From targeting daily aches and pains to enhancing your next massage, Ohio retailers now offer a wide variety of infused creams and balms. Here’s a breakdown of how they work in the body and we’ll answer the burning question—if they actually get you high or not. We’ll also share some of our MedicateOH team’s favorites:
Mechanism of Action and Psychoactivity
THC-infused cannabis lotions and balms are topically applied products designed to deliver the therapeutic benefits of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids directly through the skin. These products are primarily used for localized relief of pain, inflammation, muscle soreness, and joint discomfort.
When applied to the skin, THC interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid receptors located in the skin’s peripheral nervous system. This interaction can help reduce pain and inflammation in the targeted area.
Potential Uses
- Rub it on any part of your body experiencing aches, pains, soreness, etc.
- Use it like muscle cream after a tough workout or endurance activity.
- Consider using a topical as part of your next medical massage session.
- Use as a soothing aid for dry skin, chafing or eczema.
How Are Cannabis Topicals Developed? Seven Steps
- Extraction for Topicals
The process begins with selecting cannabis strains rich in THC, CBD, or a specific combination of cannabinoids based on the desired effect. Cannabinoids are extracted from the plant using methods like:
- CO2 Extraction: A clean and efficient process that preserves cannabinoids and terpenes.
- Ethanol Extraction: A widely used method that can yield high-purity extracts.
- Infusion: Cannabis flowers or trim are directly infused into carrier oils.
Want to learn more about cannabis extraction techniques? Join MedicateOH and LIghthouse Sciences’ master extractor Alex Sandorf for a presentation and discussion on January 29th in Cincinnati during our Green Vibes free community event.
- The Base: Consistency and Texture
The base provides the consistency and texture of the product and serves as the delivery medium for cannabinoids. Common base ingredients include:
- Carrier Oils: Coconut oil, jojoba oil, almond oil, or olive oil, which help cannabinoids penetrate the skin.
- Butters: Shea butter or cocoa butter for hydration and skin-nourishing properties.
- Waxes: Beeswax or plant-based waxes to provide structure in balms and salves.
3. Infusing Cannabinoids into Lotions and Balms
Extracted cannabinoids are added to the prepared base. This step may involve:
- Heating the base slightly to mix the extract thoroughly.
- Using emulsifiers (e.g., lecithin) to ensure even distribution of cannabinoids.
4. Adding Enhancements
To increase effectiveness and improve the product’s sensory appeal, additional ingredients may be included such as:
- Essential Oils: Lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, mango or tea tree oil for aromatherapy benefits and additional therapeutic effects.
- Herbal Extracts: Arnica, menthol, or aloe vera for pain relief and skin soothing.
- Preservatives: Natural or synthetic preservatives to extend shelf life.
5. Testing and Adjustments
- The mixture is tested for consistency, potency, and stability. Adjustments are made to meet specific product requirements.
6. Packaging
- The final product is poured into jars, tubes, or roll-on applicators. Packaging is designed to maintain freshness and facilitate ease of use.
7. Quality Assurance
- Manufacturers perform lab testing to verify:
- Cannabinoid concentration.
- Absence of contaminants (e.g., pesticides, mold, heavy metals).
- Proper consistency and stability over time.
Does it Get You High?
Unlike items such as transdermal patches, cannabis topicals are typically formulated to act locally and not penetrate deeply enough to enter the bloodstream. However, some people have reported experiencing mild intoxicating effects after using potent THC topicals. It’s not entirely clear whether these users experienced a placebo effect or a legitimate result of THC entering the bloodstream.
CBD and other minor cannabinoids are non-intoxicating. By blending cannabinoids with carefully chosen ingredients, cannabis-based topicals that don’t include THC can provide targeted relief while definitely being non-psychoactive.
Availability in Ohio Dispensaries
In Ohio, medical dispensaries offer a variety of creams and balms infused with cannabis. Here are some options our team has tried that you might consider:
Lighthouse Sciences MJ Muscles & Joint 6:1 CBD:THC Balm This balm contains a high CBD to THC ratio, offering 235 mg of THC and 1,515 mg of CBD per ounce. It’s designed for muscle and joint relief, and delivered both in our tests. This was the best performer of the group for radiating pain down the legs in our trials.
More about Lighthouse Sciences
1:1 Relief Balm by UB Good This balm provides a balanced ratio of THC to CBD, with 295mg CBD/295mg THC per jar. Our team liked that this was the least messy/greasy of all the ones we tried.
1:1 Harmony Pain Relief Balm by Verano This balm also offers a balanced 1:1 THC to CBD ratio, with 295 mg of each, intended for pain relief. This one contained cooling Menthol to provide targeted relief for your body’s aches and discomforts. This was a really good price point for those wanting to try out a balm for the first time.
Beneleaves Wintergreen + CBG 1:1 Lotion Locally crafted with care using an ultra-effective pharmaceutical-grade base and Ohio-grown cannabis, this deep-penetrating cannabis-infused lotion delivers instant relief wherever it’s applied. This natural, nourishing formula is scented with lavender. A favorite for our team for using during massages.
Mahogany Woods Topical Cream 4:1:1:1 by Aura This cream contains a high CBD content with 322.74 mg of THC and 1,168.2 mg of CBD, designed for topical application. Our team loved the aroma of this one best as it was very gender-neutral smelling.
Yellow Labs Calm THC Cream This cream is made using natural botanical ensemble effects infused with delivri™ technology. Our team found this one highly effective for pain in the lower back specifically. We also love that it’s a spray.
Outside the Dispensary
Crewman Rugby Muscle Rub – Made locally in Columbus Ohio to support the Crewmen, this CBD/THC rub is 3:1 with 450mg CBD and 150mg of hemp-derived THC! Great consistency and aroma–one of our team’s favorites. Available at Columbus Botanical Depot.
Pick some up before or after attending one of our next MedicateOH education events at the CBD Event Center on 3/22 or 4/19.
Woman-Owned
These are some of our favorite “if you know, you know” woman-owned small business hemp-infused rub makers that you can purchase online.
- Eliot Ness Untouchable CBD Rub is a favorite around Ohio, handmade by cannabis advocate Carson Ness, a descendent of the American Prohibitionist agent who took down Al Capone.
- Potency 710 Higher Good Full Body Moisturizer (750 mg CBD/750 mg CBG) – This one smells and feels amazing and is made by Kentucky-native cannabis advocate Mandy Lile.
- Well-Fed Wolf CBD Hemp Wellness Salve. We just love this brand that you may have seen at our recent events. They are a small family operation working toward wellness and sustainability through natural products.
- BakedGoodz Body Butter – A favorite in Northern Ohio.
Want to tell us about a topical product you love? Email us and tell us why! It might end up in our next product round-up.
