Cannabis Topicals: What They Are & How to Choose One

Cannabis topicals are one of the most interesting, and sometimes misunderstood, ways to use cannabis. Unlike drops, capsules, edibles, or inhaled cannabis, topicals are applied directly to the body. They come in a variety of formats, including balms, lotions, oils, and roll-ons, and formulas can feel very different depending on the ingredients they contain.

So how do cannabis topicals work? Will they get you high? And how do you choose the right one? This blog posts gives the you full breakdown of who topicals work and which one might be good for you.

What Is a Cannabis Topical?

A cannabis topical is a product containing cannabis-derived cannabinoids such as THC or CBD that's designed to be applied topically rather than consumed. Topicals can be formulated with a wide variety of additional ingredients, including plant oils, waxes, menthol, essential oils, and botanical extracts. That means choosing a topical isn't only about THC or CBD. The base formula, ingredients, format, and sensory experience all matter.

Will Cannabis Topicals Get Me High?

Standard cannabis topicals are different from cannabis products that are eaten, inhaled, or absorbed sublingually. When a conventional topical is applied to the skin, cannabinoids generally remain localized rather than producing the systemic THC exposure associated with an intoxicating high. That's one reason topicals appeal to people who want to incorporate cannabis into their routine without the experience associated with consuming THC.

It's important, however, to distinguish conventional topicals from products specifically designed for transdermal delivery. Product formulations differ, so always read the label and directions for the particular product you're using.

What's the Difference Between Cannabis Topicals?

Two products can contain identical amounts of CBD and THC and still provide completely different topical experiences. Here are some of the things to consider:

• Cooling & Warming Ingredients

Ingredients such as menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, and camphor can create noticeable cooling, warming, or invigorating sensations on the skin. If you enjoy that hot-and-cold feeling, look for a formula containing those types of ingredients. If you don't like menthol or cooling sensations, choose a non-mentholated formula instead.

• Balm vs. Roll-On

Balms have a richer consistency and are applied by hand, making it easy to control exactly where and how much you apply. Whereas, roll-ons offer convenient, targeted application without having to rub the product in with your hands. Neither format is inherently better—the choice comes down to what you prefer and when you plan to use it.

• Ingredients

Read the full ingredient list just as you would with any other topical product. Proof topicals use plant-based carrier oils and botanical ingredients alongside cannabis oil. Individual formulas may also contain ingredients such as arnica, copaiba, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, camphor, and other essential oils. If you know you're sensitive to a particular ingredient or essential oil, check the label before use.

• Potency

Cannabis topicals are available in a wide range of cannabinoid concentrations. Potency tells you how much of a particular cannabinoid is contained in the package. It doesn't necessarily tell you how the product will feel on your skin, because ingredients such as menthol and essential oils contribute significantly to the sensory experience.

Consider both the cannabinoid content and the complete formulation when choosing a topical.

Meet the Proof Topicals

Proof offers high-potency cannabis topicals in several formats and sensory experiences.

Ice Hot Roll-On: Cool. Warm. Keep moving.

Ice Hot Roll-On combines high-potency CBD + THC with menthol, arnica, copaiba, peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, and camphor for an invigorating cooling + warming sensation. The roll-on applicator makes it easy to apply exactly where you want it without getting the formula on your hands.

1,000 mg THC + 1,000 mg CBD per bottle

Ice Hot Balm

Ice Hot Balm combines high-potency CBD + THC with a rich plant-based balm and the cooling + warming ingredients that define our Ice Hot formula. Made with jojoba oil, coconut oil, candelilla wax, arnica, copaiba, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, and camphor, it's an easy option when you prefer to rub in your topical by hand.

1,000 mg THC + 1,000 mg CBD per container

Deep Calm Roll-On

Deep Calm is our non-mentholated roll-on. It combines high-potency CBD + THC with jojoba, rosehip, arnica, copaiba, and aromatic botanicals without the cooling sensation of Ice Hot. Its roll-on format makes targeted application simple and mess-free.

1,000 mg THC + 1,000 mg CBD per bottle

Which Proof Topical Is Right for Me?

It really comes down to the experience and format you prefer.

Choose Ice Hot Roll-On if you like an invigorating cooling + warming sensation and the convenience of a roll-on.

Choose Ice Hot Balm if you want the Ice Hot cooling + warming experience in a rich balm that you apply by hand.

Choose Deep Calm Roll-On if you prefer a non-mentholated formula without the cooling sensation of Ice Hot.

There's no single "best" topical. The right one is the one that fits your preferences and routine.

When Can I Use a Cannabis Topical?

Topicals are easy to incorporate into everyday routines. Keep a roll-on in your bag. Reach for one after a long day. Apply a balm as part of your post-workout routine. Or simply use your topical whenever you enjoy the experience. As with any topical product, follow the directions on the label and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

The Bottom Line

Cannabis topicals don't have to be complicated. Look at the cannabinoid content, read the ingredients, decide whether you want a cooling + warming or non-mentholated experience, and choose the format that works best for you.

Whether you prefer to roll on or rub in, Proof offers high-potency cannabis topicals designed for targeted application without making your routine complicated.

Roll on. Rub in. Keep moving. Get on with your day.