We all know the importance of a good exercise routine.
Not only that, but more people realize you don’t need to spend lots of money to stay in shape. Running is totally free. You can jog just about anywhere, and it’s easy to get started. These are all reasons why there has been a 65% increase in running and jogging.
However, running does come with side effects. It’s common to experience muscle and joint pain in the legs. If you’re not wearing the right shoes, you could even suffer from foot pain.
This is why runners should also have effective recovery methods after a long jog. Fortunately, CBD may be able to help you.
TL;DR? Evidence suggests that CBD can reduce running-related pain and is a safe alternative to other pain-relieving medications. But runners should be careful which CBD products they take, especially since THC is banned for professionals.
Number one product recommendation: Resilience CBD Gummies. Resilience Gummies are effective and are commonly used by runners. They’re available in different sizes and strengths. Take one or two gummies twice a day, depending on how much you need.
Why Runners Should Use CBD
There needs to be more research to fully understand the benefits of CBD. But now, we know that more runners have been turning to this cannabinoid for healing. So much so that more runners are ditching over-the-counter pain medication.
There’s research that shows CBD can decrease pain and inflammation. However, we need to better understand why CBD offers these effects. We will provide more information in the next section.
You should still always talk to your doctor before trying CBD.
Does CBD Really Decrease Running Pains?
Studies show that 62% of CBD users use the cannabinoid for chronic pain, specifically joint pain. But we’re unsure why and how CBD decreases pain. When consumed, CBD has many intricate biological processes, and it’s uncertain how these processes cause us to feel less pain.
CBD also offers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits. Again, we’re still researching how and why CBD decreases pain, though its effects on cannabinoid receptors are the leading theory.
The anti-inflammatory effects are also responsible for the decrease in muscle pain. Again, research is still limited here.
Doesn’t CBD Get Me High?
Nope! CBD is one of the non-psychoactive cannabinoids in the cannabis plant.
While mild relaxation is regular, you shouldn’t feel any euphoria or a “high.” While full spectrum CBD will have less than 0.3% THC, it’s not enough to make you high. CBD also has no dependence or addiction potential.
Is CBD Legal for Professional Runners?
First, let’s discuss CBD legality as a whole. Under the 2018 Farm Bill, the hemp plant and any plant extracts are federally legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. As long as the CBD was extracted from hemp, it’s legal.
What if you’re a professional runner? Under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), CBD is the only cannabinoid that isn’t banned. That’s why experienced runners should only use CBD isolates.
CBD Side Effects
Overall, CBD is well-tolerated and is considered safe. It does come with a few mild side effects, including:
Diarrhea
Fatigue
Weight changes
Appetite changes
There are some safety best practices to know. If your skin is cut or broken, don’t use any topicals. Only use CBD products that the brand put under third-party testing. Before buying the product, make sure you see the test results, called the Certificate of Analysis (COA).
CBD is also said to interact with some medications. Make sure you talk to your doctor before trying CBD.
How to Choose CBD
Transparency is critical in the CBD industry, so you should only buy CBD from a trustworthy brand. Here are some essential factors to look for in a CBD brand:
Hemp sourcing information
Extraction techniques
Certificate of Analysis (test results from a third-party lab)
The FDA doesn’t approve any CBD products, and the industry is unregulated. Therefore, it’s up to the brands to exercise transparency and for customers to conduct research when buying CBD.
How to Use CBD
The way you use CBD depends on the product you choose. While most brands provide instructions, it’s recommended that you know the basics of CBD use.
Topical
Runners will more than likely use topicals to ease their pain and inflammation.
Fortunately, topicals are the easiest to dose. You simply use them the same way you use any topical product: put a little lotion/balm on your skin and rub it into the area. Be sure to do a patch test, especially if you have sensitive and/or allergy-prone skin.
Edibles
I honestly think edibles are the second easiest CBD products to take. But first, understand that edibles take longer to kick in than any other administrative method.
For edibles, start by taking one and waiting an hour or two. If you don’t feel the effects, take one more. Know how much CBD one edible contains. Don’t take more than 20 mg of CBD/day if you’re a new user.
Sublingual
If you’re using CBD oil, the sublingual method is one of the best ways to use this oil. The sublingual method lets the product absorb under the tongue before swallowing.
All CBD oil brands will provide a dropper. If the brand doesn’t offer instructions, I would start with 0.5 ml (most droppers are 1 ml, so only fill it up to half). Lift your tongue and drop the oil underneath. Hold for 60 seconds before swallowing.
How I Chose These Products
Every product I choose is high-quality and safe. The brands are also transparent and receive excellent reviews. While I recommend products I usually use, I will recommend products that will benefit runners and the problems they face for this article.
Other factors I look for include:
Made with USA-grown hemp
Third-party testing
Doesn’t contain any heavy metals, pesticides, or mold
Potency
Extracting and manufacturing methods
Brand reputation
Ingredients
FDA compliance (doesn’t make health claims, etc.)
Positive reviews
My Favorite CBD Products for Runners
Resilience CBD Gummies
Resilience offers CBD gummies in varying sizes and potency levels.
The instructions can’t be easier. Take one or two gummies twice a day. The gummies contain 10 mg/CBD each, so only take two gummies a day if you’re a beginner. If you’re concerned about nutrition, know that these gummies are flavored with real juice concentrate.
They don’t contain any artificial sugar, flavors, or colors. Plus, they’re gluten-free!
