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80 DAYSPA | MAY 2015 MARKETING SAVVY Growing Like a Weed Is the cannabis plant about to earn its place in the world of wellness treatments? In some spas, it already has. By Heather Larson One of the top wellness and spa trends emerging in 2015 would have been unheard of just a few years ago. Certainly, using cannabis as an agent for heal- ing in spas would not have sat well with many of our grandparents. But as the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana expands across the nation, cannabis has found its way into spa, beauty and yoga applications, reports Susie Ellis, president of Spafi nder Wellness, Inc. Why cannabis? Because the cannabis plant, and oils infused with its derivative cannabidiol (CBD), are very high in essential fatty acids (Omegas -3, -6 and -9), vitamin C and antioxidants. This renders them a natural, healing fi t for skincare applications, espe- cially when it comes to dry and aging skin, says Beth McGroarty, Spafi nder's research director. "Some medical studies indicate that these oils show promise for conditions like acne, psoriasis and ecze- ma," McGroarty explains, adding, "They're also an ef- fective topical for pain and infl ammation." But before wellness practitioners can fully embrace cannabis treatments, there are a couple of caveats that must be considered. First, although written history traces the plant all the way back to ancient Greece, where it was purportedly used for its well-known mind-altering effects, far more research is needed before cannabis can receive the green light for use among healing professionals. And then there are the legalities. Incorporating can- nabis applications into spa treatments has been a slow and diffi cult process. Rules and regulations not only hamper the use of cannabis, but they also complicate where it can be purchased. However, in Colorado— the fi rst state to legalize recreational marijuana—there are two facilities that are helping to lead the charge. HAPPY, NOT HIGH The proprietors of LoDo Massage & Private Yoga Studio (lodomassagestudio.com) in Denver and Primal Well- ness Company Day Spa & Studio (primalwellness.co) in Englewood, recognized an opportunity to help their clients alleviate pain by offering cannabis treatments. For these spas, the results have been very positive. LoDo owner Ed Rich is seeing solid results with his © GETTY IMAGES