Is your spa offering a CBD massage? Are you curious about CBD usage in the spa? I recently attended a CBD Summit put on by American Spa. CBD treatments are really a big trend in the spa industry and I really wanted to get the scoop on CBD treatments: from CBD massages to CBD pedicures. So, I got all the deets at this summit, straight from spa professionals. I compiled them for you so you can “Know Before You Go”. “Know Before You Go” is a resource on Love to Spa with information, FAQ’s and things to consider before you book or have a treatment. CBD is the first in the “Know Before you Go” series
A quick disclaimer: It goes without saying that I am a spa expert, and not a medical expert. The information and other content provided in this blog, or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or common sense because of something you have read on this blog or in any linked materials. See disclaimers and other policies here.
CBD Massage FAQ’s
The first two questions are a little bit more science, if that’s not your thing, you can jump down to the other questions.
What is CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, which is a phytocannabinoid. There are about 113 different cannabinoids that have been isolated from the Cannabis plant, and CBD is one of them.
How does CBD work?
As humans we have what is known as the EndoCannabinoid System, which is a biological system with neurotransmitters that bind to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are expressed through the central nervou system. While this is in preliminary research, thus system may be involved in regulating many physiological and cognitive processes. Two primary endocannabinoid receptors have been identified: CB1 and CB2 (not to be confused with a Crate and Barrel company!)
The theory is that we produced our own cannabinoids which are used in may of the physiological processes. However, specifically as it relates to CBD, since it contains phytocannabinoids, hey interact with these the endocannabinoid system and the CB1 and CB2 receptors to regulate the nervous system and the related physiological and cognitive functions. Essentially, they help to restore the body to balance (homeostasis) after stress.
What are the benefits of CBD?
Right now many of the benefits of CBD are anecdotal only. It is very promising. However, CBD hasn’t been fully studied in the large clinical trials we see for prescription medicine. And the FDA prohibits companies from making unproven health claims. While this research is underway, it is still on going and largely inconclusive. Since CBD hasn’t been fully studied and thus companies can’t make proven health claims, the benefits remain only anecdotal.
One of the most widely researched areas of Cannabis is with respect to Epilepsy and other seizure-like disorders. There is even a cannabis related prescription drug on the market. Other areas most commonly associated with CBD is with respect to pain management.
According to a survey on CBD completed by the Green Spa Network, 81.5% of respondents believe that CBD works because a friend referred them to the product. That same survey found that 80% of respondents use CBD personally. Of those that do:
- 75% use CBD for pain relief and
- 32% use it for depression
- 32%use it for anxiety
These areas gaining more traction with CBD usage, highlight its believed ability to help the nervous system self-regulate. Thus we are hearing more anecdotal benefits of CBD as it relates to inflammation, immunity, mood, stress, cognition, appetite and insulin and other fat and energy metabolism. Of course as it relates to the spa it is both the pain, and nervous-system effects that are most applicable. CBD may promote deeper levels of relaxation. Anecdotally, therapists mention seeing their patients relax faster into the treatment than usual.
For plenty more on the science and benefits of CBD, please see New York Times Magazine article ” Can CBD Really Do All That?”.
What is a CBD Massage or Other CBD Spa Service?
Generally a CBD massage will be an upgrade of an existing standard massager service to include the use of CBD oil. Additional charges usually apply for this oil upgrade. Some spas have incorporated a full CBD Massage which can include a CBD tincture prior to the start of the treatment, or perhaps a cad infused chocolate afterwards. Some may even offer a CBD bath salt to take home to continue the relaxation. Spas are rapidly expanding their CBD offerings to just about every service, including facials and nails services.
Will I get high from a CBD Massage?
No. CBD derived from hemp is naturally low in THC. In fact, hemp has less than 0.3% THC. Therefore there are no psychoactive effects from using CBD products, or eating hemp seeds for that matter.
Marijuana – medical and recreational, come from a different cannabis plant altogether. This plant has a significantly higher THC component and thus is psychoactive.
The confusion is the reference to the term cannabis. But in this case cannabis is the plant family and not a specific plant. There are different types of cannabis plants. Hemp is one type of cannabis plant. As referenced above Marijuana is another. But Hemp is specifically a low-THC plant and thus is not psychoactive.
What is the difference between Topical vs Ingestible CBD Products?
Topical CBD products go on the skin rather than be ingested. Topical CBD products may include: massage oil or body lotion, pain relief creams, balms or salves. CBD may also be in skincare products, such as serums. It may also be in bath salts.
Ingestible CBD is when the CBD extract is incorporated into food or drink products that can be consumed. Some examples of Ingestible products at the spa could include a CBD tea or perhaps CBD infused chocolate.
What is the difference between Full Spectrum vs Isolate?
Isolate and Full-Spectrum refers to whether the product is includes THC or not. As mentioned above, a Hemp plant, which CBD is sourced from, naturally includes 0.3% THC in it. A Full-Spectrum product includes all the cannabinoids and the low levels of THC (remember 0.3% or less). Whereas and isolate product is where the CBD has been further processed to extract only CB2 cannabinoids, and eliminate the THC all-together. Full-Spectrum or Isolate does not have an impact on psychoactive-ness of the product, since the levels of Full-Spectrum THC are not psychoactive anyway.
What is the difference between pure CBD and other actives?
Pure CBD can be Full-Spectrum or Isolate. It simply means that the product is pure CBD essential oil extract. It may only include another carrier type of oil in need be. Other actives, are when other ingredients besides are carrier oil are added to work with the CBD properties. In pain relief creams this may included active ingredients like lidocaine or camphor.
What are the side effects of CBD?
As previously stated, there are no psychoactive effects with CBD, and there are not any instances of topical CBD breaking the blood barrier. However, our response to CBD is highly individualized. Individuals may have different tolerances and different reactions to the CBD oil. Any concerns can be facilitated through a discussion with your massage therapist.
But it is important to keep in mind that even a past experience with CBD massage may vary from future experiences, because again the concentration or composition (isolate or full-spectrum) can vary from product to product and spa to spa. Furthering adding to that is quality can vary from product to product. So just because you didn’t have a reaction one time, doesn’t mean that you might not have a reaction this time. Again I am not speaking of any psychoactive reactions. I am merely referring to reactions such as tiredness, changes in appetite, etc.
IS CBD legal?
Hemp is legal in the United States. However, FDA regulations still apply to Hemp and hemp-derived CBD. For instance. Hemp CBD is legal to sell as a cosmetics ingredient. However, because CBD is an active ingredient in a FDA-approved drug, it cannot be sold under FEDERAL law as an ingredient in food or as a dietary supplement. the legal ability to sell hemp, does not make CBD legal. Rather, the legality of CBD is really driven at the state laws with respect to recreational or medicinal marijuana usage. Generally speaking, this is going to vary from state to state. If Medical marijuana is approved in a state, then generally speaking, CBD is usually legal and available.
Generally speaking, where CBD is legal, CBD massages are legal. But each state can outline their own laws. Additional requirements and restrictions may apply, such as whether the spa is within so many feet of a school, etc.
How do I find out if my spa offers CBD massage or other services?
If you know you are in a state where CBD is legal, or you are traveling to a state where you know it is, but don’t see any CBD treatments on the menu, it is usually best to call. I am an online booker, and I didn’t realize a lot of spas don’t post their CBD services online. I have missed CBD offerings at spas when booking online. The CBD treatments tend to get promoted offline, on the spa premises. This is do to some current challenges between federal and state laws. Until that is resolved, it may be best to just call the spa directly and ask.
If you have other spa-related CBD questions, please submit them via the comments below. Frequently asked questions will then get added and updated to this post.
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