In the world of cannabis, conversations tend to center on flower, vaping, and extracts. There's also a well-established market for marijuana edibles, which we've explored elsewhere on this blog. But smoking, vaping, and eating cannabis aren't the only ways to experience its compounds. Topicals have become a meaningful part of the cannabis market, giving consumers a non-ingested option for working with cannabinoids and terpenes.
Keep reading to learn more about cannabis topicals, how they work, and how pure terpenes from True Blue can enhance your topical formulations.
A Brief History of Cannabis Topicals
Cannabis applied directly to the skin is not a new idea. Historical records from ancient Egypt document cannabis being used in topical preparations for inflammation and pain. Similar uses appear in ancient Chinese and Indian medical traditions. The idea of applying plant compounds to the skin for localized relief is one of the oldest forms of medicine. Cannabis topicals are a modern iteration of a very old practice.
Today, the topical cannabis market has matured into a broad and varied category. Products range from mass-market CBD lotions to artisanal cannabis salves and medical cannabis preparations formulated for specific skin conditions. Terpenes have become an increasingly important part of how these products are developed and differentiated.
What Are Cannabis Topicals?
Cannabis topicals are products designed to be applied directly to the skin. The category includes a wide range of formats:
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Lotions and creams, lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas suited for everyday use on larger areas of skin
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Balms and salves, thicker, wax-based preparations that sit on the skin longer and are often used for targeted, localized applications
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Massage oils, oil-based formulas designed for application with massage, combine skin absorption with the physical benefits of massage itself
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Transdermal patches, adhesive patches engineered to push cannabinoids through the skin barrier and into the bloodstream over time
Most cannabis topicals are non-psychoactive. They're applied to specific areas of the body and are commonly sought for localized discomfort and skin-related applications. For consumers who find smoking or edibles unappealing, topicals offer an accessible and familiar entry point into cannabis products.
CBD Topicals vs THC Topicals
Not all cannabis topicals are the same, and the distinction between CBD topicals and THC topicals matters for both consumers and producers.
CBD topicals contain cannabidiol as their primary active cannabinoid. CBD is non-psychoactive and is the more widely available option. CBD creams, CBD lotions, and CBD salves are sold across most of the US and in many international markets without restriction. They're popular for skin health applications and for consumers who want to work with cannabinoids without any risk of intoxication.
THC topicals contain tetrahydrocannabinol and are generally only available in states with legal medical cannabis or recreational cannabis markets. THC lotions and THC creams are typically applied for more targeted applications; muscle pain, soreness, and inflammation are the most commonly cited reasons. Standard THC topicals applied to the skin don't typically produce psychoactive effects because the THC doesn't enter the bloodstream in meaningful quantities. Transdermal THC products are a different category; they are engineered specifically for systemic delivery and can produce intoxicating effects.
How Do Cannabis-Infused Topicals Work?
If you've ever used hydrocortisone cream or a nicotine patch, you're already familiar with the basic concept. Cannabis topicals work similarly; cannabinoids and terpenes are absorbed through the skin rather than inhaled or digested.
The relevant system here is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors found throughout the body that helps regulate functions including pain perception, inflammation, immune response, and skin function. The two primary receptor types are CB1 (concentrated in the brain and central nervous system) and CB2 (more abundant in immune tissue and the peripheral nervous system, including the skin).
When applied topically, cannabinoids primarily interact with CB2 receptors in the peripheral nervous system near the skin surface. This produces localized effects without the cannabinoids needing to enter the bloodstream, which is why standard cannabis topicals don't cause intoxication and are unlikely to affect blood tests or drug tests. Transdermal patches are the exception: they are specifically designed to push cannabinoids past the skin barrier and into systemic circulation.
Cannabis Topicals and Skin Conditions
One growing area of interest for topical cannabis is skin health. Researchers have begun investigating whether cannabinoids applied to the skin may be relevant to conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, both of which involve chronic inflammation, immune dysregulation, and skin barrier disruption.
Early research and anecdotal reports suggest that CBD topicals in particular may help manage symptoms like itching, redness, and irritation associated with these conditions. The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids interacting with CB2 receptors in skin tissue provide a plausible mechanism. That said, most findings are preliminary, the research base for topical cannabinoids in skin disease is still developing, and anyone managing a diagnosed skin condition should consult a dermatologist rather than relying on cannabis topicals as a primary treatment.
Beyond specific conditions, many consumers use cannabis topicals as part of general skin care routines, seeking the combined effects of cannabinoids and the other natural ingredients, essential oils, plant butters, and terpenes that high-quality topical formulations typically include.
Are Topical Marijuana Products Safe?
One of the most common questions about cannabis topicals is whether they show up on a drug test. For standard topical products — CBD lotions, THC creams, balms, and salves, the answer is generally no. Because cannabinoids applied topically typically don't reach the bloodstream in meaningful quantities, they are unlikely to trigger a positive result on blood tests or urine screens.
Most topical cannabis products contain CBD in ratios that significantly favor it over THC. THC is also lipid-soluble, which further limits its ability to cross the skin barrier under normal topical application conditions.
Transdermal patches are the exception; these are engineered for systemic delivery and could affect test results with sufficient THC content. If drug testing is a concern, it's worth understanding exactly which format you're using and what it contains. Consult a healthcare provider if you have specific concerns about medication interactions or underlying health conditions.
We Have The Best Pure Terpenes For Topical Applications
One way topical cannabis producers are making their products more distinctive is by infusing them with terpenes. Adding terpenes to a topical serves two purposes. It enhances the aroma, turning the product into an aromatherapy experience as well as a topical one, and it adds the characteristic profile of specific cannabis strains to the formulation.
Terpenes also have their own therapeutic potential that complements cannabinoids. Caryophyllene, for example, interacts directly with CB2 receptors and has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties in preclinical research. Linalool and myrcene have been studied for calming and analgesic properties. Including these compounds alongside CBD or THC creates a more complete formulation than cannabinoids alone.
Whether you're producing your own topical cannabis products or looking to elevate commercially-made ones, consider adding food-grade terpenes from True Blue. Our terpenes are sourced from botanical plants, produced to a high-purity standard, and safe for skin contact at appropriate concentrations and dilutions. Browse our full range of strain profiles to find the right terpene profile for your application.