Why is it important for your massage therapists to be educated about CBD?
While CBD is a remarkably safe and adaptable plant-based therapy, its integration into massage therapy should never be treated casually. As licensed professionals, it’s our ethical responsibility to approach every tool and technique we use—including CBD—with clinical thoughtfulness, a commitment to continued learning, and evidence-informed best practices.
CBD (cannabidiol) is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, and when used topically, it interacts primarily with the skin’s local endocannabinoid receptors to influence homeostasis. Unlike THC, CBD is non-intoxicating, but that doesn't mean it’s inactive or without physiological impact. In fact, CBD has been shown in emerging studies to reduce localized inflammation, modulate pain signaling, support tissue recovery, and even affect the way the skin responds to environmental stressors. For clients experiencing chronic pain, inflammatory conditions, or musculoskeletal tension, the addition of a high-quality CBD topical can offer a complementary layer of relief that works synergistically with massage.
These benefits are rooted in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a vast and dynamic regulatory network responsible for maintaining balance across multiple systems, including the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems. The ECS wasn't formally identified until the early 1990s, and as a result, most massage therapy curricula and even medical training programs still offer little to no instruction on how this system works or how cannabinoids influence it.
This gap in education means many well-meaning practitioners are navigating CBD integration without adequate knowledge about contraindications, absorption variables, or product quality standards. For example, while CBD topicals don’t typically enter systemic circulation, transdermal products, those designed to cross the skin barrier, can, and may interact with medications or health conditions. We must also be aware of essential formulation differences: full-spectrum vs. broad-spectrum, lab testing, carrier oils, and appropriate dosing levels to ensure safety and effectiveness. The truth is, many CBD products on the market don’t have enough CBD in their products to produce desired results.
As massage therapists, we are often the first point of contact for clients seeking alternative and holistic solutions for pain, stress, inflammation, and overall well-being. That places us in a uniquely powerful position, not just as service providers, but as educators and advocates. To fulfill that role with integrity, we must equip ourselves with accurate, up-to-date, and science-backed information about plant medicine. My reasearch revealed that many therapists and spas, who are using CBD in their treatment rooms, can not confidently explain to their clients how their endocannibinoid system works, why/how CBD interacts with it. In addition, many clients have questions around legality. Our clients deserve more than just trendy buzzwords, they deserve and expect informed care rooted in physiology, research, and professional discernment.
Elevating our profession means taking initiative to deepen our understanding of emerging therapies like CBD, especially as public interest continues to grow. When we use these tools responsibly, we not only enhance client outcomes, but also contribute to a larger shift toward integrative, evidence-based care in the wellness industry.
Let’s lead the way with intention, curiosity, and credibility—offering our clients both relief and reliable education. Because informed touch is powerful touch.
It is our responsibility to be informed, this is why I offer CBD Integrated: Understanding our Endocannabinoid System.
