More and more people are searching for all-natural ways to help alleviate pain and other health conditions. One that continues to grow in popularity is cannabidiol or CBD.
You've no doubt seen this being added to products from lotions and supplements to lattes. But what exactly is CBD and what does it mean for you as a massage therapist?
This guide hopes to answer those questions and more.
What is CBD?
The Cannabis savita plant has two major compounds, one of which is CBD. The other main compound is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.
Because marijuana is a controlled substance and illegal at the federal level, the Agriculture Improvement Act strictly defines which variety of Cannabis savita can be used for CBD products. These plants must contain no more than 0.3% THC, eliminating the psychoactive effects of the drug.
Topical analgesic products containing CBD, or cannabidiol — creams, salves, serums, balms, patches, oils and lotions — have flourished in the massage market over the past five or so years, as awareness (and legalization) of both marijuana- and hemp-derived CBD has grown.
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CBD at a glance
• Full spectrum products can include over 500 distinct compounds found in hemp, including CBD and cannabinoids.
• Broad spectrum products contain CBD along with trace cannabinoids and some compounds, but do not contain THC.
• Look for brands that provide third-party test results for pollutants and toxins, verified by a complete certificate of analysis.
• Check with your state boards if you are unsure whether CBD is legal and within your scope of practice in your state.
Benefits of CBD
Research and studies on CBD are still in their infancy but there are many promising results for a variety of conditions. Currently research shows promising results for CBD helping with anxiety, seizures, PTSD, and to reduce pain.
As a massage therapist, the most appealing benefit of CBD is its ability to reduce pain and increase relaxation.
Both THC and CBD are claimed to stop pain through the endocannabinoid system, which consists of at least two kinds of receptors, termed CB1 and CB2, with the receptors present in every organ, including the skin. Many manufacturers of CBD topicals say CBD is absorbed into the skin and combines with CBD receptors to effect pain relief.
Manufacturers say there are two primary ways to use CBD in massage: as a full-body lubricant when the product contains only CBD oil or CBD oil plus ingredients such as aloe or shea; and as a spot treatment when CBD is one ingredient in a pain-relieving topical analgesic.
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