The state’s embrace of medical marijuana, recreational marijuana and CBD products has ed it to be a cannabis massage and spa vacation destination.

Colorado’s massage therapists are increasingly embracing the use of CBD as a commonsense way to assist in clients’ relaxation and pain relief. Photo courtesy of Hempure CBD.

Cannabis-infused massage therapy is reshaping the wellness landscape, offering a unique blend of therapeutic touch and the healing properties of CBD and THC. Nowhere is this revolution more prominent than in Colorado, a state renowned for its trailblazing approach to cannabis legalization and regulation. With its abundant supply of high-quality, responsibly sourced CBD and THC products, Colorado has become a hub for top-tier cannabis massage services. 

Therapists here are integrating cannabis into their practice with expertise, delivering unparalleled results for pain relief, stress reduction, and inflammation management. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind cannabis massage, share stories from therapists leading the charge, and examine how Colorado is setting the gold standard for this transformative therapy. Whether you’re seeking deep relaxation or relief from chronic discomfort, cannabis massage is redefining what’s possible in holistic health.

Why Are Professionals Flocking to Cannabis Retreats?

Cannabis Tourism and Market in Colorado

  • Corporate Shift: Replace New Age vacationers with corporate executives and tech CEOs who are now frequenting Colorado for cannabis retreats, vacations, and spa services.
  • Industry Boom: Colorado, the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational use in 2014, saw a record-breaking $587 million in sales at Denver’s dispensaries in 2017, according to the city’s annual marijuana-industry report released on Aug. 9.
  • CBD Growth: CBD products are growing in popularity throughout the U.S. Sales of CBD products have tripled since 2014. The approval of Epidiolex by the FDA in June led to a legislative protective measure, encouraging its prescription by state physicians.

Cannabis in Massage Therapy

  • Popularity: Colorado has become a destination for cannabis-massage and spa vacations, with services such as My 420 Tours and LoDo Massage Studios offering massage lotion laced with THC and CBD.
  • Regulations: Using THC in massages involves legal complexities; clients must provide their own THC products, and therapists are restricted from charging extra for THC services.
  • Provider Caution: Cameron Leibin, LMT from Native Roots, notes the challenges with THC in massages, including product origin, ratio, strain, and dosing.
  • Legal Limitations: THC massages are permissible only in states with adult-use cannabis legalization. “Medical-only” states do not allow such practices.

CBD Products and Legal Landscape

  • Growing Demand: The U.S. sees a rising demand for high-quality CBD products including salves, lotions, butters, and creams.
  • Hemp Derived CBD: With less than 0.3 percent THC, hemp-derived CBD does not induce the ‘high’ associated with marijuana and is legal in some states.
  • Increased Focus on CBD: Colorado’s massage therapists are progressively using CBD lubricants and spot treatments for their calming and pain-relieving properties.

Despite the hype around THC and CBD, Colorado’s marijuana industry is settling in and growing up—and the state’s massage therapists are increasingly embracing the use purely topical, of CBD lubricants and spot-treatments as a commonsense way to assist in clients’ relaxation and pain relief.

Glossary of Terms

  • Cannabis: the genus of plant to which both marijuana and hemp belong.
  • Cannabinoid: chemical compounds found in cannabis plants; there are more than 100 active cannabinoids in cannabis.
  • THC: a cannabinoid that has psychotropic effects.
  • Cannabidiol: a cannabinoid that has pain-relieving and other effects, minus the psychotropic effects of THC.
  • Marijuana: a cannabis plant bred for a high THC content.
  • Hemp: a cannabis plant containing less than 0.3 percent THC.

Transforming Retreats with CBD and Recreational Marijuana: The Story of Darrin Zeer

Impact of CBD and Marijuana on Retreat Attendance:

  • Previous Challenges: Darrin Zeer, a Denver-based massage therapist and yoga instructor, previously struggled to attract participants to his weekend retreats.
  • Booming Business: With the popularity of CBD and recreational marijuana in Colorado, Zeer’s retreats saw a dramatic increase in attendance. His most recent event attracted fifty-one people from across the globe.

Retreat Experience at Aspen Canyon Ranch:

  • Location and Activities: Participants, including CEOs and executives, travel to Aspen Canyon Ranch, located 90 minutes outside of Denver, to participate in activities like yoga and massages that utilize CBD or THC.
  • Focus on Relaxation and Detox: Zeer emphasizes that the retreats are designed for relaxation and a digital detox, appealing to those seeking a break from the high-stress, connected world.

