What You Need to Know
Hi there, friends! We’re Ladies Of 420, a small but passionate group here in Trinidad, and we’ve been working with Cannabis-infused topicals for a few years. We thought it was about time to share what we’ve learned — from how THC topicals work, to whether you’ll feel anything, and even whether you might test positive in a drug test. And yes — we’ve perfected our lip balm, and we’re very excited about our body oil, which will be launching November ‒ early December.
So pour a cup of tea (or coconut water), and let’s chat.
What are “topicals,” from our perspective?
When we say “topical,” we mean something you put on your skin — a balm, body cream, salve, body oil — not something you inhale or eat. Our goal is always: wellness + beauty, without the buzz you get from smoking or ingesting Cannabis. We use THC and sometimes other cannabinoids because they have amazing local effects: anti-inflammatory, soothing, hydrating, relaxing sore muscles.
We believe in quality: choosing ingredients that feel good on Caribbean skin (think moisture, tropical oils, nourishing botanicals) + carefully measured cannabinoids. Our lip balm is something we’ve tweaked over time: texture, scent, cannabinoid strength, without any overwhelming smell or feel. And that body oil? It’s been in the works: balanced THC + skin-loving oils, good absorption, but still gentle.
How THC topicals work (in plain terms)
Here’s what we’ve seen, studied, and believe — based on both research and what our own skin tells us:
- Your skin has cannabinoid receptors — part of the endocannabinoid system. When THC in a topical is applied, it can interact with those receptors just under the skin or in the surrounding tissues. That’s where effects like reduced pain or swelling come from.
- Most of the time, THC in a topical stays local. It doesn’t cross into your bloodstream in large amounts. That means the effects are focused where you apply it: say, a sore joint, dry skin, or a tension spot.
- We do not design our standard topicals to be transdermal. That’s the kind that has to get into your blood, like patches or certain specialized creams. Our lip balm for sure is topical; our upcoming body oil is meant for skin relief, massage, softness — not systemic intoxication.
Why we don’t believe you’ll get high from our topicals
We often get asked: “If there’s THC in it, will I feel high?” Here’s what we’ve found, and what the science supports:
- With properly formulated topicals (i.e. ours), the THC doesn’t enter the bloodstream in appreciable levels. Since the psychoactive “high” comes from THC circulating in the brain, staying local means no psychoactive effect.
- The texture, concentration, carrier oils, and how much is used matter. We’ve tested small batches, checked how much THC is in them, and used standard doses similar to what other topical brands use globally. None of us felt high from using them, and in our informal trials among friends, the feedback is consistent: warmth, relief, comfort — but not intoxication.
- Also: we always advise people not to apply too much or use over broken or very thin skin (because that could raise absorption).
Drug test concerns: could using our topicals make you test positive?
We take this question very seriously, because we know people in Trinidad and the Caribbean often need to pass urine or blood drug tests for work, legal reasons, or travel. Here’s how we view the risk, based on published studies + what we’ve done ourselves:
| Factor | What research shows | What this means for using our topicals |
|---|---|---|
| Standard topicals (no enhancers, normal THC content) | Most studies find no measurable THC or its metabolites in blood/urine after topical application. | Using our balm or standard body oil (once or occasionally) is unlikely to make you test positive. |
| Penetration enhancers / transdermal formulations | These can increase systemic absorption; possibility of metabolites showing up is higher. | We don’t use chemical enhancers to make our topicals transdermal. So this risk is minimized. |
| Frequency / body area / dose used | Heavy, large-area usage over long periods might increase exposure and detection risk. | If you use huge amounts every day over large areas, it might increase risk. But we design for moderate, realistic use. |
| Product labeling and quality | Some products in global markets are mislabeled (THC content wrong, or contamination). These have caused unexpected positives in some cases. | We test our batches internally. We aim to be transparent. If you want lab reports, we’ll share them. |
So: can our topicals make you fail a drug test? We believe the chance is very, very low under typical use of our balm or body oil. But because no product is 100% risk-free in every scenario, we always recommend caution if you need to guarantee a clean result.
Industry trends, cosmetics + medical — and where we fit in
We watch what’s going on globally, and especially looking to what resonates here in the Caribbean. Some of the things we see:
- Beauty meets wellness: More cosmetic brands are putting cannabinoids (THC, CBD) into facial creams, serums, oils, masks. People like natural/plant-based anti-inflammatories, things that soothe and help with ageing, pigmentation, dryness. We want our products to fit in that world — to look, smell, feel good, and also do something beneficial.
- Pain relief / medical use: For people with arthritis, muscle aches, skin inflammation (sun, bug bites, chafing), topical THC is interesting because it can ease discomfort without many of the risks or side effects of systemic meds. We believe there’s room in Trinidad and the Caribbean for topical products targeted at wellness and medical relief.
- Regulation, lab testing, quality control: Globally many brands are being pushed (by consumers and regulators) to provide Certificates of Analysis, ensure consistency, ensure safety from pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contamination. We agree — that’s how trust is built. We are working toward that, and will provide third-party labs for key batches.
- Cultural & local plants: For us, an exciting possibility is combining Cannabis with Caribbean botanicals: coconut oil, turmeric, local butters, tropical floral or herbal extracts. We believe there’s a unique voice here: products that smell and feel like home, that address local skin/hot climate/humidity issues as well as broader wellness concerns.
What we’ve done so far + what’s next
- Our lip balm is finished. It’s something we are proud of: smooth texture, gentle scent, good moisturizing, a THC component that’s non-overwhelming. It’s perfect for daily cosmetic / comfort use (lips, dry spots).
- Body oil in progress: we’ve been testing different oil bases (coconut oil, jojoba, maybe moringa), tweaking THC strength so it gives relief and moisture without being sticky or greasy. Finish, absorption, scent—all those have to feel “right” in Caribbean heat and humidity.
- Launch timing: We’re working toward November – early December for the body oil. That gives us time to finalize formulation, do more small-scale testing, and prepare packaging. We want you to like it not just for how it works, but for how it looks, smells, feels.
Tips from us for people in Trinidad & the Caribbean
Since this is home, here are things we’ve learned or recommend, based on our experience:
- Patch-test first. Even “natural” products can cause irritation for some skin types. Try on a small inner arm area before full use.
- Use product as intended. If it says “apply to sore joint, massage in,” follow that. Don’t plaster it over large areas or broken skin unless the product is meant for that.
- Store properly. Heat and humidity can degrade products or change consistency. Keep balms and oils in cool, fairly dark places.
- Watch duration and frequency. Using modest amounts, once or twice a day, is generally safe. Overuse may increase risk of absorption.
- Choose trusted brands / ask questions. We’ll always want you to ask: “What is the THC %, is there lab-testing, what oils are used?”
- Understand legal/regulatory context. Laws around Cannabis and THC are changing, but they’re different place to place in the Caribbean. Be aware of your local regulations.
Final thoughts
We believe THC-infused topicals are one of the most promising ways Cannabis can bring wellness and beauty benefits without many of the concerns people associate with psychoactive use. For us, it’s about doing things ethically, transparently, with love — making products that help, soothe, uplift — not confuse or worry.
We are beyond excited for you to try our body oil when it launches in November / early December. We hope you feel the difference: the calm, the moisture, the comfort, the local care. In the meantime, our lip balm is ready to go — perfect for gifting, self-care, everyday use.
Thank you for trusting us, for asking the questions, for caring about what you put on your skin. If you have questions — about the THC strength, drug-testing, how a particular product might interact with your skin or health — reach out. We’re here, always learning, always listening.
Stay Safe & Stay High
Asha & Ayanna Wadada
