Cannabis Made Clear
Consuming Cannabis: Topical Application
Cannabis can be consumed in many ways, each with its own pros and cons. Discover how applying cannabis topically affects the way it works in your body.
Last updated September 16, 2025 | Published on June 20, 2022
Whether it’s through an infused cream, lip balm or bath bomb, consuming cannabis topically often produces a more localized effect than other consumption methods. Read on to learn other ways topical cannabis consumption differs, specifically how it affects your epidermal system, the timing of effects and how to minimize your risk.
Methods of topical application
Cannabis topicals are products such as oils, creams, lotions, bath bombs and bath salts that have been infused with cannabis extracts. They are typically applied externally to the body, including the skin, hair and nails.
Topical cannabis products contain compounds called cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), as well as other minor cannabinoids.
There are a variety of ways topical products are used, including:
- Applying directly onto skin, hair or nails
- cannabinoid-infused oils
- cannabis creams and lotions
- lip balms
- shower gels
- cooling gels and sticks
- salves
- Soaking skin in water
- infused bath bombs
- infused bath salts
- Applying as a transdermal patch
How topicals work in the body
When you apply cannabis topically as an oil, gel, cream or bath product, the cannabinoids travel into your epidermal system, not your bloodstream. However, transdermal patches are formulated to penetrate the skin and deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, so they may produce mild to moderate intoxicating effects.
It is thought that because CBD and other cannabinoids show evidence of anti-inflammatory properties, cannabis may be used topically to manage peripheral pain and arthritis. However, whether topical cannabis is effective for pain relief has not yet been established.
Topicals may also contain non-cannabis ingredients such as essential oils, botanical extracts and moisturizers intended to soothe skin and muscles.
Dosage for topical application
Read the label for the recommended dosage, as it varies from product to product. If you’re new to cannabis topicals, start with a small amount and see how it affects you before using more.
When you apply cannabis topicals to your skin, the cannabinoids are absorbed into your epidermal system, not your bloodstream, so you may feel tingling or muscle relaxation but are not likely to experience the psychoactive effects associated with other forms of cannabis that contain THC. (CBD does not produce intoxicating effects when absorbed into your bloodstream or epidermal system.)
It’s believed that the risk of intoxication or impairment following the application of any cannabinoid-infused topical is low, although there has yet to be thorough research evaluating these potential effects. Consider recording your reactions and monitoring them to fully understand how much of a cannabis topical to apply to achieve the desired effect.
Time to onset of effects
More research is required to fully understand the onset time and duration of effects of topical cannabis products. Keep in mind that different products will affect everyone differently.
How to reduce the risks of topical application
Topical application of cannabis is not without risks. Here are some ways to reduce the risks associated with topical cannabis.
- Purchase legal cannabis topicals. There is some concern that cannabis-infused topicals purchased from the illegal market could be contaminated with fungus or mould because they are not regulated. Choose legal products to ensure you’re getting the correct dosage — and read all the ingredients to avoid skin sensitivities and allergic reactions.
- Use the product as directed on the label. Always apply topicals as directed by the Licensed Producer on the label. Unless a product is designed for intimate use, avoid sensitive areas.
- Store properly. Keep cannabis topicals away from children and pets to prevent accidental exposure.
- Do a patch test first. Apply a small amount to a patch of skin to check for allergic reactions before using the product.
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