CBD treatments are everywhere, from the local nail salon to high end spas, but why use topical CBD? Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of many components of the sativa strain of the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a common psychoactive component, it doesn’t give you the feeling of being “high.”
Some studies show the topical use of CBD may have many possible health benefits for both skin and muscle. CBD has been found to have the potential to help with eczema, acne, skin, pigmentation and even stimulate hair growth. Hemp-derived CBD is currently legal in all 50 U.S. states, which allows massage therapists to use in their practice.
Types of CBD massage oil
Before you shop, understanding the different types of CBD oils will help you decide which is right for you.
- Full-spectrum CBD: This formula contains cannabinoids, like THC, and other subtle natural compounds, such as flavonoids and terpenes, which add an extra layer of relaxation.
- Broad-spectrum CBD: For those wary of THC but still interested in something that yields benefits of other cannabinoids, broad-spectrum may be the ideal choice as it has similar effects to full-spectrum but with no trace amounts of THC.
- Isolate: CBD isolates—pure 99% cannabidiol crystals—dominates the market due to its odorless quality, making it ideal for do-it-yourself blends.
How we choose the CBD massage oil
Upon researching CBD oils, we came across many different “best” and “top” lists, but what truly sets apart one product from another? How can we be sure that it is safe and effective, especially when CBD is not currently regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)? We have combed through dozens of CBD brands and came up with some criteria:
- Quality: We prioritize products with organic high-quality ingredients and strict manufacturing processes that ensure a safe, effective product.
- Safety: We also chose products with accurate labeling.
- Manufacture process: We chose products from reputable companies that are committed to producing quality and safe products with sustainable practices.
- Transparency: We look for brands who are transparent about their sourcing and extraction methods, as well as lab testing results.
- Quackery: We vetted companies to ensure they don’t make any unsubstantiated claims or engage in quackery.
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NuuMe Organics is a leading provider of premium CBD massage therapy oils. Their flagship product is the 750 mg, USDA Organic Certified Hemp Distillate Massage Therapy Oil, which contains a potent blend of full-spectrum actives and clean ingredients like almond and coconut oils.
It can be used to soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, increase circulation, improve flexibility and joint mobility, support muscle recovery and much more. Also, it can be used as a regular part of any massage routine or simply applied directly to the skin for localized relief.
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Ingredients: Organic sweet almond oil, organic MCT coconut oil, organic hemp distillate, organic raw hemp extract, organic sage essential oil, organic rosemary essential oil.
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Mad River Botanicals 1500mg CBD Oil Infusion
Mad River Botanicals is a family-owned New England farm located in Vermont, owned and operated by Tonya Howell, Aaron Locker, and Tonya’s three children. They practice sustainable and organic farming techniques to ensure their products are of the highest quality possible. Using only top-grade ingredients in their products, which are all ethically sourced from local farmers and suppliers whenever possible.
This organic hemp extract is a powerful blend of natural healing properties perfect for mixing. It has been carefully crafted with minimal processing to ensure its full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are retained. These components interact synergistically to provide an “entourage effect,” helping reduce inflammation and pain, as well as anxiety and stress from daily life.
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Ingredients: MCT coconut oil, organic, full-spectrum, whole plant hemp extract
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Joy Organics Organic CBD Massage Oil
Joy Organics products features U.S. Certified Organic ingredients. This formula ensures customers receive the highest quality product with no harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients for a safe massage experience.
Joy Organics’ massage oil is made of MCT oil and full spectrum hemp extract, making it powerful and effective at providing relief. It is well-known for its calming and therapeutic effects which can help reduce stress, anxiety, inflammation, and pain while promoting relaxation.
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Ingredients: Organic MCT Oil, organic phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract
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Moon Mother is a family-run, U.S. company that produces high-quality CBD massage oil. Founded by the Bates family in Colorado, Moon Mother harnesses the healing powers of full-spectrum hemp extract creating an effective and safe product for massage therapists.
The blend of full spectrum hemp extract, lavender essential oil and jojoba oil used in Moon Mother’s products quickly soothes muscles and provides stress relief.
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Ingredients: Jojoba oil, lavender, essential oil, full spectrum, hemp, extract, vitamin E
CBD massage oil contraindications
As beneficial as CBD massage oil can be, consider the potential contraindications in practice. CBD massage oil has been known to cause side effects such as sedation, increased appetite and mild dizziness in some people.
Also, some people with certain medical conditions should avoid using CBD massage oil as it can interact with certain medications. Though more testing needs to be done, there are potential interactions with other medications including antipsychotics, blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs.
Some people may also be sensitive to the essential oils used in the product and could experience an allergic reaction when exposed. As such, consult a medical professional prior to use for safety and efficacy concerns.
Is CBD legal?
The legal status of CBD in the U.S. is complicated and varies state by state. Federally, hemp-derived CBD products, as long as they have less than 0.3% THC, are legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the legal status of CBD is complicated and varies state by state.
As with any plant, there are multiple strains and varieties of cannabis, with more than 700 different strains currently available. Each strain has a unique combination of cannabinoids with the “hemp” strains containing low to no THC.
As of early 2023, Idaho and West Virginia have the most stringent laws regarding CBD, while there is conflicting information on informational sites linked to South Dakota and Nebraska.
How does CBD oil relieve pain?
Through its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can reduce inflammation which may reduce pain. The topical absorption of CBD has not only been shown to be used as an anti-inflammatory but is also directly engages with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate sleep, mood, and pain through CB1 and CB2 receptors which are found throughout the body.
Research has not yet been able to determine all the ways in which cannabidiol interacts with the ECS, but there are many speculations. Dr. Kert Hutchison, a professor in the department of psychology and neuroscience eat University of Colorado Boulder, surmises in his course Medical Cannabis: The Health Effects of THC and CBD that data may suggest cannabidiol represses some of these receptors which result in reducing nerve sensitivity and numbness further alleviating pain and discomfort.
Can you mix CBD oil with regular massage lotions and oils?
Yes, CBD oil can be mixed with regular massage lotions and oils to create a custom blend that offers additional therapeutic benefits. However, due to the difficulties researchers face in the research of cannabis and CBD, there aren’t many known interactions, but this does not mean they don’t exist. When mixing CBD into other oils and lotions be mindful of the other ingredients. Base oils are ideal for mixing, but not much is known on the interactions CBD may have with herbal medicines.
[Related: Massage Lotions vs. Oils: Which One Should You Use?]
Lindsay Jones, LMT
Lindsay is a licensed massage therapist and a mother of three, who specializes in rehabilitation with emphasis on prenatal and postnatal care.
After graduating from the National Holistic Institute in San Jose, Calif., she went on to study how pain affects the body and how it can be alleviated during the constant changes of pregnancy and early motherhood.
In her free time, Lindsay has a deep love of all forms of art from storytelling and music to sewing and painting.
