Sponsored by Massage Study Buddy
As more states welcome the green wave, massage therapists are discovering exciting opportunities at the crossroads of relaxation and regulation. Sponsored by Massage Study Buddy, “The MT’s Guide to Marijuana and Massage” explores an emerging trend: blending CBD and THC products into therapeutic practices.
If you’re curious about how cannabis massage boosts massage therapy, you’re in the right place! This guide will help you understand the friendly world of CBD oil-infused lotions and THC salves. We’ll cover the legal details, practical tips, and therapeutic benefits of using cannabis products in your massage practice. From cozy massage studios to the different laws in each state, we’ll explore the exciting possibilities of combining marijuana and massage. Our goal is to empower therapists to approach this new trend with confidence and care. Join us on this journey!
Marijuana is big news—and big money.
Many states have passed laws that allow people to use CBD oil or extract, primarily in oil form. 24 states have legalized recreational marijuana, while 39 states have legalized medical marijuana.
In just six states—Idaho, South Dakota, West Virginia, Nebraska, Kansas, and Indiana—all forms of cannabis are illegal. In states where marijuana is illegal, massage therapists almost certainly cannot buy or use THC-infused products.
The growth of marijuana and hemp, along with the production of health-related products from them, is thriving like never before. A growing number of people are embracing the potential health benefits of cannabis topicals, such as salves and massage oils.
What does this mean for massage therapists curious about products that contain CBD or THC? Here, MASSAGE Magazine tackles the eight most important questions about the use of this growing trend.
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.
- Cannibidiol: 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.
As a medical marijuana patient, you have the option to explore a variety of products. You can find marijuana in bud form, with fun strain names like Headband, Jack Flash, and Buddha’s Sister. Additionally, many dispensaries offer tasty treats like THC or CBD-infused chocolate bars, elixirs, tinctures, and hard candies. You’ll also discover a range of marijuana-derived topical products to choose from. Enjoy your journey in finding the right options for your needs!
Cannabis Topicals and Massage
Cannabis-infused massage oils provide local effects when applied topically. These products are typically non-psychoactive, allowing therapists to use them to address specific areas of discomfort without affecting the client’s mental state.
The category of cannabis massage oils, which includes a variety of CBD-infused salves, creams, essential oils, and patches, offers exciting possibilities for relaxation and pain relief. This is where the benefits of marijuana meet the soothing effects of massage.
For massage therapists who specialize in techniques like Swedish massage, incorporating cannabis massage oils can elevate the relaxing experience for clients while addressing localized pain and inflammation.
Cannabis-infused massage oil can help relax sore muscles by increasing blood flow. Enhanced blood flow to the targeted area supports physiologic functions and promotes overall relaxation. These oils are especially useful in addressing chronic pain and inflammation.
MASSAGE Magazine chatted with experts from across the U.S. to explore important questions that massage therapists have about using marijuana in their practice. We looked at the differences between hemp-derived and marijuana-derived CBD products, how cannabis helps relieve pain, and what effects these products might have on therapists who use them. We also discussed the legal aspects and the latest research in this area.
1. Does every type of massage-related CBD product contain the same marijuana-derived ingredients?
While it’s true that some salves, creams, lotions, oils, sprays, and patches available today include hemp-derived CBD, it’s important to note that these typically have a very small amount of THC—no more than 0.3 percent. Some products use marijuana-derived CBD, containing a higher THC content, sometimes reaching up to 25 percent in dried marijuana buds. Understanding the differences will help you make informed choices about what might work best for you.
Both CBD and THC are compounds within plants of the genus Cannabis—which includes both hemp and marijuana. CBD oil derived from hemp does not affect the high commonly associated with marijuana, according to several sources. CBD oil derived from marijuana contains an appreciable amount of THC, the same compound that gets people high or stoned when they smoke a joint.
2. What is the mechanism by which CBD and THC might affect pain relief?
Both CBD and THC are called endocannabinoids, and both act as ligands—or chemicals that bind to receptors—at cannabinoid receptors within the central nervous system, according to the article, “The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain,” posted on the National Institutes of Health’s website. The human body has an endocannabinoid system that plays a big role in many important functions. It helps regulate pain and inflammation, among other things, as the article mentioned.
