You’re looking for something to take your workout to the next level and your gaze falls on your CBD oil. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, is a ubiquitous ingredient that is said to offer a number of wellness benefits. So what’s up with CBD and exercise?
Dr. Sophie Vergnaud, MD, a medical expert at prescription company GoodRx, tells Bustle that CBD’s compounds for pain and inflammation relief have made it popular with fitness enthusiasts. However, this doesn’t necessarily make it a game changer for your welding routine. “Unfortunately, there is not yet much direct scientific evidence supporting the use of CBD as an exercise supplement,” she says, but notes that medical experts consider it safe to take. “That is not to say that there are no advantages, just that the existing research is too imprecise to make definitive recommendations.”
Here’s a guide on what science does and don’t know about how taking CBD can affect your fitness game – and why it probably won’t hurt, but it might not make the slog through your 5 mile run any more fun .
CBD and training
1. It can help with muscle regeneration
There are tons of CBD-based lotions and creams to choose from that claim to relieve muscle soreness, and that’s because of the ingredient’s anti-inflammatory effects. “CBD can help muscles relax,” says Vergnaud. This is useful because your muscles are tense after vigorous exercise.
According to a study published in Frontiers in Physiology in 2021, CBD was shown to promote exercise recovery due to its neuroprotective, pain relieving, anxiolytic, pain relieving, and anti-inflammatory properties. When you exercise, your muscles respond to an inflammatory response to repair the damage that has just occurred (this is how you get stronger). So topical application of CBD is supposed to calm things down so that your body can recover more easily.
Vergnaud’s attitude? In fact, there is a good basis for making these claims, but there isn’t enough research to be able to make definitive judgments on how it can really help.
2. It can reduce stress and anxiety
A 2020 study published in Sports Medicine found that there is still a lot to understand when it comes to CBD and exercise. Vergnaud says that CBD can reduce stress, anxiety, and make people enjoy their workouts a little more, and some studies have shown this to be true.
“CBD can help you get into the right mental state to exercise by improving motivation, and it can help you focus on your body and be more mindful while exercising or exercising,” she says.
3. It can improve sleep
Since CBD relieves stress and anxiety, it can offer the added benefit of improved quality of sleep. And good sleep is fundamental not only to your athletic performance, but also to your overall health. A study of professional rugby players and CBD published in the International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism in 2020 found that 40% of players who used CBD felt that it helped them sleep better. Other research has linked CBD to its therapeutic potential for sleep apnea, insomnia, and other sleep problems.
The judgment
The TL; DR? Much research is still needed to fully understand the relationship of CBD to exercise. Part of the problem with CBD, according to Vergnaud, is that it is difficult to study because much of the science is based on “subjective memories.” If someone thinks their CBD product made them more relaxed or reduced their pain, it could be a placebo effect, not the CBD itself.
There is also the problem of the spike products. Even if you’re not an Olympic athlete, a study published in Sports in 2019 warned that unregulated CBD products could contain ingredients like THC. This is a problem when you’re doing something that requires a lot of focus and potential injury, like lifting weights.
“If you decide to use CBD as a workout supplement, make sure you understand the potential health risks and side effects, and speak to a doctor about determining a safe dose,” says Vergnaud. “Remember, so far only a few CBD products have been approved by the FDA. Hence, it is important to use cannabis products from trusted brands that publish their laboratory test results to avoid health risks. ”Be safe and have a relaxed workout.
Referenced studies:
Babson, K. (2017). Cannabis, cannabinoids, and sleep: a review of the literature. Curr Psychiatry Officer https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28349316/
Cerquiera, E. (2020). Inflammatory effects of high and medium intensity exercises – a systematic review. Physiol. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.01550/full
Dolezal, B. (2017). Interrelationship Between Sleep and Exercise: A Systematic Review. Advances in Preventive Medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5385214/
Kasper, AM, Sparks, SA, Hooks, M., Skeer, M., Webb, B., Nia, H., Morton, JP, & Close, GL (2020). High prevalence of cannabidiol among male professional rugby union and league players: A Quest for Pain Relief and Improved Recovery. International Journal of Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 30 (5), 315–322. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0151
Lachenmeier, DW, and Diel, P. (2019). A warning against the negligent use of cannabidiol by professional and amateur athletes. Sports 7: 251. doi: 10.3390 / sports7120251
McCartney, D., Benson, MJ, Desbrow, B. et al. Cannabidiol and Athletic Performance: A Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. Sport Med – Open 6, 27 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0
Rojas-Valverde D. (2021). Cannabidiol’s Potential Role in Sports Recreation: A Narrative Review. Limits in Physiology, 12, 722550.https: //doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.722550
Schubert, M, Hibbert, J, Armenta, R .; Willis, E., Ogle, W. (2021) “Cannabis and Cannabidiol Use in Active Individuals: A Survey of Timing and Reasons for Use,” International Journal of Exercise Science: Conference Proceedings: Vol. 14: Iss. 1, Article 53.
Shannon, S. (2019). Cannabidiol for Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series. The permanent journal. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6326553/