CBD and Exercise - How to Make CBD a Part of Your Workout

February 17, 2020

CBD is everywhere, but let’s look at how CBD and exercise can work together. Found in the hemp plant, Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 identified cannabinoids in the Cannabis Sativa genus of plants. When the U.S. Farm Bill was passed into law in 2018, Hemp became an agricultural commodity and that cleared the way for hemp-derived CBD products to hit shelves throughout North America. Tinctures, capsules, creams and candies can all be purchased with this natural compound as its foundation. Over the many years that CBD has been available to the public, more have been spent studying this plant and the compounds that are naturally in it. Of the many studies that have been executed, the most common finding is that CBD has many anti-inflammatory properties. This is because of the body’s own endocannabinoid system and how it works within the central nervous system. In a 2017 report from the Department of Pharmacology and Anesthesia, Pain Management and Perioperative Medicine in Halifax, it was stated that the body’s endocannabinoid system “plays an important physiological role in the regulation of tissue inflammation and pain.” This important research, which was supported by an operating grant provided by The Arthritis Society, stated that “CBD may be a safe therapeutic to treat OA [osteoarthritis] pain locally as well as block the acute inflammatory flares that drive disease progression and joint neuropathy.” Similarly, the Sir William Dunn School of Pathology at Oxford reported, in 2019, that CBD “has been found to have a positive outcome in a range of acute and chronic inflammatory models,” stating that it “could be a suitable therapeutic avenue for the treatment of human inflammatory diseases.” It is precisely because of these anti-inflammatory properties that showcases CBD as a potentially great solution to be able relax and repair after exercise. When we workout, and push our muscles harder than we’re used to, those muscle fibers become angry and inflamed. This muscle soreness – often referred to as DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) – is a normal result of the inflammation within the muscle. This is why many people turn to over the counter anti-inflammatory medications. The understanding being that, by reducing the inflammation, there will be a similar reduction in the resulting pain sensation.

How can CBD be utilized post-workout?

There are many options when looking for a CBD-based relief product. Topical or tincture, the choices out there are nearly infinite. Where would one go to begin? Many have found that they enjoy the simple application of a topically applied product. Easily applied, CBD creams are a great way to target specific areas. Sore muscles and joints can be quickly relaxed with the right balm or cooling cream. For those who are new to trying CBD, topicals are often a great introductory product to the compound. Some of those who enjoy CBD based products have found that they prefer the ease of a tincture. Tinctures are enjoyed sublingually (under the tongue) and can be found with various amounts of CBD milligrams, within. It’s good to remember that the number of milligrams displayed on the front of the label is the amount in the entire bottle. The serving suggestions and resulting quantities are usually found on the back label. When choosing tinctures, most begin at a lower level and increase as they acclimate. Another popular way to enjoy hemp-derived CBD is through other consumables. Some have made CBD based candies while others are creating fitness-specific solutions with protein powder supplements. No matter which product type you may choose to enjoy, when shopping for CBD, be sure to remember some important tips: Be sure to shop with companies who are operating legally and who are not afraid to be transparent. There are many ways to be able to know this. Companies will have verifiable information and testing and will post their Certificates of Authenticity (COA) on their website. Some will even offer links on their products, utilizing QR codes, to make accessibility to their testing results quick and easy. Always read the labels and be sure that the manufacturer is operating within the guidelines of regulatory bodies like the U.S. Hemp Authority. Companies who are forthcoming in their practices, and are true seed-to-sale manufacturers, is a great place to start. At Medterra, we’re glad to be transparent and helpful with a CBD journey. Should there be additional questions, we invite the opportunity to be of assistance. Contact us directly or take a moment to review what our other customers have said about their experiences with our high quality CBD products.