The presence of inflammation can stimulate a neural response that sends a pain signal to the brain. By modulating this response, cannabis-infused massage oils can alleviate discomfort.
Jean Talleyrand, M.D., is the founder of MediCann, which operates complementary healthcare clinics that offer massage, medical cannabis consultations, and more throughout California. In an interview with MASSAGE Magazine, Talleyrand explained that both THC and CBD stop pain through the endocannabinoid system.
“This system consists of at least two receptors, termed CB1 and CB2 … the receptors are in every organ, including the skin, and typically found on nerve cells and immune cells in these organs,” he said.
The [endocannabinoid] system modulates inflammation and pain, said Talleyrand—and because inflammation may also cause pain, the system affects pain in two ways.
First, THC directly binds to both CB1 and CB2 receptors and so directly influences pain, while CBD binds to a TRPV1 receptor. Talleyrand said that the TRPV1 receptor has, in turn, a positive influence on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, which is how CBD indirectly mitigates pain.
Additionally, he said, “TRPV1 is directly related to pain transmission, and thus CBD may influence pain in this direct fashion as well—and that is why CBD is considered the more anti-pain compound of the two cannabinoids.”
Osteopath Dustin Sulak, D.O., who treats patients with cannabis at his Maine Integrative Healthcare clinic in Manchester, Maine, told MASSAGE Magazine that both THC-containing and almost-THC-free CBD have many anti-inflammatory effects that decrease pain, “mostly by preventing the release of inflammatory signals from B and T immune cells, and in animal studies [have] been shown to prevent the development of hyperalgesia, or abnormally increased pain signaling at the site of an injury.”
CBD has also recently been shown in animal studies to speed the healing of injured connective tissue and also has numerous anti-anxiety mechanisms, which indirectly influence pain and pain behavior, Sulak added.
3. Would a massage therapist who applies a CBD- or THC-infused product with his or her bare hands get high from doing so?
This is possible but not likely, according to Talleyrand, who said the THC and CBD oil applied in massages is unlikely to raise blood levels enough to cause a high.
“Patients who receive THC or CBD massages only report the high from relaxation, [which is] different from the high of [ingesting] THC,” he said.
While THC and CBD are absorbed through the skin, it’s important for massage therapists to be aware that using a topical product with THC might lead to some psychoactive effects. It’s a good idea for therapists to consider this when choosing products; it helps create a safe and comfortable experience for everyone involved, according to Sulak.
“It all depends on the dose,” he said. “If a very potent oil is used over a large surface area, some psychoactive effects will likely occur, but typically, the dose and potency needed to produce local benefits like pain relief and muscle relaxation can be achieved at potencies that will not cause either the therapist or client to get high.”
The key to staying sober when using cannabis oil, said Sulak, is to stay in the 1-to-2 milligrams per milliliter potency. “This will typically be a light green or amber coconut oil that has cannabis extract or whole herb infused into it,” he explained. “Cannabis oil can also refer to a full-strength extract, which is very sticky and usually has a potency of 500 milligrams per milliliter or more—not a good idea to try this for massage.”
4. Is it legal for massage therapists to use marijuana- and hemp-derived topical products?
It depends on where the massage therapist practices and on the type of topical product he or she intends to use.
In states where marijuana is illegal, massage therapists almost certainly cannot buy or use THC-infused products. However, cannabis topicals derived from hemp are widely available and may contain less than 0.3% THC, making them compliant in many states.
It’s great to see interest in THC-containing products! Since the laws about marijuana vary for medical and recreational use, it’s important for massage therapists to check the specific regulations in their state. In some places, there may not be clear rules about topicals. Taking the time to gather this information will help make sure that everyone stays informed and compliant.
In Colorado, where marijuana is legal for both medical and recreational use, many massage therapists and day spas are embracing the benefits of cannabis. For instance, the Mile High Massage at Denver’s LoDo Massage Studio is a popular choice among visitors. Meanwhile, in Alaska, where recreational marijuana became legal in 2016, the regulations for using cannabis topically are still being worked out. It’s exciting to see how different states are exploring this trend!
Michael Hayes, the president of the Care By Design Guild, which manufactures CBD sprays, oil, and other products, said a person working in a state where marijuana is illegal “almost certainly cannot buy or use THC-infused products.”
