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Topicals are the safest way to use or try Cannabis

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.
**note that this does not apply to any topicals labelled "transdermal".**
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".
Full Article: PotGuide 

The Endocannabinoid System
otherwise known as "why Cannabis is so effective on the Human Body"

Cannabis - Marijuana & Hemp, have been center stage here in Colorado since Cannabis use was legalized in January 2014.Research on marijuana’s effects led directly to the discovery of a previosly unknown biochemical communication system in the human body - the Endocannabinoid System (ECS).

​We now know that this system plays a crucial role in regulating our physiology, mood and day-to-day experience.
Image Credit: Project CBD​
In fact, the ECS is the reason that the Cannabis plants effect the human body in the way that they do. The discovery of the chemical receptors that make up the ECS and how they are activated when using Cannabis has significantly advanced our understanding of human biology, health, and disease.

​Some may be looking for a mind-altering experience, while others are trying to find pain relief, or help sleeping. Cannabis wouldn't have these effects on the body, however, if the this key system - the ECS - was not present. How amazing is THAT?
The ECS is key in maintaining homeostasis in the Human Body - meaning that the ECS helps our bodies stay in chemical balance. There are 3 key pieces of the ECS that appear in all vertebrae species (all species that contain a spine):
  • Cannabinoid receptors found on the surface of cells
  • Endocannabinoids which are small molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors
  • Metabolic enzymes that break down endocannabinoids after they are used
There is a lot of interesting science that explains each piece - remember biology class anyone? But, the high level summary of the ECS is this: 
~Because of its vital role in making sure that cells and systems remain in homeostatis, the ECS is tightly regulated; it gets deployed exactly when and where it’s needed, and explains why such a wide variety of ailments and disease states are responsive to cannabis-based intervention~

Cannabinoids - the Magic of CBD

(image credit: greenly.me)
Cannabinoids are the chemicals contained in 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.
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.
(credit: leafscience.com)
Interested in learning more? These articles are a wonderful resource on understanding the ECS and the science of how it works:
Leafly: "What is the Endocannabinoid System and What Is It's Role?"
Project CBD: "The Endocannabinoid System"
Leaf Science: "The Endocannabinoid System: A Beginner's Guide"

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.