Does Dr. Solomon's lotion get you high? Separating fact from fiction

September 21, 2025 •

5 min read

Most cannabis topicals, when applied to the skin, are not designed to produce intoxicating effects. This raises a common question for consumers: Does Dr. Solomon's lotion get you high? The short answer for their topical lotions is no, but understanding the crucial difference between topical and transdermal products is key to separating fact from fiction and ensuring a safe, desired experience.

Quick Summary

Dr. Solomon's lotions, as standard topical products, are formulated for localized relief and are not intended to produce a high. Psychoactive effects are typically avoided because the cannabinoids do not reach the bloodstream in significant amounts, unlike transdermal products designed for systemic absorption.

Key Points

Not Intoxicating: Dr. Solomon's topical lotions are not formulated to get you high, as the cannabinoids provide localized relief without entering the bloodstream.
Topical vs. Transdermal: The key is the delivery method; standard topicals are localized, while transdermals are designed to pass into the bloodstream and may cause psychoactive effects.
Targeted Relief: These lotions work by interacting with the endocannabinoid receptors located in your skin to address specific areas of pain or inflammation.
Varying Products: Dr. Solomon's offers different types of products; always check the label to distinguish between their standard non-psychoactive lotions and transdermal options.
Drug Test Risk is Low (for Topicals): Standard lotions are unlikely to cause a positive drug test, but transdermal patches or mislabeled products carry a risk.

The Science Behind Cannabis Topicals

Cannabis-infused topicals, like lotions, balms, and salves, are designed to work directly on the skin. Your skin contains a network of cannabinoid receptors, part of the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). When a topical product is applied, cannabinoids like THC and CBD bind to these receptors, producing localized effects without penetrating the deeper layers of skin to enter the bloodstream.

This localized action is why most topical products do not cause the psychoactive effects associated with smoking or ingesting cannabis. The cannabinoids interact with receptors in the skin to help with issues such as pain, inflammation, and skin irritation, all without affecting the brain. This targeted approach is ideal for individuals seeking specific, site-specific relief without any mental impairment.

Topical vs. Transdermal: The Critical Distinction

Understanding the difference between a standard topical and a transdermal product is crucial for any cannabis consumer. These terms are often confused, but they describe two very different mechanisms of action and, therefore, potential effects.

Standard Topicals (e.g., Dr. Solomon's Lotions): These are formulated for surface-level application. The cannabinoids are absorbed by the skin's local cannabinoid receptors, providing targeted relief for sore muscles, joint pain, or inflammation. Crucially, they do not deliver THC or CBD into the bloodstream in any significant quantity, making a psychoactive high extremely unlikely.
Transdermal Products (e.g., Patches): Transdermal products are specifically engineered with permeation enhancers that allow cannabinoids to pass through the skin barrier and enter the bloodstream. Once in the bloodstream, THC can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause psychoactive effects. Dr. Solomon's offers both topical lotions and other products, and it is vital to read the product description carefully to identify which category a specific item falls into.

Examining Dr. Solomon's Lotions and Their Effects

Dr. Solomon's lotions are branded as topical creams intended for localized relief. The company's official product descriptions and FAQs clarify that these lotions are not designed to produce psychoactive effects. They are formulated to deliver targeted comfort for on-the-spot issues like sore muscles and everyday aches, and many contain THC for enhanced pain relief.

What is in Dr. Solomon's lotions?

Dr. Solomon's products are scientifically formulated with a thoughtful blend of ingredients to provide comprehensive relief. Their lotions often feature a combination of THC, CBD, and other botanical extracts. A common option is a 1:1 CBD:THC ratio lotion, intended to leverage the potential synergistic effect of both cannabinoids. Ingredients such as hydrolyzed oats, niacinamide, and date seed extract are also included to hydrate and nourish the skin, providing a soothing feel beyond the cannabis compounds.

Can a mild effect still occur?

While the official stance and most user experiences confirm that topical lotions do not cause a high, some anecdotes suggest certain individuals with extremely low tolerances or those using high-potency products might feel a very mild, non-intoxicating sense of relaxation or body high. Factors such as a person's body chemistry, the amount of lotion applied, and the specific product's cannabinoid concentration can influence the experience. However, the skin's natural barrier is highly effective, making a true psychoactive high extremely rare with standard topical application to healthy skin. This stands in stark contrast to the intentional systemic delivery of transdermal patches, which can and do produce euphoric effects in some users.

