The plant doesn’t have to be sparked up to work its magic: Cannabis topicals take a grounded, targeted approach to wellness by working with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system right where you need it.
Today, topicals are showing up on shelves in more ways than ever. From post-workout recovery to glow-up skin care routines, these skin-first rituals are redefining what Cannabis care can look like.
RSO: Potent Plant Power for the Skin
RSO (Rick Simpson Oil) is a highly concentrated, full-spectrum Cannabis extract known for its potency and thick, sticky consistency. When applied externally, RSO skips the psychoactive effects while offering incredibly localized benefits. It delivers cannabinoids directly to CB2 receptors, which are involved in regulating inflammation and immune response.
Research is still evolving, but anecdotal evidence has sparked serious conversation around RSO’s potential role in addressing skin cancers, including melanoma. In fact, multiple Leaf team members have personally used topical RSO to help minimize or eliminate melanoma spots. It’s also been known to support scar care, inflammation, stiff muscles and dry skin. As more studies continue, the takeaway remains consistent: This oil is powerful stuff.
If you’re exploring RSO topically, we recommend RSO Syringes from 710 Labs, which are currently available in Colorado, California and Michigan. These stand out because they’re cultivar-specific, an often overlooked detail that can heavily impact desired effects. RSO is widely available in both medical and recreational markets, so ask your local budtender for their own pick.
Pro tip: Less is more because a little RSO goes a long way! Mix a rice-grain amount with a carrier oil, such as coconut or hemp seed oil, for smooth and even application.
THC Roll-Ons: Post-Workout Recovery, Elevated
Meet your new workout MVP: Infused topicals combine powerful cannabinoids with other ingredients, such as nourishing botanicals or aromatics, to target sore muscles and soothe overworked joints. Unlike ingestibles, these stay local to calm tension and inflammation in skin and muscle tissue without affecting your headspace. Think recovery, minus the mental fog.
Our crew can’t get enough of Buddie’s Fire & Ice lotion, available in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. This award-winning formula features a soothing blend of menthol, camphor, eucalyptus and cinnamon with an advanced recovery blend of THC, CBD, CBG and CBN. Plus, the roller-style applicator makes it ridiculously easy to apply this liquid-gold lotion on the go. Toss it in your gym bag or keep it in your car cupholder for roll-on relief after Pilates, leg day or an ambitious hike.
Check with your budtender for personalized recommendations, as topicals come in all sorts of formats, from these roll-ons to balms, creams, oils and more. For next-level results, try applying your topical of choice right after a shower when your pores are open for peak absorption.
(Photo courtesy Buddies)
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CBD Skin Care: Green Meets Red Light Therapy
Red light therapy is all the rage in the wellness world, using low-wavelength light to support circulation and cellular repair. Add the power of the plant to the mix, and you’ve got a ritual that goes beyond surface-level skin care. While red light energizes cells and boosts circulation, cannabinoids help calm inflammation and restore balance. Together, they create a synergistic experience that feels both restorative and intentional.
Our go-to move? Apply a cannabinoid-rich serum or cream before your red light session to enhance absorption and create an at-home spa-like ambiance. Enter this CannaSmack Honey Serum: a luxe blend of responsibly sourced honey and botanical oils like hemp seed, rose hip, argan and orange oil for deep hydration. Bonus points for being a women-founded brand with online shopping and nationwide shipping!
(Photo courtesy CannaSmack)
Transdermal Patches: Set It & Forget It
Transdermal patches take topicals to the next level, literally. Designed to deliver cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream over time, they offer steady, long-lasting support without the digestive detour. This slow-release method is especially helpful for chronic pain, inflammation, cramping or endometriosis. Once it’s on, you’re set for the day.
The Leaf gals swear by Synergy Skin Worx, available in Oregon, Montana, Arizona and Louisiana. We like to cut their patches into smaller pieces for convenient, customizable application and more bang for your buck. They’re sweat- and water-resistant for any active wellness routine, or provide consistent relief when curling up for an all-day couch-rot sesh.
For best results, apply transdermals to a veiny area (such as the inner wrist or ankle) to maximize absorption and keep effects even-keeled from morning to night.
(Photo by Terpodactyl Media @terpodactyl_media)
