Key Takeaways:
- Cannabis topicals are applied directly to the skin and do not enter the bloodstream, meaning they provide localized relief without any intoxicating effect, even when they contain THC.
- The entourage effect describes how CBD and THC work better together than either compound alone. Balanced 1:1 ratio topicals take advantage of this synergy for surface-level relief.
- Story Cannabis Maryland carries topicals from Avexia, Doctor Solomon’s, and SUNO across Hyattsville, Mechanicsville, Silver Spring, and Waldorf dispensary locations.
- Applying topicals to clean, warm skin and massaging for at least 60 seconds significantly improves absorption and the quality of localized relief.
- Most cannabis topicals begin working within 10 to 20 minutes of application. Transdermal patches from SUNO are designed to provide sustained relief over an extended window without reapplication.
Table of Contents
Between commuting through traffic, long hours at a desk, and the occasional tough workout, Maryland bodies work hard. When the tension settles in and your neck and shoulders refuse to let go, finding a natural, non-intoxicating option for relief is worth knowing about.
Cannabis topicals can help support relief. Applied directly to the skin, they deliver localized support to stiff joints and sore muscles without affecting your mental clarity or producing any high. For wellness-focused consumers who want the plant’s benefits without the intoxication, topicals are one of the most practical tools in the lineup.
This guide covers how cannabis topicals work, what to look for in a product, and which brands are available at Story Cannabis Maryland dispensary locations in Hyattsville, Mechanicsville, Silver Spring, and Waldorf.
What Are Cannabis Topicals and How Do They Work?
Cannabis topicals are balms, lotions, and patches infused with cannabinoids that interact with receptors in the skin to provide localized relief without entering the bloodstream.
The human body contains a network of receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). These receptors are found throughout the body, including in the layers of the skin. When you apply a cannabis-infused topical, the cannabinoids bind to ECS receptors in the local tissue rather than traveling through the bloodstream to the brain.
That localized interaction is what makes topicals fundamentally different from any other form of cannabis. There is no head change, no onset curve to manage, and no need to adjust your schedule. You apply the product, massage it in, and let it do its job exactly where you need it.
For a deeper look at how cannabinoids interact with the body, the National Institutes of Health has published research on the endocannabinoid system and its role in skin receptor signaling.
Do Cannabis Topicals Enter the Bloodstream?
Standard cannabis topicals do not enter the bloodstream. They interact with receptors in the skin and surrounding tissue, which is why they provide localized relief without producing intoxicating effects.
This is one of the most common questions from first-time topical users, and it is an important distinction. A standard balm or lotion, even one containing THC, will not produce any psychoactive effect. The cannabinoids stay in the local tissue.
Transdermal patches are a separate category. They are specifically designed to penetrate deeper layers of skin and can deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream for broader systemic effects. SUNO’s patch format provides immediate sensory relief at the application site while delivering sustained support over a longer window.
If you are subject to drug testing and concerned about THC, transdermal patches warrant extra consideration. Standard topicals are generally considered low-risk in this regard, but if you have specific concerns, consulting with a medical professional is the right step.
What Is the Entourage Effect and Why Does It Matter for Topicals?
The entourage effect describes the way cannabinoids and terpenes produce stronger, more balanced results when they work together rather than in isolation.
CBD alone and THC alone each have their own properties. When the two are combined in a balanced ratio, researchers observe that the compounds appear to support each other’s effectiveness. This synergy is what the cannabis community calls the entourage effect.
For topicals, this is why balanced 1:1 CBD-to-THC formulations are so common and well-regarded. The cannabinoids work in tandem at the receptor level, which is why Avexia’s balanced-ratio topicals have built a strong reputation among Maryland consumers looking for surface-level relief.
Project CBD has compiled an overview of current research on the entourage effect and how it applies to formulated cannabis products.
Which Cannabis Topicals Are Available at Story Cannabis Maryland?
Story Cannabis Maryland carries topicals from three trusted brands: Avexia, Doctor Solomon’s, and SUNO, each with a distinct formulation suited to different needs and preferences.
Our shelves are curated with brands that have earned consistent trust among Maryland consumers. Here is a look at what is available and what each brand is best suited for.
Avexia
Avexia builds its topical line around balanced cannabinoid ratios, most notably a 1:1 CBD-to-THC formulation that takes full advantage of the entourage effect for surface-level relief. The brand produces both balms and lotions, giving consumers a choice of format depending on the application.
The balm format is well-suited for targeted, concentrated application on a specific area, like a stiff shoulder, a tense lower back, or a sore knee. The lotion format covers broader areas more comfortably and absorbs quickly without leaving a heavy residue. The two formats are also complementary: some consumers use the balm for focused spots and the lotion for larger muscle groups as part of the same routine.
Avexia is one of the most consistently stocked topical brands at Story Cannabis Maryland locations and a strong starting point for anyone new to the category.
Doctor Solomon's
Doctor Solomon’s takes a CBD-forward approach to topicals, with formulations that lean toward higher CBD-to-THC ratios. Their balms absorb cleanly into the skin without leaving a greasy or sticky residue, which makes them practical for daytime use or as a regular desk-side option that does not interrupt the rest of the day.
The higher CBD concentration makes Doctor Solomon’s a good fit for consumers who want the calming, localized quality of a cannabis topical while keeping THC presence minimal. It is also a sensible choice for consumers who are new to topicals and prefer a gentler, more grounded introduction to the category.
