Exploring CBD in a Massage Setting: Insights from CBD Stat Co-Founders

The health and wellness industry continues to evolve, introducing innovative tools and practices designed to support people’s diverse needs. One growing trend is the use of Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, in healthcare and bodywork settings, including massage therapy.

At AMTA, we’re continuing the conversation on how CBD can be thoughtfully integrated into massage therapy. To explore this further, we spoke with Bill Cox and Morgan Greenwood, co-founders of CBD Stat—a company that specializes in topical CBD products. Learn more about the potential benefits of CBD in a massage setting and how massage therapists may enhance client care through education and accessibility.

A Brief Overview of CBD

CBD is a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. It is a non-psychoactive component, meaning it does not produce the “high” associated with THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in cannabis. CBD is widely recognized for its potential therapeutic benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, increased relaxation, improved skin health and enhanced recovery from injury or intense activity.

According to the CDC, CBD that is derived from hemp was legalized by Congress in 2018 with the Agriculture Improvement Act. However, some states have not yet legalized hemp, meaning the legality of CBD varies across states. While there is still much to be learned about the effects of CBD on the body, there is currently one FDA-approved medicine that contains purified CBD from hemp, Epidiolex, which is prescribed for rare seizure disorders. Since the passage of the Agriculture Improvement Act, there has been an increase in CBD products entering the market and investment in CBD research.

The Intention Behind CBD Stat

One example of the rise in the CBD market is CBD Stat, which was created through the collaboration of a father-daughter duo Bill and Morgan. Morgan brought healthcare, wellness and recovery knowledge while Bill’s expertise focused on the manufacturing side of CBD. After seeing a gap in the market and the potential to increase well-being for people, the pair combined their strengths to form CBD Stat, which they describe as:

“a father-daughter company focused on producing high-dosage, lab-tested, THC-free CBD products that actually work, and are priced so people can afford them.”

The company launched in 2019 with one product: a muscle roll-on gel. A family member and licensed massage therapist began using it on clients, resulting in some incredible feedback. They described this as their “aha” moment, as they realized that “hands-on practitioners were the perfect partners to help introduce people to real, effective CBD relief.”

The Benefits of Incorporating CBD Into a Massage Session

Because CBD is naturally anti-inflammatory, CBD products have been touted as an effective tool for massage therapists to integrate into their practices. Combining a CBD topical with manual massage may help reduce inflammation, calm sore muscles, and ease tension in specific areas of the body. Bill and Morgan share:

“Unlike some topical products that just create a cooling or warming sensation, CBD goes a step further by targeting the root cause of discomfort — inflammation. It helps the body naturally quiet that inflammatory response, allowing for a more effective, restorative massage experience.”

Integrating CBD into a massage therapy session may elevate the experience and lead to improved results for clients.

Potential Contraindications When Using CBD

There is still a lot that is unknown about the effects of CBD on the body. In a previous AMTA article on CBD and massage, industry professionals shared that the contraindications around CBD are similar to those that exist for massage in general and that clients should consult with their doctors before receiving massage with CBD.

Similarly, Morgan and Bill emphasize that considering contraindications is very important when using CBD products. They recommend that, “clients with medical conditions, allergies to any CBD Stat ingredients, or who take prescription medications consult their doctor before use, just to be safe.” They share that they’ve never received reports of adverse reactions from their products and that, from their experience, “CBD is extremely well-tolerated, especially when applied topically in professional massage settings.”

Ultimately, it is best to encourage clients to consult with their doctor before receiving a massage with CBD.

Navigating Misconceptions About CBD

With the increasing presence of CBD in massage therapy spaces, it is important to recognize that some clients may be hesitant or unfamiliar with the benefits of CBD. One of the best ways to address these misconceptions is by providing clients with information. Morgan and Bill explain how education is the cornerstone of their work to expand CBD awareness and use:

“Education is the key for any LMT to safely and adequately introduce CBD products into their practice. Most hesitation stems from a misunderstanding of what CBD actually is. The first thing we explain is that CBD comes from hemp, not marijuana. They’re cousins in the cannabis plant family, but they’re very different.”

Consumer acceptance of CBD products has changed enormously since the Agriculture Improvement Act and the legalization of CBD. Providing clients with research and information about CBD products can be a great way to update and inform consumers on CBD in a massage setting. Additionally, Bill and Morgan have found that an effective way to inform clients and therapists about the benefits of CBD is by giving them free access to their products and letting the results speak for themselves.

CBD Stat’s Pain Practitioner Program

One of the main ways CBD Stat encourages massage and other healthcare professionals to adopt their products is through their Pain Practitioner Program (PPP). The program, launched in 2022, is a nationwide initiative that provides free CBD Stat products to massage therapists and other hands-on practitioners. In addition to receiving free products, PPP members also have access to webinars and other educational materials so that they can learn more about the benefits and uses of CBD, which they can then share with their clients.

Share Your Experience

Do you use CBD in your massage therapy practice? We’d love to hear about your experience. Please share your thoughts with us at communications@amtamassage.org.

About CBD Stat

CBD Stat is a family-run New England company creating high-strength, THC-free CBD products trusted by health and wellness professionals nationwide. Built on effectiveness, education, and quality, we partner with massage therapists and practitioners to deliver real, lasting relief.