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Benefits and Information about Cannabis Topicals

Topicals are the safest way to use Cannabis
(full article: PotGuide)

One of the easiest ways to utilize Cannabis is through topical application. Topicals are creams, lotions, and oils that have been infused with the essence of the Cannabis flower, much like using various essential oils. The topicals are applied to the skin, and are not absorbed into the bloodstream, so they do not produce the typical "high" associated with smoking or ingesting Cannabis products. 

A study published by the U.S. National Library of Medicine (see the study here) found both CB1 and CB2 receptors are located in many areas of human skin, including hair follicles, sweat glands and nerve fiber bundles. This finding implies that the chemical compounds found in cannabis can directly affect these receptors without requiring a passage through the blood/brain barrier, thus keeping the user from feeling "stoned".

What the heck is a Cannabinoid, and why is it important?

(image credit: greenly.me)
Cannabinoid Is a key ingredient to Cannabis
CBD is one of over 60 compounds found in cannabis that belong to a class of molecules called cannabinoids. Of these compounds, CBD and THC are usually present in the highest concentrations, and are therefore the most recognized and studied.
CBD and THC levels tend to vary among different plants. Marijuana grown for recreational purposes often contains more THC than CBD.
However, by using selective breeding techniques, cannabis breeders have managed to create varieties with high levels of CBD and next to zero levels of THC. These strains are rare (in Marijuana) but have become more popular in recent years.
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CBD has a wide range of medical benefits
Although CBD and THC act on different pathways of the body, they seem to have many of the same medical benefits. According to a 2013 review published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, studies have found CBD to possess the following medical properties:
Medical Properties of CBD
  • Anti-emetic​
  • Anti-convulsant
  • Anti-psychotic
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-oxidant
  • Anti-tumoral/Anti-cancer
  • Anxiolytic/Anti-depressant
Effects
  • Reduces nausea and vomiting
  • Suppresses seizure activity
  • Combats psychosis disorders
  • Combats inflammatory disorders
  • Combats neurodegenerative disorders
  • Combats tumor and cancer cells
  • Combats anxiety and depression disorders
CBD is non-psychoactive
​Unlike THC, CBD does not cause a high. While this makes CBD a poor choice for recreational Marijuana users, it gives the chemical a significant advantage as a medicine, since health professionals prefer treatments with minimal side effects.
CBD is non-psychoactive because it does not act on the same pathways as THC. These pathways, called CB1 receptors, are highly concentrated in the brain and are responsible for the mind-altering effects of THC.
A 2011 review published in Current Drug Safety concludes that CBD “does not interfere with several psychomotor and psychological functions.” The authors add that several studies suggest that CBD is “well tolerated and safe” even at high doses.
CBD reduces the negative effects of THC
CBD seems to offer natural protection against the marijuana high. Numerous studies suggest that CBD acts to reduce the intoxicating effects of THC, such as memory impairment and paranoia.
CBD also appears to counteract the sleep-inducing effects of THC, which may explain why some strains of cannabis are known to increase alertness.
Both CBD and THC have been found to present no risk of lethal overdose. However, to reduce potential side effects, medical users may be better off using cannabis with higher levels of CBD.


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(credit: leafscience.com)

Burn Treatment

There are many reports of people using cannabis topically to treat burns. There are several studies where a car exhaust burn was treated with 1/2 cannabis cream, and 1/2 burn ointment. After only a few days, the side treated with cannabis was showing significantly more healing compared to the other side.

Treatment for Skin Infections

There are many types of skin infections that seem to improve with cannabis. The most common skin infections, eczema and psoriasis, seem to benefit most from the anti-inflammatory properties of the CBD and THC contained in the cannabis plant.
Cannabinoid Benefits
Click to enlarge
​(image credit: growtheherb.com)
FAQ credit: PotGuide

Pain Management

The same compounds that help with inflammation, CBD and THC, also have significant pain relieving qualities. Studies with rheumatoid arthritis patients, have shown promising results with releiving pain within the joint, as well as reducing the inflammation and swelling associated with this condition.

Anti-Inflammatory

Swollen joints are painful, and can greatly reduce one's over-all quality of life.  One of marijuana’s oldest recorded uses is relieving swelling & inflammation. After applying cannabis infused topicals to the affected areas, many users have experienced less pain throughout the day and an easier time sleeping at night.

Improves Skin Health

Unlike smoking cannabis (which produces carcinogens and damages skin) applying cannabis topically can actually improve the health of your skin, resulting in improved elasticity, reduced acne and more youthful-looking skin. Also, many users have reported increased blood flow through the skin, as well as faster healing of small cuts, scrapes and bruising.

What do the terms Indica or Sativa mean and how are they different?

When shopping for new buds, everything you see will be labeled indica, sativa or hybrid.

You need to know how you’ll react to each one to make an informed decision.

If you’re looking for a quick answer, cannabis Indica is more of a sedating high, while cannabis sativa is more uplifting/energizing.

Or, so we're told.

​But then you have experts like, Jeffrey Raber P.h.d, that claim the difference between indica and sativa is simply morphology, and that there is no difference in the highs.

Well, which one is it?

