THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is one of around 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC is the only cannabinoid that has a psychoactive effect when it enters the bloodstream.

However, THC lotions are applied directly to the skin on areas that are causing pain, which means the THC doesn't enter the bloodstream and won't cause any psychoactive effects. The pain-relieving effects occur when THC reacts with your endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is found throughout the body and on the surface of the skin. 

THC works well with CBD, another cannabinoid found in marijuana, in topical lotions, boosting the effectiveness thanks to something known as the "entourage effect."

If you want to try a new type of pain relief that utilizes some of the cannabis plant's magic powers, here's our roundup of the best topical lotion brands. 

Best THC lotion brands

The best THC lotions on the market can provide anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, which lead to targeted pain relief for everything from arthritis to migraines. 

Aspen Green: Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream

From pet products to CBD gummies, Aspen Green offers a variety of hemp products for pain relief, anxiety, and more. We’ve included this reputable company in the list because they only use USDA Certified organic hemp when creating their line of products.

Aspen Green’s line of topicals include Relief Balm for sports injuries, Rouse Organic Full Spectrum CBD Intimacy Cream and oil that is safe to use on intimate areas to enhance the experience, and Relief Full Spectrum CBD Cooling Cream.

The cooling cream is the pick of the bunch, containing tea tree, menthol, and 1,000mg of CBD and 33 mg of THC. It is also full spectrum, which means it contains a variety of cannabinoids to achieve the “entourage effect” and keep pain at bay. 

The CBD to THC ratio means Aspen Green is available in every state for delivery from their website. 

TribeTokes: Pain Relief Delta 8 THC Lotion

With the motto, “Never sell anything you wouldn’t give your mother,” you can genuinely gift Tribetokes’ Pain Relief Delta 8 THC Lotion to your mother for her birthday to relieve pain against her arthritis. This women-owned business has been making clean vaping products since 2019 but has also branched out into the topical market to help people fight chronic pain without pharmaceutical products.

Their line of lotions includes a selection of creams that only contain CBD and some that contain CBD and Delta-8 THC. Additionally, these creams contain the anti-inflammatories arnica, wild marjoram, jojoba, and aloe; menthol, peppermint, and wintergreen that act as cooling agents; and coconut and eucalyptus to provide nourishment for your skin.

Delta-8 THC has similar, albeit milder, effects to Delta-9. It is found in cannabis plants in much smaller amounts but can be replicated by converting other cannabinoids. 

Due to a loophole, Delta-8 is legal in most states, even those where marijuana is not yet legal, which means you should be able to get TribeTokes: Pain Relief Delta 8 THC Lotion delivered to your door or in premium CBD and wellness stores throughout the country. 

Mary Jane’s Medicinals - Super Strength Nano Salve

Mary’s Medicinals has been at the forefront of cannabis topicals since 2009. Dahlia Mertens, the founder and former massage therapist, discovered infusing massage oil with cannabis not only provided a more relaxing massage to her clients but also gave respite to aches, skin irritations, and more long after the massage was over.

Mary’s Medicinals offers a range of THC and CBD products, including massage oil, salves, creams, lip balm, bath bombs, and more. We’re highlighting the Super Strength Nano Salve that utilizes whole-plant infusion to deliver the highest quality THC salve and a technique that breaks the THC and CBD down to even smaller components for better absorption into the skin.

In addition to a massive 500mg of THC + 500mg of CBD + 25mg CBG, this salve contains shea butter, cocoa butter, jojoba, and other precious plant oils to help deliver relief from chronic joint pain and more. Mary’s Medicinals is available in Colorado, Oklahoma, and New Mexico dispensaries. 

Kush Queen: Melt 1:1 THC & CBD Lotion

Kush Queen is another woman-owned cannabis company at the top of its game. Former budtender Olivia Alexander co-founded the company when she noticed a common theme among people using medical cannabis.

With a refreshing menthol aroma, Melt 1:1 THC & CBD Lotion packs a punch while soothing pain. The base of this unique lotion is organic aloe juice that offers more absorbability than other oily bases.

Melt combines equal parts CBD and THC with 20 essential oils known to aid the body in pain relief. Customers love it for post-workout thanks to the cooling effect it provides when applied. Kush Queen sells a variety of products directly through their website. 

Papa & Barkley: 1:3 Releaf Balm

Papa & Barkley makes the bold claim of being “California’s leading cannabis wellness brand,” and with their range of high-grade THC-infused lotions to help with pain relief, it’s hard to argue otherwise.

This fantastic company has a range of products that include THC, including the Active Releaf Balm Stick and Releaf patches for direct application. We’re focusing on the 1:3 Releaf Balm, an award-winning product rich in THC made with all-natural ingredients that include nourishing oils, eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, and lavender.

It incorporates a full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and phytonutrients that work together to relieve pain. Papa & Barkley is available in over 700 California dispensaries and delivery locations. 

Smoky Mountain CBD: Delta-9 THC Cream

Smoky Mountain CBD is proud to source its most essential ingredients from plants grown in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee. They offer a line of THC lotions that combine CBD with Delta-8 THC or Delta-9 THC.

The company’s THC Cream Balance Balm is affordable, with a 1:1 ratio of Delta-9 THC and CBD. It also contains MCT Oil, BeesWax, Manuka Honey, Vitamin E, Lanolin, and Full Spectrum Hemp Extract. 

While you can order directly from Smoky Mountain CBD online, you can also find their products in Ocoee Botanicals and the Hemp House brick-and-mortar locations.