way it does with inhaled or ingested cannabis because the cannabinoids are not entering the bloodstream in the same manner. Consistent daily application also tends to produce more predictable results over time.

Transdermal patches are the exception, since they deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, consumers should be mindful of THC content and cumulative systemic effects with regular use.

Medical patients using cannabis topicals as part of a treatment plan should consult their physician for guidance on how often to apply and how much to use.

Cannabis Topicals: Key Takeaways

Cannabis topicals are a smoke-free, largely non-intoxicating consumption method designed for targeted, localized relief. They are applied directly to the skin and work without producing a full-body cannabis experience, making them one of the most accessible options available.

Understanding the difference between standard topicals and transdermal patches is important. Standard topicals stay at the surface level and do not produce intoxication. Transdermal patches penetrate deeper and can deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, which changes how they work and what to expect.

Format, cannabinoid content, and proper application all influence how well a topical product works. Start with a small amount, give it time, and do not hesitate to ask a Kind Goods budtender for help finding the right product for your needs.