Can You Absorb THC Through Your Skin and Will It Get You High?

Quick Answer:
Yes, THC can be absorbed through the skin. However, it depends on what product you are using. Normal cannabis creams and balms are unlikely to make you feel high, however specially formulated transdermal patches can deliver THC into your bloodstream and may have psychoactive effects.

Cannabis can come in many forms such as flower, oils, edibles, creams, lotions and patches. Whilst a lot of people are aware of how THC interacts with the body when inhaled or ingested, there are questions around whether topical cannabis products will have an effect. The answer is yes. However, the absorption varies. The skin is a protective barrier so many substances struggle to get into the bloodstream.

It is important to understand the difference between topical and transdermal products. Most topical products such as creams and balms are designed to work on the area it has been applied to. Transdermal products have special formulations to help the cannabinoids penetrate through the skin. Understanding how these products work can help consumers make informed choices on what products are claiming to do, understand any intoxicating effects and make more informed decisions around using cannabis.

How Does THC Interact With The Skin?

The skin is the largest organ in the body providing a protective barrier. The skin is made up of many layers with the top layer (known as the stratum corneum) made up of densely packed skin cells. This layer also contains lipids which act as a barrier to stop unwanted substances getting into the body. THC is a lipophilic (fat soluble) cannabinoid meaning it is soluble in fat rather than water. Whilst this means that it can bind to the fatty layers of the skin it does not mean it can enter the body in large quantities.

The skin also has elements of the endocannabinoid system. Cannabinoid receptors are involved in many biological processes. Scientists are interested in these receptors as cannabinoids may bind to local tissues of the skin. Just because there are cannabinoid receptors in the skin does not mean a cannabis cream will give a specific medical benefit. Scientists are investigating how different cannabinoids can bind to the skin and how effectively they can deliver active ingredients to the target site.

Topical vs. Transdermal Cannabis Products

Although topical products and transdermal patches are applied to the skin, conventional topical cannabis products are typically applied locally whereas transdermal products are designed to allow cannabinoids to cross the skin barrier and into your system. This means that a regular THC balm will not have the same effect as a specially formulated THC patch.

Cannabis Topicals

Cannabis topicals are creams, lotions, balms, salves and massage oils that contain cannabinoids like THC or CBD. They are typically applied directly to the skin and are intended to work on the area they are applied to. Topical products may contain oils, moisturisers and other ingredients to help spread the cannabinoids around the skin. However, the skin barrier will prevent large amounts of THC crossing into the deeper tissues.

Depending on the ingredients within the product, concentration of cannabinoids and formulation, different effects can be felt. Some products contain THC, some contain CBD and some contain a combination of different cannabinoids. It is important to read the labels of the product to see what it is intended to do. There is limited clinical evidence regarding absorption of cannabis containing ointments, creams and lotions through human skin.

Transdermal Patches

Cannabis transdermal patches are designed to assist cannabinoids to cross the skin barrier into your blood stream. These products may be specially formulated with special delivery systems and ingredients to assist cannabinoids to cross the skin barrier. Once THC has entered your system it can circulate around your body and may cause effects outside of the area of application.

There has been research to show that special transdermal formulations can deliver THC and CBD into the human blood stream. In one exploratory study with healthy adults, cannabinoids from a specific transdermal delivery system were absorbed into the systemic circulation. However, this varies between individuals. Not all cannabis patches will deliver THC in the same way. The formulation, amount of THC, application instructions and how your body reacts will affect how you feel.

Can THC Topicals Make You High?

Most standard cannabis creams and balms will not provide any noticeable intoxicating effects. They are usually designed to be applied directly to the skin therefore there is little absorption into the bloodstream. Whilst the THC can interact with the skin, the amount absorbed into the blood stream from a standard topically applied product will usually be low. Applying a standard cannabis balm will not be the same as smoking cannabis or eating edibles.

However, there are special transdermal products available. These products will help cannabinoids penetrate the skin and the THC may be absorbed into your blood stream causing psychoactive effects. The blood brain barrier can affect how much of a substance reaches your brain, but this should not be taken as a certainty that you will not feel any intoxicating effects from transdermal absorption. It is important to check whether the product you are using is meant to be applied topically or transdermally.

Local vs. Systemic Effects

Localised effects are those which affect the tissues surrounding the area you’re applying your product to. Most traditional cannabis topicals will aim to do this. Systemic effects are when the product enters your bloodstream and is transported throughout the body. Products such as transdermal products are formulated to help with this and therefore may have a range of potential effects.

What Factors Affect How Much THC Enters Your Skin?

The formulation of your product can play an important role in how much THC enters your skin. Different products will have different ingredients depending on whether it is a cream/gel/oil/patch. The concentration of THC in the product will affect how much cannabinoid is available. However, a high concentration of THC doesn’t necessarily mean more absorption. Some products will have an enhanced formulation which will contain penetrants to help the cannabinoids pass through the skin. However this will depend on the full formulation.

