As someone with inflammation and weather-induced arthritis in my hands, I’ve tried more than a few cannabis salves, lotions or balms to alleviate the discomfort. They’ve been either too greasy and waxy or didn’t fully absorb into my skin over the targeted area. If I did get a reprieve, they all seemed to have an inescapable scent of weed. While that’s not always a bad thing, it can be unpleasant when it overpowers my morning coffee and bagel.

That’s why I was happy to learn about Canuvo’s RELEAF Cannabinoid Cream. Since smelling is believing, I set off to Biddeford for an interview with owner Sage Peterson, who is also a health and wellness advocate and educator.

NATALIE HABERMAN LADD: First, what is cannabinoid cream?

SAGE PETERSON: Cannabinoids are chemical compounds in cannabis that react with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system. RELEAF is made from 350mg THC and 175mg CBD. No one gets high because the THC is absorbed into the skin but doesn’t enter the bloodstream. More about the science is broken down on our website in an easy-to-absorb style.

LADD: Absorb! I see what you did there. But what does it do?

PETERSON: Most of our customers are Gen X or Boomers and we’ve heard firsthand that it works well on bug bites and recovery after a day of gardening or hiking. It’s a soothing cream that can help with skin tone, scar prevention and sunburn. I’ve also been told it helps with
migraines when rubbed on the temples. By the way, the jar is childproof but still easy to open.

LADD: What makes Canuvo special? You’ve got competition, for sure.

PETERSON: I’ve trained the team to listen to our customers and gauge their knowledge and comfort level. There are commonalities in pain and discomfort, but everyone is different, so we make thoughtful, personalized recommendations. People are less than thrilled with “big pharma” and are looking for natural solutions. That’s how we have customers that bring in friends and buy our products, particularly RELEAF, again and again, making it an at-home go-to.

LADD: What else would you like to share?

PETERSON: I’d like to invite anyone over 21 to come here and try it—rub a dab on a sore muscle or mosquito bite. Plus, it smells wonderful.

THE BOTTOM LINE

After rubbing a quarter-size dollop into my hands, the smell hit me. It was a soft mix of spearmint, peppermint and other essential oils that felt moisturizing without being tacky. A subtle throbbing sensation (in a good way) ran through my fingers, and my hands felt great.

This product has not been evaluated by the FDA. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Canuvo’s Biddeford location is a recreational dispensary and welcomes responsible 21+ adults.

4 WELLSPRING ROAD, BIDDEFORD
207-602-6130 • CANUVO.ORG