Trend to Watch: Marijuana Spa Treatments

There’s nothing like a day at the spa. There are only a few things that can beat a 90-minute massage. That is, of course, unless that massage is kneaded in using cannabis-infused lotions.

With the legalization of recreational marijuana use in Colorado, many industries have capitalized on the evolving needs of consumers in the state. Steve Weiner, co-owner of Colorado’s Restoration Wellness Center & Spa conducted an interview with Spa Weekly regarding their use of marijuana topicals in massage treatments.

The use of topical cannabis products is a recent addition to their list of services, which include traditional facials and sauna wraps, as well as specialty treatments such as laser teeth whitening, chemical peels and botox.

“A lot of those topical medications might be used for fibromyalgia and cancer patients,” Weiner said. “Being in Colorado, we realized the need.”

While he notes Restorations is not a dispensary, it does offer time with a doctor that performs evaluations to determine whether a patient qualifiesfor medical marijuana. If a patient is approved, they may purchase infused-topicals from the spa or bring in their own products to include in a massage with one of Restorations therapists. There is also a dispensary that is unaffiliated with Restorations that is conveniently located on the first floor of the building.

Incorporating cannabis into massages is just one of many ways the spa industry benefits from the legalization of marijuana. Another Colorado-based company, Mary Jane’s Medicinals, makes a cannabis tea bath ball that users can purchase at dispensaries and bring home for a do-it-yourself marijuana spa experience.

The Heavenly-Hash Bath is presented in a large cheesecloth ball which contains lavender, chamomile, peppermint, grape seed oil, dead sea salt, Epsom salts and cannabis leaves to create a sense of calm and alleviate any anxiety or stress.

Interested in recreating a cannabis spa treatment at home? Try one of these recipes that incorporates cannabis oil that can be purchased at a dispensary or made at home using a recipe like the one found here.

There is some debate on whether oil applied topically can reach the central nervous system and therefore cause psychoactive effects. To avoid this possibility, try hemp oil.

Cannabis Bath Soak

Ingredients

2 cup Epsom salts
5 tablespoons cannabis oil
10 drops tea tree essential oil
10 drops peppermint, eucalyptus or lavender essential oil
1 large cheesecloth
1 rubber band

Directions

Step 1: If cannabis oil is hardened, warm on low heat over the stove until melted. Allow the oil to cool slightly without re-solidifying.

Step 2: In a large bowl add Epsom salts, tea tree oil and chosen essential oil and mix well with a large wooden spoon. Once thoroughly mixed, fold in the cannabis oil and mix again.

Step 3: Open the cheesecloth on a counter, so it is laying flat. Carefully spoon the mixture into the cheesecloth. The mixture may leak slightly through the cloth. Pull the edges into the center and bind with the rubber band.

Step 4: Run a warm bath and place the ball in the water. Soak in the bath for at least 20 minutes. For an extra effect gently rub the ball on your skin in a circular motion, moving from the extremities toward the heart to exfoliate the skin and help the mixture penetrate deeper.

Bonus: You may cut this recipe in half to create a relaxing foot soak. Just use a wide bowl and pour the mixture directly into it. Rub your feet gently around on the mixture to exfoliate and help the oils penetrate your skin.

Cannabis-Infused Facial

While many dermatologists will gasp at the idea of using cannabis to improve the appearance of our skin, cannabis is known to reduce inflammation and some researchers have reported that THC may help protect against dermatitis.

Cinnamon and nutmeg are known for their anti-inflammatory qualities which may boost the effectiveness of the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis oil. The slight grainy quality of this mixture will also exfoliate the skin.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon of coconut oil
½ tablespoon of cannabis oil
1 teaspoon of cinnamon
1 teaspoon of nutmeg

Directions

Step 1: Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl.

Step 2: Rub gently on the face in a circular motion (it smells amazing).

Step 3: Run a clean washcloth under warm water and wring out, apply it to the face to act as a mini steam.

Step 4: Leave the mixture on the skin for up to 30 minutes, applying a warm washcloth to the face as wanted.

Step 5: Re-wet the washcloth and rinse the face, rubbing the washcloth in very gentle circular motions.

Bonus: Use any remaining mixture on your hands by gently rubbing them together as if you were washing them. Continue for up to five minutes and then rinse.