​Do the fancy names and classifications matter?
Let’s take a look at indica vs sativa vs hybrid to find out.
What Is Indica?

​Indica plants are use to growing in much harsher environments than their sativa counterparts.
Having to adapt to the cold and turbulent conditions of the kush mountain regions, indica evolved to be dense, short and stubby.
They also evolved to produce thick THC resin to help protect itself from its environment.
Indicas also naturally have high levels of CBD, making them a favorite of many looking for a pain-killing cannabis strain.
What Is Sativa?

​The scraggly cousin of indica, sativa, is different from indica, not only in appearance but also in the effects it has on your body, its THC to CBD ratios and other cannabinoids such as terpenes.
Sativa is often paired with coffee thanks to its naturally uplifting properties.
The plants grow to be tall and lean with leaves that have a thinner face, very much unlike the typical indica marijuana leaf you see plastered all over bongs and grinders at festivals.
Read the full article here: Indica vs. Sativa: What are the Differences?
(credit: THCDose.com | Tony Hand Jr.)

Cannabis Massage FAQ

  • Will I get high?
    • ​No! First, because we use 100% Hemp Cannabis which contains less than .01% THC, and second, because massage topicals are not absorbed into the blood so there is no "high" associated with use. FYI: any topical product labeled as "transdermal" WILL enter the blood stream. MSMW does not use any topical with this type of absorption.
  • What is a Cannabis Massage & how does it work?
    • ​Cannabis Massage is still a typical massage, just using oils/salves/creams/gels that have been infused with flowers from the Cannabis plant- in our case, Hemp Cannabis. Think of the infusion the same as infusing lavender flowers into oil, or strawberries into water- the essence & oils contained in the plant are infused into the carrier oil.
  • Will this show up in a drug test?
    • ​To-date, topical use has not been associated to a failed drug-test. We know that it may be possible when hair follicle testing is used for the screen, however, typical fluid testing has not created a failure to our knowledge.
  • How do I know if a Cannabis massage is right for me?
    • ​Cannabis massage is right for everyone! Since the topical does not enter the blood stream, people that do not normally use cannabis may still enjoy the various benefits. That being said, Cannabis Massage is particularily helpful for people that suffer from chronic pain and inflammation, such as Fibromyalgia, Multiplesclerosis, Arthritis, migraines, recovering skin cancer survivors, and many more!
  • How to I explain this to my boss/friends/family?
    • ​Most of our clients are trying Cannabis topicals for the first time. We know that Cannabis still has some negativity associated to all forms of the plant, and not everyone is open to the experience. It's up to our clients to share their experience with friends and family as they feel comfortable, and we hope the benefits we have found and described on this page are helpful in alleviating any concerns.
  • Where do you get your Cannabis from?
    • ​We source our high-CBD, 100% Hemp Cannabis from local growers right here in Colorado for the highest benefit of CBD pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and relaxation. Again, there is less than .01% THC in our Hemp Cannabis Topicals.
  • Is this legal?
    • ​Yes-Cannabis topical use is legal in Colorado! We do need to abide by the State & City specific laws, which require all of our clients requesting Cannabis to sign a waiver explaining the use of Cannabis Topicals - yes, even for Hemp topicals. Our business IS NOT A DISPENSARY, and we may not store any topicals on-sight in accordance with dispensary licensing and regulations. Each of our topicals are single use only. Please review our detailed client intake form & waiver when requesting a Cannabis service.
  • I'm pregnant - are Cannabis Topicals safe for my baby?
    • ​Currently, the research on Cannabis use (in all forms) during pregnancy is on-going. To-date, there are no direct correlations to fetal developmental problems using Cannabis in smoke/vapor or edible form, and data around Cannabis Topicals during pregnancy is limited to non-existent. We have included links to several promising studies so you may educate yourself with current research. 
    • Our pregnant clients have not reported any negative side-effects post-massage. In fact, they have reported feeling an extra sense of relaxation, and a high degree of joint and muscle pain-relief associated to the changes the body experiences during pregnancy!
    •  If you are uncertain - make an appointment with your doctor to ask questions about Cannabis Topicals and your baby prior to booking a Cannabis service.
    • More about Pregnancy and Cannabis use: Cannabis in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding (Credit: The Elephant Circle), Pregnancy & Medial Marijuana (credit: Patients for Medial Marijuana), Cannabis Topicals: Because your Skin & Sex Life Will Thank You (credit: HERB), and Clearing the Smoke About Marijuana Use During Pregnancy (creditMotherToBaby), Are CBD and Hemp Oil Safe During Pregnancy? (credit:Elixinol)
  • Mountain Serenity Massage & Wellness IS NOT a dispensary. We DO NOT sell any marijuana cannabis products or store any marijuana cannabis products on site, per the rules and regulations of the State of Colorado, and the City of Centennial. Please visit your local dispensary to purchase a marijuana cannabis topical of choice.
  • CBD Infused services are provided using 100% Hemp Cannabis for maximum CBD benefits. There is less than .01% THC in our topicals.
  • Mountain Serenity Massage & Wellness will provide the CBD Topical for all CBD Infused services.