More information about the legality of forms of marijuana-derived products may be found at the websites of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws and Governing—and, again, the best source of information on a state’s laws is each state’s government.
5. Has research been conducted that supports claims made by companies that sell marijuana- and hemp-derived massage products?
No. Some researchers have begun looking at the effects of endocannabinoids, but there is no solid body of evidence yet.
A search of the U.S. National Library of Medicine‘s database turned up little in the way of cannabis research, and most of it is on the ingestion of CBD products for medical conditions, including chemotherapy and AIDS-related nausea, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis.
The database search did bring back the article “Cannabidiol: Promise and Pitfalls,” which noted, “Over the centuries, a number of medicinal preparations derived from C. sativa have been employed for a variety of disorders, including gout, rheumatism, malaria, pain, and fever.” These preparations were widely employed as analgesics by Western medical practitioners in the 19th century.”
According to one source, the nonprofit Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids will soon conduct a study on applied cannabis oil.
Until evidence builds, the exact pain-relieving effects and the mechanism by which marijuana- and hemp-derived topical products may relieve pain are unknown.
“Very few studies have been conducted regarding the efficacy of topical cannabis creams, and the vast majority of claims praising their medical performance are purely anecdotal,” Jordan Tishler, M.D., a medical marijuana doctor in Cambridge, Massachusetts, told MASSAGE Magazine. “These claims, while outwardly logical, are simply not supported by any sort of robust or conclusive body of medical literature.”
Many patients, doctors, and healthcare professionals are already exploring the benefits of THC and CBD products. They are using these products in different forms, such as oils, salves, creams, and patches, while research continues to develop.
Shah, who sells CBD Salve, said she was teaching a massage class recently, and one student was experiencing the pain of fibromyalgia at a level 7. “She used the salve and almost immediately went down to a 0,” Shah said. “[The salve] helps reduce pain immediately if the pain is muscular in nature.”
And Sulak said that in New England clinics, where he and colleagues treat more than 18,000 patients with cannabis, there have been “numerous” reports of topical cannabinoids working wonders for arthritic joints, tender points, muscle spasms, phantom limb pain, peripheral neuropathy, and inflammatory skin conditions—and we almost never hear any reports of adverse effects associated with its use.
6. What is the New DEA Code for Extract?
Cannabidiol (CBD) personal-care products include topical products such as patches, salves, and oils intended for pain relief and are created from hemp, a cousin to marijuana. Massage therapists, chiropractors, and the general public have embraced these products.
Now, many in the cannabis industry are scrambling to interpret a new rule issued by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on Dec. 14 titled “Establishment of New Drug Code for Marihuana Extract”—and to determine if it could affect manufacturers and distributors of hemp-derived products. The rule took effect Jan 13, 2017.
The recent changes have sparked a lot of media coverage and some concern among hemp advocates and legal professionals about the potential impact on the CBD industry. It’s important to stay calm and focus on understanding how this new code might affect us all. Let’s work together to clarify any confusion and explore the opportunities ahead.
It seems to come down to whether a CBD product is ingested or applied topically.
DEA Spokesperson Russ Baer shared with MASSAGE Magazine that CBD lotions, topical ointments, and patches are not subject to regulations under the Controlled Substances Act. But, he noted that edible hemp-derived products do fall under those controls. This clarification helps us understand the different rules that apply to different CBD products.
The plants in the Cannabis family include both hemp and marijuana. Industrial hemp has very low THC levels, specifically less than 0.3 percent. This means that CBD oil made from hemp seeds won’t cause the high that people often connect with marijuana. On the other hand, CBD oil from marijuana seeds does contain a notable amount of THC.
CBD Law At a Glance
- Topical products derived from cannabis are used by many people to effect pain relief.
- The DEA has issued a new rule that established a drug code for extracts of all forms of cannabis, which includes hemp-derived extracts.
- Hemp has less than 0.3 percent THC and doesn’t get people high like marijuana does.
- In some states, the cultivation and distribution of hemp-derived products is legal. In other states, it is not.
7. Will There be New DEA Action?
According to the Office of the Federal Register, a new Administration Controlled Substances Code Number was created for marijuana extract to allow better quantities of extract material to be tracked apart from quantities of marijuana and, therefore, help in complying with international drug control treaties.