SUNO
SUNO focuses on active recovery and longer-duration relief. Their transdermal patch format sets them apart from balms and lotions: rather than sitting on the skin’s surface, the patch is designed to deliver cannabinoids over an extended window, providing sustained support without needing to reapply throughout the day.
SUNO products are a natural fit for consumers with active lifestyles, those who need support during long workdays, or anyone dealing with recurring tension in a specific area who wants a set-it-and-forget-it option rather than a topical that requires regular reapplication. Ask a Story Cannabis Maryland budtender about current SUNO formats and SKUs available at your nearest location.
Brand | Formats Available | Cannabinoid Approach | Best For |
Avexia | Balm, Lotion | Balanced 1:1 CBD:THC | Targeted or broad relief, entourage effect |
Doctor Solomon’s | Balm | CBD-forward (high CBD:THC) | Daytime use, CBD-dominant preference |
SUNO | Transdermal patch | Multi-cannabinoid blend | Active recovery, sustained all-day support |
How Do You Apply Cannabis Topicals for the Best Results?
Application technique meaningfully affects how well a topical works. Clean, warm skin and a thorough massage improve absorption and the quality of localized relief.
The product is only part of the equation. How you apply it matters.
Prep the skin first. Apply topicals to clean, dry skin after a warm shower when possible. Warmth opens the pores and improves cannabinoid absorption into the local tissue.
Take your time massaging. Work the product into the skin for at least 60 seconds using circular motions. This is not just about spreading the product: the mechanical pressure of massage increases local blood flow and helps the cannabinoids penetrate more effectively.
Reapply as needed. Balms and lotions can be reapplied every few hours as needed. SUNO patches are a one-application format designed for a full day of wear, so a single application is typically sufficient.
Layer thoughtfully. A topical addresses the local site. For a more complete sense of whole-body relaxation, some consumers pair a topical with a low-dose edible or a small inhalation session to complement the localized relief with a broader experience.
Who Are Cannabis Topicals Best Suited For?
Topicals are an especially good fit for consumers who want targeted relief without intoxication, those sensitive to psychoactive effects, and anyone looking to add a non-intoxicating cannabis option to their daily wellness routine.
For first-time cannabis consumers, topicals are often the most approachable entry point. There is no onset curve to navigate, no concern about taking too much, and no impact on mental clarity. You apply the product, it either works for you or it does not, and the feedback is immediate.
For experienced consumers, topicals fill a different role. They address a specific physical need without stacking on top of an existing cannabis session. A topical after a workout or during a long desk day solves the problem at the source without adding intoxication to the mix.
For anyone who has been curious about cannabis but has been hesitant because of the psychoactive effects, topicals are a genuine category worth exploring. They put the benefits of the plant’s cannabinoids to work in a way that is entirely separate from the high.
Where Can You Find Cannabis Topicals in Maryland?
Story Cannabis carries Avexia, Doctor Solomon’s, and SUNO topicals at dispensary locations in Hyattsville, Mechanicsville, Silver Spring, and Waldorf, Maryland.
Our Maryland team is well-versed in the topical category and happy to walk you through the differences between formulations, ratios, and formats. Whether you are looking for a daily balm for desk-side use or a recovery patch for post-workout support, a five-minute conversation with a budtender is the fastest way to land on the right product.
Browse our current Maryland topical menu or reserve your order online at storycannabis.com/dispensaries.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis Topicals in Maryland
What cannabis topical product supports pain relief?
For localized relief, topicals applied directly to the affected area are the most targeted option. A 1:1 CBD-to-THC balm or lotion is a strong starting point for most users. If you are dealing with a broader or more persistent issue, a transdermal patch format like those from SUNO provides sustained support over a longer window without needing to reapply. For full-body relief, some consumers combine a topical with a low-dose edible.
How long do cannabis topicals take to work?
Most balms and lotions begin producing noticeable effects within 10 to 20 minutes of application. The timeline varies depending on the product, your skin type, and how thoroughly you massage the product in. Transdermal patches from SUNO are formulated for immediate sensory relief at the application site and continued support for an extended window, making them a longer-duration option than standard topicals.
Do cannabis topicals show up on a drug test?
Standard topicals, meaning balms and lotions applied to the surface of the skin, are generally considered very low-risk for drug tests because the cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream. Transdermal patches are formulated to penetrate more deeply and may introduce THC into the bloodstream in measurable amounts. If you are subject to drug testing, it is worth consulting with a healthcare provider before using any cannabis product.
What is the difference between a 1:1 and a 3:1 CBD-to-THC topical?
A 1:1 ratio means equal parts CBD and THC, which takes full advantage of the entourage effect where the two compounds support each other. A 3:1 ratio is CBD-forward, meaning three times as much CBD as THC. The 3:1 profile is often preferred by consumers who want a high-CBD experience with only a small amount of THC present, making it a good fit for daytime use or for those new to cannabis topicals.
Can you use a cannabis topical and a cannabis edible at the same time?
Yes. Because topicals do not enter the bloodstream, applying a topical while also consuming a low-dose edible does not create a compounding psychoactive effect from the topical. The two products work independently. Some consumers intentionally combine them for localized relief from the topical alongside a broader sense of relaxation from the edible.
Which Story Cannabis Maryland locations carry topicals?
Topicals are available at all four Story Cannabis Maryland dispensary locations: Hyattsville, Mechanicsville, Silver Spring, and Waldorf. Product availability can vary by location, so checking the online menu or calling ahead is the best way to confirm what is in stock at your nearest dispensary.