Your skin type and how you apply the product can also affect how much enters. Different areas of skin have different thicknesses and if the skin is damaged/irritated it may act differently to non-damaged skin. The amount you apply, how often and how long can all play a part, especially if the product has been formulated to slowly release cannabinoids. As these factors can vary greatly between products and individuals, it is impossible to know how much THC will be absorbed unless you have accurate testing for the specific product.

Can THC Topicals Be Detected In Drug Tests?

Whether a product will show up on a drug test will depend on the type of product, the THC content, formulation and how regularly it is used. Topical creams and balms are generally less likely to show up on a drug test as they are not intended to deliver high amounts of THC into the bloodstream. However, this is not guaranteed. Different products can have different formulations and there is limited research into how much of many products available on the market will actually enter the system.

Transdermal products may cause a higher exposure as they are designed to deliver cannabinoids into the system. If enough THC enters the bloodstream, it can be converted by the body into a compound that some drug tests are looking to detect. This can depend on the test being taken, strength of product and how regularly it is used. Those who will be taking drug tests at work, sport or otherwise should be aware that there may be some risk with using a product that contains THC.

Safety Considerations for Using Cannabis Topicals

Cannabis creams, balms and patches should be used as directed. Using more than the recommended dose and/or increasing the frequency of use will not necessarily improve results and may cause increased risk of skin irritation or unintentional exposure. Consumers should check whether the product contains THC and/or CBD and whether it is for localised or transdermal use. Do not apply to open wounds, cuts or irritated skin unless advised by a qualified healthcare professional.

The following are some simple tips to help reduce unnecessary risks.

Read the label and ensure you know how much cannabinoids are in the product.
Use the product as advised.
Wash your hands after applying the product, particularly before touching your eyes or mouth.
Keep cannabis creams, oils and patches out of reach of children and animals.
If you experience severe redness, irritation or an allergic reaction stop using the product.
If taking any prescription medication or other cannabis products, ask a healthcare professional whether there could be any interactions.

Why Medical Advice Is Important

There are a variety of cannabis products including creams, oils, patches and more. It can be confusing to understand the differences between products and the varying amounts of THC and CBD. A qualified healthcare professional can provide you with information on how they differ, possible risks and if it would be suitable for your health needs. Also bear in mind that whilst products may market themselves for a certain health issue, this does not replace proper research and medical advice.

If you are researching a Medical Marijuana Card you may have questions about what products are available and what they are used for. Talking to qualified Medical Marijuana Doctors will help patients understand how they can get their Medical Cannabis Recommendation and if they are eligible for a Medical Marijuana Certificate. If you are researching a Medical Cannabis Card or looking to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card it is important to seek professional advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can THC Be Absorbed Through The Skin?

THC can be absorbed through the skin. Transdermal products will help absorb the THC. However, traditional cannabis creams and balms won’t help you absorb much into your system.

Can You Get High From A THC Cream?

Most traditional THC creams won’t make you feel high. Transdermal products will help you absorb more THC into your system.

What Is The Difference Between THC Cream And THC Patches?

THC creams are generally applied to a specific area. Transdermal patches have been designed to help cannabinoids penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream. You may feel effects throughout your body. Whereas topical creams are less likely to cause effects throughout your body.

Can You Fail A Drug Test From Using THC Topicals?

Traditional topicals are less likely to make you fail a drug test. However, this can’t be ruled out completely. If you’re taking a high THC product or one that has been designed to enter your system, it could cause you to fail. If you are going to be taking a drug test, consider what ingredients and delivery method the product uses.

Can CBD Be Absorbed Through The Skin?

CBD can interact with the skin. Depending on what ingredients are in the product, CBD can be applied topically or in a special transdermal form. How much CBD is absorbed will depend on the ingredients, delivery method and strength. Traditional CBD creams are designed to be applied topically. Whereas transdermal products have been designed to help the CBD penetrate the skin.

How Long Does THC Topicals Take To Work?

There isn’t a set time for how long cannabis Topicals Take to work. Different products will interact with your skin in different ways. The ingredients, strength of cannabinoids, area applied and delivery method can all affect how you feel. Follow the manufacturers guidelines rather than applying more of the product if you don’t feel any immediate effects.

Conclusion

THC can be absorbed through the skin, but the amount depends on the product’s formulation and delivery method. Most conventional cannabis creams and balms are designed for localized application, while transdermal patches are specifically formulated to help cannabinoids enter the bloodstream. Understanding this distinction can help consumers evaluate product claims, consider possible drug-testing concerns, and make more informed decisions about cannabis use.

Get Professional Guidance on THC Topicals and Transdermal Products

Understanding how THC creams, balms, and patches work can help patients make informed choices. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional about cannabis products and their potential benefits and risks.

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