Cannabis Without Lighting Anything Up

Browse cannabis-infused topicals at Mountain Annie's Dispensary in Montrose.

Topicals give you a way to use cannabis without inhaling anything. These are creams, balms, and lotions infused with cannabinoids that you apply directly to your skin. People in Montrose use them for targeted application on specific areas—shoulders, joints, lower back, wherever you want localized contact. You don't feel a high from topicals because the cannabinoids don't enter your bloodstream the way they do when you smoke or eat an edible. Instead, they interact with receptors in your skin and the tissue just below it.

Mountain Annie's Dispensary carries a rotating selection of topical products depending on what brands are available. You'll find options in different cannabinoid ratios—some are THC-dominant, others are CBD-heavy, and some are balanced blends. You can order online and pick up the same day at our Montrose location or any of our other stores. Prices vary by size and formulation, and our staff can help you compare options if you're not sure which ratio fits your needs.

If you want to see what topicals are currently in stock in Montrose, check our online menu or stop by to ask.

How Topicals Work On Your Skin

Cannabis topicals are made by infusing a carrier base—like shea butter, coconut oil, or beeswax—with cannabis extract. The cannabinoids bind to receptors in your skin without crossing into your bloodstream, which is why you don't feel intoxicated. You apply the product directly to the area you're targeting, and absorption happens through the skin's surface layers. In Montrose, our topical inventory includes creams, balms, and lotions, though availability shifts based on supplier stock.

After you apply a topical, you'll notice the texture of the product—some are thick and waxy, others are light and absorb quickly. The cannabinoids start interacting with local receptors within minutes, though the timeline varies depending on the formulation and how much you use. There's no smoke, no vapor, and no digestive wait time like you'd get with an edible.

Most topicals also include terpenes or essential oils for scent and additional skin benefits. Some people use them daily as part of a routine, while others apply them as needed. You won't fail a drug test from using a topical, since the cannabinoids stay in the skin and don't circulate systemically. These products don't replace other methods—they're just a different tool for a different purpose.

Common things people want to know

Most questions about topicals come from people who've never used a cannabis product externally before. These are the ones we hear most often at Mountain Annie's Dispensary.

What's the difference between a topical and an edible?
Topicals are applied to your skin and don't enter your bloodstream, so they won't produce a high. Edibles are ingested and metabolized through your liver, which creates a psychoactive effect. They're used for completely different reasons.
How much should I apply at once?
Start with a small amount—about the size of a nickel—and rub it into the area you're targeting. You can reapply after 20 minutes if you want more coverage. The product label will usually include a suggested serving size.
Why do some topicals have THC and others have CBD?
THC and CBD interact with different receptors in your skin and offer different effects. Some people prefer high-THC formulas, others want CBD-only, and some like a balanced ratio. Your choice depends on what you're looking for and how your body responds.
Can I pick up topicals the same day in Montrose?
Yes, you can order topicals online and pick them up the same day at our Montrose location or any other Mountain Annie's Dispensary store. Inventory updates in real time, so you'll see what's available before you order.
Will a topical show up on a drug test?
No, topicals don't enter your bloodstream, so they won't trigger a positive result on a standard drug test. The cannabinoids stay localized in the skin and surrounding tissue.

Mountain Annie's Dispensary stocks a variety of cannabis-infused topicals at our Montrose location, with same-day pickup available when you order online. If you're comparing formulations or want to know what's currently in stock, our team can help you sort through the options.