Benefits and Uses for CBD and THC Topicals in Massage

Yes, I’m jumping on the THC/CBD bandwagon and per usual, I am late in the game as far as trends go. I’ve done my research and have experienced on myself and clients and feel confident in saying that this fad might just be here to stay! As I’m starting to offer CBD and THC/CBD creams to my clients, I thought it might be a good idea to explain why I feel these products can be beneficial and a complimentary experience to massage. About a year ago, I was gifted a very high-quality CBD topical cream by a friend who uses it regularly to soothe her muscular aches and pains and after trying it myself, I could tell a big difference in the alleviation the soreness I experience from farm work (Farm? Yup, two jobs!) and massage. I had been using liquid ingestible CBD for a while already for the occasional bout of insomnia and anxiety, so I knew it was helpful in these cases and had no hesitation applying it to my skin for acute muscle aches.

Then a client introduced me to a cream that has THC in it as well as CBD and at first, I declined to use it on her as I wasn’t sure if the product would get me “high” by going through the skin on my hands and into my bloodstream. I was picturing myself becoming buzzed, then rapidly digressing into paranoia, and needing to lie down in my client’s guestroom for hours while I waited out the high. Not exactly professional.

Instead, I asked her if I could research it and if I found it safe to use, I’d definitely use it on her next time. I did my research and found that THC topical creams do not enter the bloodstream, have the ability to get you high, or show up in a urine test (if this is something you need to consider). So I put aside my fears of becoming intoxicated and losing my shit during her massage and we have been using it during her weekly massages ever since with excellent results and I receive the additional benefit of the cream on my money makers (aka my hands).

So at the ripe age of 47, I decided to venture into a local dispensary for the first time ever (I know, how long has pot been legal in Colorado??) to purchase my very own bottle of high-quality THC/CBD cream to offer to my clients. It is the same brand I had been using on my client, so I know it is high potency and works very well at relieving aches and pains. It’s called Escape Artists Relief Cream 300 mg CBD/300 mg THC in a 2 oz. jar. I also purchased a lower dosage THC/CBD “icy-hot” type of topical to offer as well.

I also received a brand-new container of 500 mg CBD balm from a friend, it is made Colorado local, by another massage therapist, with all organic ingredients and smells of cedarwood and cardamom, so good!

So now that I am well stocked with choices, I can’t wait to start using these helpful products on my clients. I will be very conscious of not cross contaminating the creams by using clean popsicle sticks and never “double-dipping” because that’s just plain gross.

So what benefits do these products offer? THC and CBD can bind to our CB2 peripheral nervous system cannabinoid receptors on the surface of our skin. This allows stimulation to the nerves with an almost immediate and localized reaction that can reduce inflammation and pain associated with peripheral neuropathy, arthritis, and reduce muscle tension, anxiety, menstrual cramps, headaches and migraines. I myself, was incredibly impressed at how quickly the cream alleviated my neck tension and cramps this past week and I was able to avoid taking ibuprofen which a ginormous plus for me.

Why a blend of CBD and THC? It’s called the “entourage effect”, the synergistic compounds in CBD and THC work together for maximum benefit. CBD on its own is thought to have anti-inflammatory properties and when used in massage can help with soreness and quicker recovery from a deep-tissue massage. So, these qualities together, I believe, makes for a perfect addition to any massage session.

I will be offering these creams as an add-on to my services and since the THC/CBD cream is pretty pricey it will be a bit more of a charge than the pure CBD balm. However, if you have these creams and would like me to use them on you, I’d be more than happy to, no charge of course. I’m looking forward to providing my clients with the most options for their specialized and unique needs and will be continuing expanding my knowledge and training in the new year!

Cheers to Happy and Healthy 2023!