The DEA has recently updated the Code of Federal Regulations on food and drugs. They added a new subparagraph that introduces code 7350, which addresses CBD extracts. Before, the DEA used code 7360 for marijuana and its derivatives. Some advocates for cannabis believe this change shows that the DEA is paying closer attention to the distribution of hemp products across state lines. However, Baer from the DEA explained that this update is mainly a way to keep things organized and to better represent the activities involved in scientific research.
“Some attorneys are interpreting it as ‘This is DEA sending up a red flag’ regarding whether it’s legal to move hemp across state lines or not,” Deputy Director of the National Cannabis Industry Association Taylor West told MASSAGE Magazine.
West mentioned that this rule might mean some distributors of hemp-derived products could unintentionally be breaking federal law when they ship items across state lines. However, it’s also unclear if all those distributors were fully in compliance with federal law before this change.
“Certainly, lots of people have made that case [for compliance], but I would not consider that to be a 100-percent accepted theory,” West said.
What is known is that in the 24 states that are in compliance with Section 7606 of the federal Farm Bill, it is legal to grow and distribute hemp because that section “defines hemp as distinct from marijuana and does not treat it as a controlled substance when grown under a compliant state program,” according to a Dec. 14 press release published the Hemp Industries Association.
8. Why is There a Lack of Clarity?
Despite laws on the books pertaining specifically to hemp products, there has been a lack of clarity among the public, the media, and even hemp advocates about whether hemp-derived CBD products fall under the Controlled Substances Act that lists marijuana as a Schedule I drug—a class that also includes LSD and heroin; therefore, many companies have operated under the belief that hemp-derived CBD products were not under the Controlled Substances Act, West added, “and they have been moving products across state lines and selling them in non regulated areas.”
However, the Industrial Hemp Facts published by the Kentucky Department of Agriculture—Kentucky being one of the states that is in compliance with Section 7606 of the federal Farm Bill—reads, “Under the current U.S. drug policy, all cannabis varieties, including hemp, are considered Schedule I controlled substances under the Controlled Substances Act.”
In recent years, different government bodies have recognized the differences between hemp and marijuana. They have taken steps to create laws that reflect these differences.
In California, for example, the California Industrial Hemp Farming Act passed in 2013 revised the definition of marijuana to exclude industrial hemp and defined industrial hemp as a “fiber or oilseed crop, or both,” that contains less than 0.3 percent of THC, and that is intended to be used for fiber or oil derived from the stalks or seeds.
Then, in 2014, President Obama signed into law the Farm Bill of 2013, which included an amendment to legalize hemp cultivation for research-related purposes.
Yet, just as medical- and recreational marijuana laws change from state to state, so too do laws applying to the cultivation of hemp. While some states have approved hemp cultivation laws, in 20 states and the District of Columbia, cultivation of hemp is illegal.
One thing is clear: As a growing number of U.S. states legalize marijuana for medical or recreational use, the number of people in the general population who are turning to marijuana and its more sedate cousin, hemp, is growing as well.
Even with the lack of consistent regulation, CBD products are big business. According to the Hemp Business Journal CBD Report, by the year 2020, the CBD market will increase by 30 percent to $2.1 billion, with $450 million of that derived from hemp-based sources.
Understand the Law
Massage therapists who want to use CBD- or THC-infused topical products for pain relief should first learn about their state laws. It’s important to consider if these products will truly benefit their clients and their practice. Many people are becoming more aware of the health benefits that come from both marijuana- and hemp-derived topical products. By staying informed, therapists can make the best choices for their clients.
Embracing the Future with Confidence
As we look at the changing role of cannabis in massage therapy, we see both exciting opportunities and some challenges. The legal status of marijuana and hemp products is always evolving, so it’s important for massage therapists to stay informed and compliant. This knowledge helps us provide safe and effective treatments.
Cannabis massage oils can stimulate blood flow to the applied areas, further supporting relaxation and promoting healing. The therapeutic benefits of CBD and THC in massage are very promising, offering clients new ways to find pain relief and relaxation.
About the Author
Karen Menehan is MASSAGE Magazine‘s editor-in-chief. She has also served as MASSAGE Magazine‘s editorial assistant, managing editor, and editor. Menehan has reported and edited for additional publications and organizations, including Imagine Magazine, the Sacramento Bee newspaper, and the LIVESTRONG Foundation.
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