If you’re hitting the gym (masked appropriately, of course) in this shiny new year, then muscle recovery will probably be on your mind in the very near future. And we have good news! CBD does indeed play a role in muscle recovery. Here’s why, and how to use it to your advantage.
THE SCIENCE OF SORENESS AFTER A WORKOUT
Whether you’re pumping iron, cycling like crazy, or hitting the road, muscle fatigue and tenderness is just part of working your body. But if you’re sore enough that you’re avoiding stairs at all costs and maybe popping an OTC pain reliever, well, there’s a better way. If you didn’t already know, your workouts create microtears in your muscles. Between one and two days later, you’re experiencing what’s known as delayed onset muscle soreness, which is totally normal and expected. To manage (and avoid) stiff, sore muscles, you can make a point of warming up and cooling down before and after your workouts, and try using ice, heat, massage, and active recovery movement. Another option? A little CBD.
CBD AFTER WORKOUTS
As one of some 100 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, CBD works beautifully with the human body’s endocannabinoid system. It’s a non-intoxicating chemical compound that’s been shown to reduce inflammation (just what you need after a tough workout), promote relaxation, alleviate tension, and even improve sleep. Of course, federal limits on cannabis and cannabis clinical studies mean we still don’t know exactly how it helps, but there are studies showing that it is indeed an effective anti-inflammatory therapy.
So what are your cannabis options when you’re hobbling around after a tough workout? There are quite a few. A tincture taken sublingually will give you head-to-toe relief, and for specific spots on the body, a topical that you massage in can be ideal for temporarily reducing soreness and promoting healing.
THE TAKEAWAY
The real secret to muscle recovery is time. But while you’re waiting for your muscles to hurry up and heal, try incorporating some high-quality CBD into the mix. Ask your favorite budtender for something that will specifically relieve aching muscles, along with your preferred method of consumption, and they can steer you in the right direction.
