Cannabidiol (CBD) has shown promise in treating a variety of common health issues. Popular reasons our customers use CBD include reducing anxiety and improving sleep.
Can CBD help when it comes to exercise? Should you take CBD before a workout?
While more research is needed, we can say that CBD has shown some positive results as a workout supplement. Let’s take a closer look at CBD and how it can support better workouts.
What is CBD?
CBD is a cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants. CBD works by interacting with the body’s own natural endocannabinoid system, the same as any other cannabinoid.
However, CBD stands out among many other cannabinoids because it doesn’t have psychoactive effects. That means CBD doesn’t cause an altered sense of perception or elevated mood — the “high” enjoyed by its users.
A review published in the scientific journal Toxics explains this concept in more formal language. “While the literature is contradictory, most studies suggest that CBD is not converted to psychotropic THC under in vivo conditions.”
In other words, CBD isn’t converted into other cannabinoids that cause altered perception or other effects in the body.
Instead, CBD is used for its variety of helpful properties. Harvard Health Publishing explains CBD has shown positive results in many areas. It can help with managing chronic pain, reducing inflammation, and more. While more research is needed, there are signs that CBD is effective in treating these issues.
Is CBD Legal?
When sourced from commercial hemp plants containing no more than 0.3% Delta 9 THC, CBD is federally legal. However, it’s just as important to understand local and state laws and regulations.
Legal firm Buscher Law explains that a minority of states have some kind of restriction on the possession of CBD products. Make sure you understand local and state rules before buying CBD.
Does CBD Have Side Effects? Is it Safe?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has found pure CBD to be generally safe. It does not have abuse potential or cause serious harm.
CBD can have some relatively mild side effects, however. Dry mouth, fatigue, and nausea are a few examples. It’s always a good idea to take a careful approach to dosing. That way, you can find a dose that works for you while reducing the risk and impact of any side effects.
How Can Taking CBD Before a Workout Help?
Taking CBD before a workout, like bodybuilding or a cardio session, may lead to some helpful effects.
First, let’s consider the general benefits of CBD that we mentioned above.
General Benefits of CBD in Relation to Exercise
CBD appears to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce pain and discomfort while exercising. Similarly, CBD can also help manage the sensation of pain. That’s another potential benefit of eating CBD gummies, vaping, or smoking CBD before a workout.
CBD also appears to help people manage anxiety. Anxiety isn’t usually directly related to the physical act of exercise. However, this feeling can be an obstacle for many people when it comes to working out.
Anxiety over visiting a gym or starting and sticking to an exercise plan can often be discouraging. CBD may help address that issue and allow the people who use it to focus on their actual workout.
These benefits can all help with athletic performance in general. Additionally, a CBD pre-workout routine may also help users better manage the pain and inflammation associated with exercise.
The pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can also help with post-workout recovery. To put it simply, reducing pain and inflammation can help you move on after your workout.
By reducing discomfort after working out, you may even feel more motivated to exercise. Knowing that you can potentially manage those common symptoms means there’s one less reason to put off your next workout.
Potential Benefits of CBD for Exercise Specifically
CBD is also being actively researched for specific benefits related to physical activity. Some potential benefits of CBD that are directly tied to exercise include:
Improved Maximum Oxygen Consumption
CBD has the potential to increase the maximum rate of oxygen consumption (VO2 max) during a workout. Research published in the scientific journal Sports Medicine found oral CBD consumption before exercising led to an increase in VO2 max.
Improved VO2 max leads to a more effective workout, as it allows for more energy to be exerted. If you’re interested in making the most of exercise, CBD may help.
Improved Feeling of Enjoyment or Pleasure During Exercise
The same study published in Sports Medicine also identified a potential psychological benefit of CBD use for workouts. Specifically, improved feelings of enjoyment or pleasure during exercise.
Working out helps to improve your general health. Many people who regularly exercise feel a sense of enjoyment or accomplishment after finishing a workout. However, the actual process of exercising can feel more like work than having fun.
CBD can make the act of exercising more enjoyable. The study notes more research is needed. However, CBD may represent an easy way to find more motivation during a workout. Increasing the sense of pleasure during the process of exercising has a clear benefit.
Finding High-Quality CBD for Your Workout
Unfortunately, you can’t trust every CBD product available on the market. Finding high-quality and reliable CBD is the first step to adding it to your workout routine and learning how it can support you.
Delta 8 Resellers stands behind every CBD product in our inventory. We only offer CBD produced by brands with the best reputations and track records in this industry.
We also make it a priority to share the results of independent lab testing for all of our products. That means you don’t have to only take our word for it when it comes to product quality. You can review the results for any type of CBD you’re interested in and see for yourself.