Important Considerations for Safe Use

To maximize the benefits of Dr. Solomon's lotion while minimizing any unintended effects, consider these tips:

Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a small amount of lotion to see how your body reacts before increasing the application volume or frequency.
Read the Label: Always confirm the product is a standard topical lotion and not a transdermal patch or ointment designed for systemic absorption. The distinction is key.
Apply to Clean Skin: Ensure your skin is clean and dry before application to maximize absorption and effectiveness. Avoid applying to broken, irritated, or wounded skin, as this could potentially increase systemic absorption.
Perform a Patch Test: For those with sensitive skin, apply a small amount to an inconspicuous area, like the inside of your wrist, and wait 24 hours to check for any allergic reactions.

Comparison: THC Lotions vs. Transdermal Patches


Feature	Standard THC Lotions	Transdermal THC Patches
Absorption	Localized to the skin's cannabinoid receptors.	Passes through the skin into the bloodstream.
Psychoactive Effect	No; does not enter bloodstream.	Yes; THC enters the bloodstream and reaches the brain.
Relief Type	Targeted, site-specific relief for pain or inflammation.	Systemic, whole-body relief.
Onset Time	Typically felt within 15–30 minutes.	Can take longer for initial effect, but is sustained over a longer period.
Duration	Effects typically last 2–6 hours.	Extended-release, often lasting 12–72 hours.

Do Cannabis Topicals Show Up on a Drug Test?

This is a major concern for many users. The consensus is that standard topical lotions are highly unlikely to cause a positive result on most drug tests, including urine and blood tests. Since the cannabinoids do not enter the bloodstream in detectable amounts, there are no THC metabolites for a test to find. However, there are caveats:

Transdermal Products: These are designed to enter the bloodstream and will likely result in a positive drug test.
Cross-Contamination/Mislabeled Products: In an unregulated market, there is a risk of products being mislabeled or containing higher-than-advertised THC content. To minimize this risk, only purchase from reputable brands like Dr. Solomon's that provide transparent third-party lab testing.
Extreme Usage: Daily, high-volume application of full-spectrum topical products over large areas of the body may, in rare cases, lead to trace systemic absorption over time, especially in individuals with high body fat. For most users, this is not a concern.

For those with strict drug testing requirements, consulting with a healthcare professional and using lab-tested, non-transdermal products is the safest approach. The skin's endocannabinoid system is distinct from the central nervous system, and standard topicals leverage this distinction for focused relief without systemic consequences. More information on the ECS can be found on reputable health sites, such as the National Institutes of Health.

Conclusion: Know Your Product, Know Your Effects

While Dr. Solomon's lotions contain cannabinoids like THC, they are not designed to get you high. Their primary function is to provide localized relief by interacting with the cannabinoid receptors in your skin, without entering the bloodstream. The crucial factor is differentiating between standard topical applications, which are non-intoxicating, and transdermal products, which can cause psychoactive effects. By carefully reading product labels, performing a patch test, and understanding the science, you can confidently use Dr. Solomon's lotion to address localized discomfort effectively, without the unwanted high.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the standard lotions are non-intoxicating, Dr. Solomon's also offers transdermal patches. These patches are designed to deliver THC into the bloodstream and can cause a high. Always check the product description to understand the delivery method.

The cannabinoids in the lotion interact with receptors in your skin, which is part of your body's endocannabinoid system. These compounds act locally to reduce pain and inflammation without crossing into the bloodstream in significant enough amounts to cause a psychoactive effect.

It is highly unlikely for a standard, non-transdermal topical to cause a positive drug test. However, transdermal patches will likely cause a positive test. Always use lab-tested products from reputable sources if drug testing is a concern.

A topical stays localized to the skin's surface, providing targeted relief. A transdermal product is formulated with enhancers to penetrate the skin and deliver cannabinoids systemically into the bloodstream for a whole-body effect.

Generally, side effects are minimal. Some individuals with sensitive skin might experience mild irritation at the application site. As with any new product, it is recommended to perform a patch test first.

Yes, while both can provide localized relief, THC-rich products may offer stronger pain relief, especially for nerve pain. Many products combine both THC and CBD to maximize benefits, as seen in Dr. Solomon's 1:1 ratio options.

For optimal effect, apply the lotion to clean, dry skin over the area of concern. Massage it in thoroughly until absorbed. Some users find consistent, daily application most beneficial.