Cannabis Tourism in Canada: Ste. Anne's Spa Canna-massage - Canada.com

[massage]

The ritzy Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, ON offers a cannabis-based massage that's attracting spa aficionados by the thousands.

In my twenties, getting a massage was a first-class non-stop trip to the third circle of hell. My friends did not understand my repulsion and each year for my birthday bought me a day spa package. Hellbent (see what I did there?) on bringing me to the dark, albeit tranquil side where everything smells like lavender, rose, and balsam.

During therapy (shout-out to talking it out) it was discovered that my Love Language is Acts of Service and not Physical Touch. However, fast forward to present day where, past mid-thirties, I’ve come to love a good massage. The deeper, the better. So, when I heard that the ritzy Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton, Ontario offers a canna-massage, I was relentless to learn more in the service of our Canada.com series on cannabis tourism in Canada. Here are my findings. Cue: Law & Order sound effect.

When cannabis was legalised across Canada in October 2018, Ste. Anne’s Spa, as pioneers in the spa industry, decided to expand the use of plant-based spa products. Spa Director Natalie Koshowski notes, “With our focus on holistic and plant-based products and treatments, it only made sense to be one of the early adopters of Hemp CBD products and services. Our company also covers medical cannabis as part of our employee benefits plan, so we definitely believe in the benefits of plant-based healing!”

Cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are chemical compounds that are secreted by cannabis flowers. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), are just two of the 113 identified cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. CBD is non-intoxicating while THC is responsible for cannabis’ psychological effects. The canna-massage treatment (30 minutes for $90 and 60 minutes for $155) utilises three CBD essential products from Ste. Anne’s Spa private line — Rest Aromatherapy Oil, Relax Massage Oil and the Repair Skin Salve.

The Rest Aromatherapy Oil is the least concentrated canna-massage with only 4mg CBD concentration. In addition to CBD oil, the aromatherapy oil is made with lavender, chamomile, marjoram, vetiver, vanilla, balsam and jojoba oils, and “promotes an overall general sense of peace and rest.” The Relax Massage Oil says what it does on the bottle and is both “relaxing and revitalising.” The massage oil is a combination of coconut, arnica (great for alleviating sore muscles) and CBD oils, and registers at 34 mg in CBD concentration. The Repair Skin Salve helps “promote radiant skin” and uses beeswax as its base, and has a 33 mg CBD concentration.

Besides relaxation, canna-massage benefits include the stimulation of the lymphatic and circulatory system and helping the body to rid itself of toxins.

The three oils were specially chosen to help “bring balance to the body” and make your skin look dewy and supple. Also, according to Koshowski “many guests have also noticed an improvement in sleep following a Canna-massage.” And, who doesn’t want a better night’s rest? At the end of each canna-massage clients receive a complimentary full-size bottle of Rest Aromatherapy Oil ($24.50 value) to take home.

I should make it clear here that a canna-massage will not get you high. But, why not, you ask? Well, topical CBD oils do not penetrate the skin to enter bloodstream, which is essential for psychogenic effects to take hold, so to speak. A canna-massage will, however, open the skin’s sensory profile allowing for a myriad of health benefits to manifest. And, that’s not my belief, it’s that of many healthcare professionals.

Firstly, CBD oil is replete with anti-inflammatory properties; as the oil penetrates the skin and reaches sore muscles, massage recipients, even those suffering from chronic pain related to arthritis or sports injuries will feel relief. Secondly, a canna-massage stimulates the senses, making you feel more alert. Next, it opens the pores, rejuvenates the skin and, in some folks, results in an improvement in skin tone. And like with all relaxing massages, a canna-massage helps alleviate stress and anxiety.

Remember when the world embraced Tahitian Noni Juice as the new cure-all? It was (and in some circles still is) believed to do everything from preventing cancer to reversing the signs of ageing. However, the jury is still out on the real efficacy of the noni fruit, unlike cannabis. As cannabis research broadens, medical practitioners endorse controlled use and uas sage of cannabis products widens, we can begin to see that relatively inexpensive cannabis can indeed be the panacea needed for these uncertain times.

The popularity of the cannabis-friendly spa treatment resulted in Ste. Anne’s hosting a three-day cannabis-friendly “Back to Nature” event this past September. In addition to spa services, the retreat included guided meditations, mindful movement classes, and a cannabis-themed workshop. But how popular is the canna-massage you ask? Customer feedback has been excellent and “we have done over 1,000 canna-massages,” said Koshowski. Over 1,000 canna-massages in just a year sounds like business is more than budding at Ste. Anne’s Spa.

Related

43.653226 -79.383184
43.653226 -79.383184
Toronto, ON, Canada

What are Nordic spas and why are they suddenly so popular...

Weekly Travel Roundup: Every Canadian should download this electronic declaration app