What Is Dragon Balm?
By Jeff Eckenrode
Image credit: Agate Dreams
Quick Answer: Dragon Balm is a cannabis-infused topical designed to provide fast, targeted relief for sore muscles, joint pain, and general aches—without causing a high. It combines cannabinoids like THC and CBD with menthol, camphor, and essential oils to create a soothing hot-cold sensation. Ideal for post-workout recovery or chronic pain, Dragon Balm is applied directly to the skin and offers localized relief by reducing inflammation and calming discomfort.
Cooling, soothing, and surprisingly powerful.
If you’ve browsed the topical section of your favorite dispensary, chances are you’ve seen something called Dragon Balm.
It comes in a compact jar or roll-on, and it’s become a go-to for folks seeking targeted, fast-acting relief—without the high.
But what exactly is Dragon Balm? How does it work? And why are so many people swapping their drugstore creams for this cannabis-infused favorite?
Image credit: Ryan Lange
What Is Dragon Balm?
Dragon Balm is a topical cannabis product—basically, a body balm infused with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, along with a blend of herbal ingredients known for their cooling and warming effects.
You apply it directly to your skin—think sore joints, stiff muscles, or nagging aches. It’s not designed to get you high. Instead, it delivers relief right where you need it.
It’s a favorite among athletes, active folks, and anyone dealing with the everyday wear and tear of life.
Image credit: Bee Naturalles
What’s In Dragon Balm?
Each jar or roll-on of Dragon Balm is loaded with a mix of therapeutic ingredients that work together to ease discomfort:
Cannabis oil – usually a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD for balanced effects
Menthol – provides an immediate cooling sensation
Camphor – gives that warming, tingling feeling
Essential oils – like peppermint, clove, or eucalyptus for added aroma and soothing properties
Beeswax or coconut oil – creates a smooth, skin-friendly base
This combo creates a sensation that’s both icy and warm—hence the “dragon” in the name.
Image credit: Kevin Wang
How Does Dragon Balm Work?
When applied to the skin, Dragon Balm interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system through CB1 and CB2 receptors found in your skin and tissues.
The cannabinoids don’t enter your bloodstream (which is why you won’t feel any psychoactive effects), but they can still provide localized relief by reducing inflammation, easing pain signals, and calming overworked muscles.
Meanwhile, ingredients like menthol and camphor stimulate blood flow and create a gentle hot-cold sensation that helps distract from discomfort.
Image credit: Federico Faccipieri
What Can You Use Dragon Balm For?
Dragon Balm is incredibly versatile. You can use it for:
Sore shoulders and back
Post-workout recovery
Joint stiffness or arthritis
Neck tension and tightness
General aches and pains
Some folks even use it during massage therapy or as part of a self-care routine after long days on their feet.
Image credit: Braydon Anderson
Does Dragon Balm Smell Like Weed?
Not at all! Dragon Balm has a fresh, minty, herbal scent thanks to its essential oils—but no telltale cannabis odor. You can wear it at work, at the gym, or on the go without anyone raising an eyebrow.
Where Can You Find Dragon Balm?
We carry Dragon Balm at Hashtag Redmond in a variety of forms, including:
Roll-on – easy to apply, great for travel or gym bags
Jar – more product, ideal for home use
Extra strength – higher potency formulas available for deeper relief
Whether you’re new to topicals or looking for something to level up your recovery game, Dragon Balm is a simple, effective option that delivers serious results without unwanted psychoactive effects.
Want to learn more about cannabis?
Then check out our related posts here!
Shopping in Redmond or browsing online? Our budtenders are always happy to help you find the right topical for your needs.
Just ask! We’ve got your back (literally).