Is cannabis legal for massage? Is it beneficial, and if so, how does it work? What if a client asks me to use a lotion they have brought in that has cannabis in it during their massage? Will I get in trouble and will it affect me if I use it?
In case you haven’t noticed, we’re currently in what some refer to as a “green rush” here in Washington State. The cannabis movement is happening and happening fast, and we need to keep up and be informed. As a more open view of cannabis prevails, these products are nudging their way into our treatment rooms, raising questions about application, legality, and consequences of their use.
CHABA stands for Cannabis Health and Beauty Aid, and CHABA topicals that have less than 0.3% THC are legal for Washington massage therapists to use. Although using them can be beneficial, there is plenty to explore: what brands are available, what uses are and aren’t legal (opening a cannabis spa, for example, is not), whether they have an effect on the LMT applying the CHABA, and whether you choose to use these products at all.
This class is designed to provide licensed massage therapists in Washington State with the tools and knowledge they need to stay out of trouble, and understand what can and can’t be used legally, as well as the potential benefits of these products. This fun and informative course will help you:
• Understand the history of cannabis law in Washington State
• Understand the current rules and regulations around the use of these products
• Maintain safe roles and boundaries with clients
• Understand the basics of CHABA/cannabis and its benefits
• Identify legal CHABA products available in Washington State
• Help you speak confidently about the topic to your clients/patients
Your instructor, Jennifer Chan, has been a massage therapist for 10 years and has been researching this topic since 2011. Jennifer is the first CHABA massage therapist out of the green closet in Washington State, and helped get CHABA legalized here. As a member of NORML Women of WA, an organization that concentrates on normalization, education, and outreach regarding cannabis, Jennifer has been involved in a variety of educational efforts around cannabis and CHABA products here in our state.
To read a summary of an article about Jen that was published in The Stranger, click here.
"Extremely helpful and informative." -Amber Myers
"I feel extremely prepared and informed of current laws and how to communicate to my clients." -Kethry Boettcher
Instructor: Jennifer Chan, LMT (MA# 60324770), BCTMB
CE hours: 4
Tuition: $90 if registered by January 25th, $100 thereafter.
Registration: Online registration is now closed, though space may still be available. If you'd still like to get into the class, please contact Jen Chan at jenchan_cmt@yahoo.com, or at (703) 623-1794.
Note: This class is not NCBTMB-approved for CE credit.