The cannabis topicals market is growing at a 10.5% compound annual growth rate, outpacing major product categories like flower and edibles. Topicals appeal to a different kind of cannabis consumer: someone who wants the potential benefits of cannabinoids applied directly to the skin, without any psychoactive high. At Happy Time Dispensary in Pullman, we carry 3 topical products from 2 brands, priced from $30 to $35, available for online ordering and pickup at 1485 S Grand Ave.
Whether you are a WSU athlete dealing with post-workout soreness, a Palouse local looking for a non-intoxicating option, or simply curious about how cannabis topicals work, this guide covers the science, the products, and what to expect.
Pullman Topicals by the Numbers
- 3 topical products currently in stock
- 2 brands from Washington-licensed processors
- Price range: $30 to $35 (average about $32)
- Types: lotions, balms, and creams
- Key feature: localized effects without psychoactive high
The Science Behind Cannabis Topicals
Your skin has its own endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation and the International Journal of Molecular Sciences has documented that CB1 and CB2 receptors exist throughout the skin, including in epidermal keratinocytes (the cells that make up the outer layer of skin), cutaneous nerve fibers, dermal cells, melanocytes, sweat glands, and hair follicles.
When you apply a cannabis-infused topical, the cannabinoids (THC, CBD, or both) interact with these local CB2 receptors without crossing into the bloodstream in meaningful amounts. This is why topicals produce localized effects at the application site without the psychoactive "high" that comes from smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis. The cannabinoids stay in the local tissue rather than reaching CB1 receptors in the brain that produce intoxication.
How absorption works: The skin is both a barrier and a selectively porous membrane. When you rub a cannabis topical into your skin, the cannabinoids penetrate the epidermis and dermis layers, reaching local nerve endings, muscle tissue, and inflammation pathways. The absorption is localized. Think of it like applying a menthol muscle rub: the effects happen where you put it, not throughout your entire body.
The exception: transdermal patches. Unlike lotions and balms, transdermal patches are specifically designed to push cannabinoids through the skin and into the bloodstream. Transdermal products can produce systemic (whole-body) effects and may cause psychoactive effects. We currently do not stock transdermal patches at our Pullman location, but it is an important distinction to understand.
Types of Cannabis Topicals
Cannabis topicals come in several formulations, each suited to different applications:
Lotions are the most familiar format. They spread easily over larger areas of skin and absorb relatively quickly. Cannabis-infused lotions are a natural choice for broad application areas like legs, backs, and shoulders. They tend to have a lighter texture and are often the preferred format for daily use.
Balms and Salves are thicker, waxier formulations designed for targeted application to smaller areas. Their heavier consistency means they stay in place longer and deliver a more concentrated dose of cannabinoids to a specific spot. Balms are popular for focused application on joints, knuckles, and other small areas.
Creams fall between lotions and balms in texture. They absorb moderately quickly and work well for medium-sized application areas. Many cannabis creams include additional ingredients like menthol, arnica, or essential oils that complement the cannabinoid content.
What to Look For in a Cannabis Topical
Shopping for topicals is more straightforward than choosing flower or edibles because there is no dosing math and no risk of getting too high. Here is what to consider:
- Cannabinoid content: Check the total milligrams of THC and/or CBD in the product. Higher cannabinoid content generally means stronger localized effects. Some topicals are THC-dominant, some are CBD-dominant, and some carry a balanced ratio.
- THC vs. CBD: Both cannabinoids interact with the ECS in the skin. THC binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors, while CBD has a more indirect relationship with the ECS. Many topical users prefer products with both cannabinoids.
- Additional ingredients: Some topicals include menthol, camphor, arnica, or essential oils like eucalyptus and lavender. These ingredients can complement the cannabis component and contribute their own properties.
- Application area: Choose a lotion for large areas, a balm for targeted spots. Match the product format to how you plan to use it.
Ask our budtenders about the specific topical products we currently carry. They can walk you through the cannabinoid content and help you pick the right option.
Who Uses Cannabis Topicals?
Topicals attract a broad audience because they offer the benefits of cannabis without the high. Common user profiles include:
- Athletes and active people who want a post-workout recovery option
- Older adults who prefer non-intoxicating cannabis products
- First-time cannabis consumers who are not ready for psychoactive effects
- Anyone who wants targeted, localized application without the systemic effects of smoking, vaping, or edibles
Topicals will not show up on standard drug tests in most cases, because the cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream in significant amounts. However, individual results may vary, and we cannot make guarantees about drug testing outcomes.