Addressing Anxiety and Wellness:

  • Observations on Anxiety: At his latest retreat, Zeer noticed a trend of participants experiencing and seeking relief from anxiety.
  • CBD’s Role: CBD topicals are highlighted for their effectiveness in providing relief from pain and anxiety, surpassing other topical treatments according to spa professionals and massage therapists interviewed.

Changing Perceptions of Cannabis:

  • Public Awareness and Maturity: The public in Colorado, an early adopter of cannabis legalization, is becoming more sophisticated in their understanding and use of cannabis, including CBD.
  • Cultural Shift in Colorado: Zeer notes that Coloradans are moving past the novelty of dispensaries and are now more focused on the practical benefits of cannabis products.

Local Implementation at Spas:

  • Application in Local Spas: Massage therapist Lisa Howie offers wellness sessions at Fahrenheit Body Spas in Basalt, Colorado, where CBD is utilized either as a spot treatment or in full-body massages.
  • Photographic Documentation: The services and environment are captured in a photo by Michael Hefferon, illustrating the serene and therapeutic setting.

So, why don’t people just get a massage, which has been shown through research to provide relaxation and pain relief? According to the massage therapists and spa professionals who spoke to MASSAGE Magazine for this article, CBD topicals provide a level of relief from pain and anxiety that other topicals might not.

How Do Cannabis-Infused Massages Benefit the Body?

Core Benefits of Cannabis in Massage Therapy:

  • Pain Relief and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Cannabis, known for its THC and CBD components, offers pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial in massage therapy.
  • Improved Massage Experience: These properties can improve the overall experience, making massages more enjoyable and therapeutic.

Application and Options at Fahrenheit Body Spas:

  • Spot Treatments and Full-body Massages: At Fahrenheit Body Spas in Basalt, Colorado, clients can choose CBD as a spot treatment for a $10 fee, or enjoy a full-body massage with CBD-infused oil for an additional $30.
  • Benefits as Described by Spa Co-Owner: Brian Frisselle notes that using CBD improves the benefits of a massage, providing additional pain relief and relaxation, thus elevating the client’s enjoyment.

Expert Insights on CBD’s Effects:

  • Direct Absorption Through Skin: Cameron Leibin from Native Roots explains that CBD is absorbed through the skin, allowing it to reduce pain and inflammation effectively.
  • Supporting Muscle and Ligament Recovery: The use of hemp-based CBD lotions or salves during massages can aid in managing pain and recovering from muscle and ligament injuries.
  • Promotion of Better Sleep: The anti-inflammatory properties also contribute to improved sleep, adding another layer of benefit for clients.

Combining Traditional Techniques:

Considerations for Licensed Massage Therapist:

  • Experiences of Massage Therapists: Therapists like Zeer report no adverse effects from administering CBD or THC massages, often feeling more relaxed and experiencing less pain in their hands.
  • Managing Exposure: Fahrenheit Spa has implemented policies allowing therapists to limit their number of CBD massage sessions if they feel too groggy or tired, assuring their well-being.

What Sets Cannabis Massages Apart for Clients?

Many clients at LoDo Massage enjoy using cannabis-infused lotion during their massages, showing a clear preference among our guests. This choice comes from the great satisfaction they experience, with many mentioning that it helps them feel better and more relaxed. So, what is it about these topical cannabis massages that people find so appealing?

  • Pain Relief and Improved Relaxation: Many clients who choose cannabis massages often say they feel great relief from pain. This treatment goes beyond just easing small aches; it is especially helpful for those dealing with chronic pain. Massage therapists have noticed that clients tend to relax more easily during these sessions than with regular massages. This ability to relax is fundamental for a successful therapy experience, making cannabis-infused massages a unique and wonderful option.
  • Improved Sleep Quality: Many clients have shared that they enjoy better sleep after a cannabis massage. This is great news, especially for those who struggle with sleep issues. It really highlights the value of this therapy. The special qualities of cannabis lotions help relax both the mind and body, making it easier to drift off into a peaceful sleep.
  • Deep Tissue Benefits Without Discomfort: Cannabis lotions do more than just relax the surface; they help massage therapists apply deeper pressure in a gentle way. This means you enjoy more effective deep tissue work without feeling discomfort or soreness afterward. It’s a great option for relieving tightness and tension!
  • Repeat Business and Client Loyalty: Clients love their experiences at LoDo Massage, which leads to many of them coming back for more. The special warming effect of our cannabis-infused lotions makes each massage even better. This unique touch helps create great memories so clients feel happy to visit us again.
  • Therapist Benefits: Many massage therapists find that using cannabis lotions has helped them personally. They say these lotions put less strain on their hands while they work. This leads to better massages as therapists continue working longer and more comfortably.
  • Stress Reduction: In our busy lives today, finding ways to reduce stress is really important. Many people find that cannabis massages help them relax and feel less stressed. These treatments offer a nice break from everyday pressures and support our mental well-being.

