Last Updated: September 9, 2026
Not every cannabis experience needs to involve smoke, vapor, or a snack that happens to contain THC.
Cannabis topicals are the low-key members of the dispensary lineup: lotions, creams, balms, oils, and sticks designed to be applied directly to the skin. They’re an easy way to explore cannabis products without the typical high associated with smoking, vaping, or consuming THC.
If you’ve been curious about topicals but haven’t quite figured out what they’re actually doing, you’re in the right place. Here’s the Theo-style breakdown of how cannabis topicals work, what makes them different, and what to look for when you’re shopping.
What Are Cannabis Topicals, Anyway?
Think of cannabis topicals as the place where your skincare shelf and your dispensary menu decided to hang out.
They’re products designed for external use on the skin, infused with cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, or other cannabinoids. You’ll find them in all sorts of formats, from lightweight lotions to thicker balms and easy-to-use roll-on sticks.
The big difference between topicals and other cannabis products comes down to how you use them.
You’re applying a topical to your skin rather than inhaling or ingesting it. Most traditional cannabis topicals are designed to interact with the skin without producing the intoxicating effects associated with cannabis products that enter the bloodstream, and are generally associated with localized comfort for areas like sore knees, tight shoulders, or general muscle fatigue.
There is one important exception: transdermal products. These are specifically formulated to pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream, so they can produce effects beyond the skin itself. In other words, don’t lump a transdermal patch in with your everyday cannabis lotion.
Different product, different experience.
So… How Do Cannabis Topicals Work?
Alright, quick science detour.
Your body has something called the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network involved in a variety of biological processes, including how the body generally processes discomfort and inflammation. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD interact with receptors associated with this system, including receptors found in the skin, which is part of what makes topical application different from smoking, vaping, or edibles.
Researchers are still studying exactly how topical cannabinoids interact with the skin and the ECS, so it’s worth keeping expectations realistic. What we do know is that most traditional cannabis topicals are intended to stay localized to the skin rather than producing the systemic effects associated with inhaled or ingested cannabis.
That’s a big part of their appeal.
You can apply a lotion, cream, or balm to the area you’re interested in without turning the rest of your day into a full-on cannabis experience.
Cannabis products haven’t been evaluated by the FDA. Individual results and experiences may vary. Talk to your doctor before using any cannabis product for a specific health concern.
Types of Cannabis Topicals (So Many Ways to Rub It In)
This is where things get fun because “topical” covers a pretty wide range of products.
- Lotions: Lightweight, easy to spread, and familiar if you’re already a lotion person.
- Balms: Thicker and more substantial, usually packaged in a jar or tin.
- Creams: A middle ground between a lightweight lotion and a heavier balm.
- Oils: Smooth and easy to massage into the skin, depending on the product.
- Roll-ons and sticks: Convenient, portable, and significantly less messy than digging your fingers into a jar.
- Transdermal patches: Different category entirely. These are designed to pass through the skin and enter the bloodstream, so read the product label carefully before using one.
You’ll also see different cannabinoid combinations. Some products are CBD-focused, some contain THC, and others combine multiple cannabinoids.
There’s no single “right” topical. It’s more about finding the format and cannabinoid profile that makes sense for what you’re looking for.
How Do THC Patches Work?
Since transdermal patches keep coming up as “the exception” throughout this guide, they deserve a closer look.
A patch goes on your skin like other topicals, but it works differently. A transdermal patch is designed to move cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream over time — similar to the way nicotine patches work.
That’s the big difference:
- Lotions, balms, creams, oils, and sticks are designed to work on the skin where you apply them.
- Transdermal patches are designed to deliver cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream.
That also puts patches in a different lane from edibles, tinctures, and smokables. Those formats deliver cannabinoids through digestion, absorption under the tongue, or inhalation. A patch is designed for a slower release while you wear it rather than taking the entire dose at once.
A few things to check before you use one:
- Wear time: Patches are made to stay on for a specific amount of time. Check the label for the recommended wear time.
