The Best Cannabis Topicals, Ranked
The best cannabis topicals ranked: balms, transdermal patches, and cremes compared on formulation, dosing format, value, and whether they get you high.
We scored the field on value, potency, quality, and availability, and these are the 3 that earned their spot. Here is what actually delivers, and where each one falls short.
Our picks, ranked by the 8020 Score.
Common questions.
Do cannabis topicals get you high?
Standard balms and cremes act locally and do not get you high. Transdermal patches can deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream, but most are dosed low enough to avoid intoxication.
How are balms different from transdermal patches?
Balms and cremes are applied to one area of skin and stay local. Transdermal patches are designed to release cannabinoids slowly through the skin over several hours; check the label for the duration and dose the maker states.
Should I choose a topical or a patch?
It comes down to format. A balm or creme is reapplied by hand to one spot; a patch is a set-and-forget format with a fixed dose. Topicals are not a substitute for medical care, so talk to a clinician about any health condition.