Terpenes and Additional Ingredients in Topicals
Just like flower and edibles, the terpene profile of a cannabis topical can influence its effectiveness and sensory experience. Many topical formulations include terpenes that complement the cannabinoid content:
- Myrcene appears in topicals designed for relaxation and carries an earthy, musky scent.
- Limonene adds a citrus aroma and is common in topicals marketed for mood and skin care applications.
- Linalool brings a lavender scent and is associated with calming properties. It appears frequently in cannabis-infused lotions and bath products.
- Beta-caryophyllene has the unique ability to bind to CB2 receptors directly, making it a natural fit for topical formulations designed for localized application.
Beyond terpenes, many cannabis topicals include complementary ingredients like menthol (for cooling sensation), camphor, arnica extract, shea butter, or essential oils. These additions can enhance the overall experience and provide their own benefits alongside the cannabinoids. When choosing a topical, look at the full ingredient list to find a product that matches your preferences for scent, texture, and complementary ingredients.
Topicals in the Pullman Lifestyle
Living in the Palouse means active lifestyles for many Pullman residents. Whether you are hiking Kamiak Butte, playing intramural sports at WSU, or just dealing with the daily grind, cannabis topicals offer a localized, non-intoxicating option you can use any time of day without affecting your ability to study, work, or drive. They are also a good entry point for cannabis-curious consumers who are not ready to try smoking, vaping, or edibles. Our budtenders enjoy educating newcomers about topicals because they are one of the simplest products to explain and use.
Prices and Value
Topicals at Happy Time Pullman range from $30 to $35, averaging about $32 per product. While the upfront cost is higher than a single pre-roll or gummy pack, topicals offer many applications per container. Most users apply a small amount per session, so a single bottle or jar can last several weeks to a couple of months depending on frequency of use. Per-application, topicals are very cost-effective.
How to Apply Cannabis Topicals
- Clean the area. Wash the skin where you plan to apply the topical. Clean skin absorbs cannabinoids more efficiently.
- Apply a moderate amount. Start with a dime-to-quarter-sized dollop for a targeted area. You can always add more.
- Rub it in thoroughly. Massage the topical into the skin for 30 to 60 seconds. This helps push the cannabinoids into the dermis layer.
- Wait for effects. Most users report feeling localized effects within 15 to 45 minutes. Reapply as needed.
- Wash your hands after application unless you are treating your hands specifically.
Order Topicals Online in Pullman
Browse our Pullman online menu to see our topical products with pricing and cannabinoid content. Place your order and pick it up at 1485 S Grand Ave, Pullman, WA 99163.
Not sure if a topical is right for you? Call us at (509) 715-9990 or stop by the store. Our budtenders can explain how topicals fit into the broader cannabis landscape and help you decide if they match your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cannabis topicals get you high?
No. Standard cannabis topicals (lotions, balms, creams) interact with CB2 receptors in the skin without reaching the bloodstream in significant amounts. The cannabinoids stay localized at the application site and do not produce the psychoactive effects associated with smoking, vaping, or eating cannabis. Transdermal patches are the one exception, as they are designed to deliver cannabinoids into the bloodstream.
How much do cannabis topicals cost in Pullman?
Topicals at Happy Time Pullman range from $30 to $35, with an average around $32. A single container provides many applications, making the per-use cost quite reasonable for most consumers.
How long does a cannabis topical take to work?
Most users feel localized effects within 15 to 45 minutes of application. The duration varies by product and application method but typically lasts 2 to 4 hours. Reapply as needed.
Will cannabis topicals show up on a drug test?
Standard cannabis topicals are generally considered low risk for drug tests because the cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream in significant quantities. However, individual results can vary, and no cannabis company can guarantee a negative test result. If drug testing is a concern, consult with your healthcare provider.
Where can I buy cannabis topicals near WSU?
Happy Time Dispensary at 1485 S Grand Ave, Pullman, WA 99163 carries cannabis topicals and is minutes from the WSU campus. Browse our Pullman menu online or visit in person. Our team is happy to help you choose the right topical for your needs.