- Dosage: Look at the milligram amount on the package and compare it with what you’re familiar with from other cannabis formats.
- Placement: Follow the product’s instructions for where to apply the patch and how to use it.
The important part is knowing that “topical” doesn’t always mean “stays on the skin.” Transdermal patches are their own category, even though they start in the same place: on your skin.
Why Do People Choose Cannabis Topicals?
Sometimes you don’t want the whole cannabis experience.
You just want to put something on, get on with your day, and forget about it.
That’s one reason topicals have become an interesting option for people who prefer a more discreet cannabis routine.
A few things people like about them:
- No smoking or vaping — Apply it directly to the skin and move on.
- Generally non-intoxicating — Traditional topicals aren’t typically associated with a high.
- Targeted application — Commonly used on a specific sore spot, tight muscle, or achy joint.
- Discreet — A lotion or stick can fit pretty easily into an everyday routine.
- Lots of formats — Balms, creams, lotions, oils, and sticks all offer a different application experience.
- Easy to experiment with — If you’re curious about cannabis but don’t want to start with inhaled products, topicals offer another format to explore.
Just remember: transdermal products are the exception. Because they’re designed to enter the bloodstream, they can produce systemic and potentially psychoactive effects.
Individual experiences with cannabis products vary. Nothing in this post is a substitute for medical advice.
Do THC Topicals Get You High?
This is probably the number-one question people have.
Traditional THC topicals generally aren’t associated with a high.
That’s because most are designed to work on the skin without delivering THC into the bloodstream in the same way an edible, vape, or smoked product does.
But — and this is a big but — transdermal products are different.
A transdermal product is specifically designed to move cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream. Depending on the product, that can mean psychoactive effects are possible.
So before you grab a product and assume “topical = no high,” check the label.
That’s one of those five-second habits that can save you from a very different experience than the one you were expecting.
CBD vs THC: The Face-Off (But They’re Buds)
You’ll see both THC and CBD on topical labels, and sometimes you’ll see them together.
Here’s the quick version:
- CBD topicals: These contain CBD without THC as the primary cannabinoid. They’re a popular choice for shoppers who want to explore a cannabinoid-focused topical without THC, and are generally associated with a calming, soothing feel.
- THC topicals: These contain THC and are designed for topical application. Despite the THC on the label, traditional THC topicals generally aren’t associated with intoxication, and are often chosen for a more intense, deeper feeling of relief.
- THC + CBD: Some products combine the two cannabinoids in the same formula, commonly associated with a more well-rounded, full-spectrum feel thanks to the entourage effect. You may also see other cannabinoids such as CBG included in certain formulations.
There’s no need to turn this into a chemistry exam. Start with the product format you’re comfortable with, check the cannabinoid information on the label, and ask questions if you’re unsure.
Who Might Be Curious About Cannabis Topicals?
Topicals aren’t just for one type of cannabis shopper.
They might catch your eye if you’re:
- New to cannabis and want to explore a non-inhaled format
- Already a cannabis regular who wants to try something different
- A gym-goer looking to add a topical to your post-workout routine
- A desk jockey who’s constantly reaching for the lotion after a long day
- A weekend warrior who likes having a few different products in the cabinet for everyday aches and soreness
- Someone who prefers discreet products that don’t involve smoke or vapor
- Someone whose doctor has suggested exploring cannabis as part of their routine and wants to start with something simple
Basically, if you’ve ever looked at the topical section and thought, Okay, but what am I actually supposed to do with this?—you’re exactly the person this guide is for.
Applying Cannabis Topicals: The Art of the Rub-Down
The good news? This part isn’t complicated.
- Start with clean skin. Wash and dry the area before applying the product.
- Start with a small amount. You can always add more. There’s no prize for using half the jar on your first go.
- Apply it to the skin. Follow the product’s directions and spread it over the intended area.
- Massage it in if the product calls for it. Lotions, creams, balms, and oils can have different textures, so follow the instructions on the label.
- Give it a little time. Don’t immediately pile on more because you haven’t noticed anything yet. Follow the product directions and give yourself a chance to see how you respond.