LoDo Massage invites you to explore their cannabis-infused massages! These treatments provide a gentle and effective way to manage pain, relax, and relieve stress. Many of their clients appreciate the soothing qualities of our specially formulated lotions and the expertise of talented therapists. Join them and discover the wonderful benefits for yourself.

How Can Massage Therapists Check the Quality of CBD Products?

With so many CBD topicals flooding the market, how can a massage therapist know what to use?

Zeer said he has tried virtually every CBD topical in order to find just a couple that he feels confident in.

“It’s a Wild West as far as product quality,” he said. “I’m finding a broad range of products. Heavy research and due diligence is a gift [to clients].” Then, he added, massage therapists can also make more money by selling trusted CBD products to clients for self-care.

“I think the key is to be very up-front and tell clients what product you have available,” Zeer said “I think just communication is the key. If people don’t want [CBD], great. The massage is fabulous. But if people are open to trying it, that’s great too.”

Adding to the assurance of quality and transparency, it’s important to note that most users typically well-tolerate CBD. This general tolerability makes it a possible option for a wide range of clients seeking relief without the fear of negative reactions.

Frisselle said adding CBD to massage is an obvious choice.

“It increases your revenue, and it makes sense because from a therapist standpoint they want their client walking away as happy as possible with what they’ve experienced—and CBD is going to increase the chances of that.”

Karen Menehan is MASSAGE Magazine‘s editor-in-chief. She also wrote “The MT’s Guide to Marijuana and Massage.”

Conclusion

Exploring the therapeutic potential of cannabis-infused massages reveals a promising avenue for increasing physical and mental well-being. Whether it’s the deep tissue relaxation, pain relief, or stress reduction, the integration of CBD oil and cannabis creams in massage therapy can offer a transformative experience. With the increasing acceptance and popularity of these treatments, it’s important to consider the implications, including legal considerations and health benefits.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis-Infused Massages

What are the primary benefits of cannabis-infused massages?

Cannabis-infused massages combine the relaxation techniques of traditional massages such as Swedish massage and deep tissue massage with the pain killing properties and stress relief benefits of cannabis creams and CBD oil. Clients often report improved pain management, reduced tension, and a unique ability to alleviate sleep disorders.

How does cannabis cream differ from CBD oil in massages?

While both CBD oil and cannabis cream are used to target pain relief and inflammation in the body, cannabis cream is typically more focused on local areas and may include additional compounds from the cannabis plant. CBD oil can be used both topically and orally, providing broader systemic effects, particularly useful for stress relief and improving blood pressure.

Can cannabis-infused massages affect a drug test?

Topical applications of cannabis products like creams and oils generally do not enter the bloodstream in large enough amounts to be detected in a drug test. However, if you are concerned about drug testing and the implications of topical cannabinoids, it is best to consult with your healthcare provider or the testing administrator.

Are cannabis-infused products used in massages considered a controlled substance?

The legal status of cannabis products can vary by location. CBD oil derived from hemp with less than 0.3% THC is federally legal in many places, but cannabis cream containing higher levels of THC may still be considered a controlled substance in some areas. It is important to understand the regulations in your region and how cannabis acts are enforced locally.

How does cannabis improve the effects of deep tissue massage?

Cannabis has properties that help relax the human body, which can be particularly beneficial during a deep tissue massage. By reducing underlying inflammation and easing muscle tension, cannabis products allow massage therapists to work more deeply without causing additional pain or discomfort to the client.

What should I know before booking a cannabis-infused massage for stress relief?

Understand how topical cannabis business operates, including what types of cannabis products they offer. Verify the quality and origin of the cannabis cream or CBD oil used, making sure they are suitable for your needs, especially if you have specific health concerns like high blood pressure or are prone to sleep disorders.

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