As cannabis beauty products rise in popularity, THC-infused lip balms and treatments have become a talking point for consumers curious about their effects — and sometimes skeptical about their claims. From “getting high” to “failing a drug test,” myths about THC in lip products continue to circulate. Let’s separate fact from fiction and explore what’s really happening when THC meets lip care.

Myth 1: Cannabis Lip Balms Can Get You High

This is one of the most common misconceptions — and it’s entirely false. According to dermatologists and cannabinoid researchers cited in Healthline and Dermatology Times, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) must enter the bloodstream in significant amounts to create psychoactive effects. However, when applied topically, the compound doesn’t reach systemic circulation. In other words, THC lip balms can’t get users high. These products work on a surface level, moisturizing lips and interacting with local cannabinoid receptors in the skin rather than affecting the brain.

Myth 2: THC Lip Products Will Show Up on a Drug Test

This myth has also been debunked. Trusted lab studies and toxicology experts confirm that topical products — including lip balms — don’t deliver THC in measurable levels to the bloodstream. As Forbes Health notes, drug tests detect THC metabolites in urine or blood, not trace residue left on the skin. Consumers using reputable THC-infused lip treatments can feel confident that their daily application won’t interfere with employment screenings or athletic compliance testing.

Myth 3: THC Lip Balms Are Illegal Everywhere

While THC remains regulated, the legality of topical cannabis products varies by state. In states with legalized medical or recreational cannabis, THC-infused lip care is allowed for adult consumers. However, in non-legal states, products may instead use hemp-derived cannabinoids like CBD. According to Leafly and the FDA, hemp-based balms containing less than 0.3% THC are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. Shoppers should always check local regulations and verify the source of their product before purchase.

Myth 4: THC Doesn’t Help with Lip Health

Contrary to this claim, emerging dermatological research suggests cannabinoids like THC and CBD may support skin barrier repair and reduce inflammation. The Journal of Clinical Investigation and Mayo Clinic Proceedings highlight how endocannabinoid receptors in the skin influence moisture balance and healing. THC-infused balms, when formulated correctly, can help soothe chapped lips, especially when paired with hydrating ingredients like shea butter, beeswax, or vitamin E.

Myth 5: All Cannabis Lip Products Are the Same

This is far from true. Not all products labeled “cannabis-infused” actually contain THC. Many feature only hemp seed oil — which has no cannabinoids — or non-psychoactive CBD. Reading ingredient lists and lab reports helps consumers distinguish between THC, CBD, and hemp-only formulas.

In the end, most myths about THC in lip treatments stem from misunderstanding how cannabinoids interact with skin. Today’s reputable cannabis beauty brands are focused less on intoxication and more on innovation — creating lip care products that nourish, protect, and redefine what “high-quality” really means.