Professional players might not be talking about the benefits of smoking up (yet!), but with marijuana on the forefront of the wellness movement, it?s no surprise that hemp and CBD oil products have made their way into the fitness world.
1. CBD Oil Reduces Pain From Workouts
It?s no secret that cannabinoids treat a variety of pain states, from temporary muscle strain to debilitating chronic pain. Cannabidiol works by intercepting the transmission of pain signals and muffling pain receptors in the brain. CBD has been used for centuries to treat chronic pain. In fact, as recently as the late 19th century, cannabis was sold in pharmacies across the US and was prescribed to treat everything from depression to physical exhaustion to insomnia and pain.
CBD has been shown to inhibit the body?s absorption of anandamide, a compound associated with pain regulation. CBD goes beyond surface symptoms to quiet overactive pain receptors in the brain. This is why CBD has proven especially beneficial for hard-to-treat pain cases like fibromyalgia, muscle spasms, arthritis and neuralgia.
2. May Distract You From Any Pain
Some researchers find that cannabis not only helps intercept pain signals in the brain, it also helps distract your mind from the pain. Many people enjoy CBD for its mild mood-boosting properties, and some even prefer CBD teas to traditional high-caffeine coffee for its ability to ease stress while keeping you focused and balanced throughout the day. While it?s true that many people use CBD in higher doses as a non-pharmaceutical sleep aid, in lower doses CBD actually produces an alert, focused feeling without excessive caffeine.
3. CBD Oil Reduces Inflammation
Cannabis has powerful natural anti-inflammatory properties, both when ingested and when applied topically. In fact, many people who suffer from inflammatory diseases like Chron?s and arthritis rely on CBD for a naturopathic treatment. CBD targets both pain receptors and inflammation to provide comforting relief, fast. After a particularly strenuous workout, CBD can make the difference between a week of sore muscles and a quick recovery.
4. CBD Boosts Your Mood
While CBD isn?t psychoactive like THC, it can still have a pleasant effect on your mood. Anecdotal evidence even suggests that cannabis can heighten the enjoyment of certain repetitive motions.
5. Means An Easier Workout Recovery
The bottom line: CBD, with its pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties, is a natural post-workout aid. Whether in topical or ingestible form, CBD helps relieve the pain and soreness of joints and muscles including DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) which shows up about 24-48 hours after a tough sweat session. CBD helps boost mood, reduce anxiety and even promote a good night?s sleep which is just as essential to muscle recovery, building muscle mass and dropping those LB?s.
With the help of CBD in your workouts, you might just find that you?ll be able to workout harder and get back out there even faster the next day.