- Wash your hands afterward. Especially important if you’ve applied the product to an area you don’t want to accidentally touch your eyes or mouth.
And that’s basically the whole routine.
Bonus tip: Topical application is generally associated with a more targeted, localized feel compared to other cannabis products. Reapplying throughout the day is fair game, just listen to your body and go with what feels good.
What’s In Store at Theo?
Okay, now for the fun part.
If you’re shopping for cannabis topicals in Franklin Park, here’s what’s currently on the shelf.
Avexia’s Balm Harmony (100mg THC)
If you’re a balm person, this is the one to check out right now.
Avexia Balm Harmony comes in a straightforward jar format with 100mg THC per pack, the kind of concentrated, scoop-and-apply product that balm fans tend to gravitate toward when they want something more targeted than a lighter lotion, generally associated with a deeper, more grounding feel on tired muscles and joints.
It’s currently the topical we’ve got in stock, so if you’ve been meaning to try a balm, this is a good place to start.
Buy Avexia’s Balm Harmony here!
Product descriptions reflect texture, format, scent, and general use experience. Individual results and experiences with cannabis products vary.
Common Topicals People Ask About
A couple of other topicals come up pretty often when people are looking into what’s out there, even on weeks when they’re not the ones sitting on our shelf. Here’s the quick rundown on each, plus the question we hear most.
DROOL Recovery Stick (THC:CBG:CBD)
The DROOL Recovery Stick combines THC, CBG, and CBD in a twist-up, roll-on format that’s easy to apply without needing a jar or your fingers. It’s generally associated with a deeper, more grounded feel on tired muscles and joints — the kind of thing people might reach for after a workout or a long day on their feet.
Does the DROOL Recovery Stick get you high? Like most traditional topicals, it’s designed to interact with the skin rather than deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, so it’s generally not associated with a high despite containing THC. As always, check the product label since formulations can vary.
Doctor Solomon’s Restore Lotion
Doctor Solomon’s Restore Lotion is a lightweight, cannabinoid-infused lotion that’s closer to a spa-style skincare product than a heavy-duty balm. It’s light, creamy, and non-greasy, with a generally calming, low-key feel that can fit easily into a normal routine.
Does Doctor Solomon’s lotion get you high? Same answer as above: traditional topicals like this one generally aren’t associated with intoxication because they’re designed to stay localized to the skin rather than enter the bloodstream.
Availability can change from one week to the next, so the best way to see what’s actually on the shelf today is to check our current menu or ask a budtender when you stop by.
Where to Snag These Goodies (Hint: Right Here)
If you’re in Franklin Park and ready to take a look at topicals in person, Theo is right here to help you sort through the shelf.
Swing by and check out what’s currently available. Not sure if you want a lotion, balm, or stick? Ask one of our budtenders. They can help you compare formats and cannabinoid information without turning the conversation into a lecture.
Prefer to browse first?
Check out our online shop and see what’s currently available. While you’re at it, it’s worth glancing at our current deals and specials, topicals included, before you check out.
Because shopping for cannabis should feel more like finding your thing and less like studying for a chemistry final.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis topicals are the plug for everyday tension and soreness without the ride. If you’re dealing with general soreness, tight muscles, or just having one of those days your body reminds you about, these topicals offer a super approachable way to use cannabis.
Topical cannabis products are discreet, commonly associated with a targeted, low-key feel, and when they’re infused with cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and even CBG, you’re generally getting a format suited to your specific routine, aches, and everyday skin care.
No clouds, no confusion, just good ingredients generally associated with doing good work. Just remember, transdermal products are the exception, since those are designed to enter the bloodstream and behave differently.
Curious about how cannabis topicals work for your specific situation? Come through to Theo in Franklin Park, NJ: your neighborhood spot for cannabis topicals and a whole lot more.
Cannabis topicals are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. If you have a specific health concern, talk to a healthcare provider.
Must be 21+ to purchase. Valid government-issued ID required. Please consume responsibly and in accordance with New Jersey law.