Pros
Effective
Amazing taste
Easy to dose
Excellent customer service
Good price
Fast delivery
Cons
It may take time for the CBD to build in your system to start noticing results
Elevate Recover Capsules 30-Count Bottle 450 mg
Elevate makes their Recover Capsules specifically for athletes struggling with inflammation and soreness.
In addition to a full spectrum hemp extract, these capsules contain Indian Frankincense Gum Extract, Turmeric Extract, and White Willow Bark Extract. These supplements ease pain and lessen inflammation.
Each capsule contains 15 mg of CBD. Elevate recommends you take one capsule at a time. They don’t have an official recommended serving size, but I wouldn’t take more than two a day. Elevate only uses locally-sourced hemp from the northeast U.S.
Pros
Effective
Full spectrum CBD capsules
Contains 30 capsules
Lenient dosing
Cons
Hammer Nutrition Broad Spectrum CBD Softgels
If you like the idea of softgels but would rather use a broad spectrum capsule, I suggest these by Hammer Nutrition.
Hammer Nutrition is a top-rated fitness supplement brand that sells some of the best CBD made for athletes.
What makes these softgels so great is the patent-pending nano microemulsion manufacturing process that results in high bioavailability. In other words, your body will absorb more CBD, and the effects will last longer.
What I like about these softgels is their varying potency. You can buy these softgels in strengths that range from 10 mg – 50 mg!
These softgels are made with U.S. hemp, organic, non-GMO, and THC-free. Hammer Nutrition suggests you take one softgel or however many you need. With the potency of these softgels, I wouldn’t suggest taking more than two a day.
Pros
Effective
Fast delivery
High bioavailability
Cons
Customers complained the product wasn’t consistent (sometimes it would work and sometimes it wouldn’t)
Muscle MX Recovery + Plus Cooling Balm
Of all of the CBD balms I’ve seen, Muscle MX has the most advanced formula. Their CBD Topical Recovery Balms penetrate deeply for long-lasting relief. They use natural ingredients and 1,000 mg broad spectrum CBD.
To use this balm, Muscle MX recommends you apply the desired amount to the area that’s bothering you. Use every four to six hours.
Muscle MX also offers heat products that activate your joints and muscles for running if you prefer using warmth.
Pros
Cons
Some reviewers reported they developed a tolerance
CBDfx Pineapple Express CBD Terpene Vape Liquid
Pineapple Express is one of the most popular cannabis strains of all time. It’s potent and a common strain for medical marijuana patients for its pain-relieving abilities.
But did you know there’s a hemp version of this same strain? And CBDfx has this extraction available of a vape. This broad spectrum vape contains no THC. In addition to hemp extract and terpenes, this vape juice contains a 50/50 VG and PG ratio. It’s free of dangerous solvents, only contains high-quality food-grade ingredients, and has no artificial flavors.
CBDfx’s vape juice is compatible with different vape pens. This product is available in both 500 mg and 1,000 mg potencies.
Pros
Cons
Joy Organics Organic Broad Spectrum CBD Tincture
When Joy Organics says their CBD products are organic, they really mean ORGANIC. With the USDA-organic and non-GMO labels, Joy Organics is one of the most trustworthy names in the CBD business.
This tincture only contains olive oil and broad spectrum hemp extract. There’s also a full spectrum option and various flavors (I linked the unflavored option). Joy Organics also offers multiple strengths and bottle sizes.
I suggest using this with the sublingual method. Still, Joy Organics also states you can mix it in your favorite foods and beverages.
Pros
Joy Organics is a transparent company with USDA-organic products
Excellent customer service
Quick shipping
Plenty of CBD options
Offers a subscription
Cons
A little pricey, though it’s worth it for the quality
FAQs
Question: I’ve Never Used CBD, But I Have Lots of Soreness. Can I Take More Than the Recommended Dose?
Answer: I still suggest trying the beginner’s dose. If it’s not enough for you, then absolutely take more. Safe dosages depend on your body weight. The maximum dosage should be 5 mg per kilogram.
For example, I weigh 72.5 kilograms (160 pounds). Therefore, my dose should be no more than 362.5 mg. But seriously, you wouldn’t need that much. Even after over a year of experience, I take 50 mg/day at the maximum.
Question: Should I Take CBD Before Running?
Answer: This depends. I always take CBD first thing in the morning and in the evening. If you run in the morning, then you’ll have to take CBD before your morning jog. However, if you feel CBD relaxes you too much before your jog, you can take CBD after running.
Question: Do Any Famous Runners Use CBD?
Answer: Lolo Jones, an Olympic track runner, uses CBD. Otherwise, she’s the only famous runner I can find who uses CBD.
Question: Will CBD Strengthen My Muscles?
Answer: There are no studies that show CBD strengthens muscles.
If you want to improve muscle strength, you have to engage in other fitness activities (resistance bands, weights, etc.) in addition to running. Even some extracurricular activities, such as gardening and dance, will increase strength.
Question: Where Can I Buy CBD?
Answer: I included websites for all of the products I recommended. You can buy those CBD products online.
If you want to use another brand, find their website. Otherwise, you can now find CBD at various retailers, including health food stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and gyms.
Question: Do CBD Bath Bombs Work?
Answer: I never tried them, but I’ve heard good things.
However, I’m not sure if I would use CBD bath bombs for pain and inflammation. Seems like CBD bath bombs are a better option for specific skin conditions and stress. If you specifically want CBD for running pain, I suggest trying one of the products mentioned here.
Bottomline
More people are enjoying the benefits of running. However, there is too much good thing, and running can absolutely cause joint and muscle pain.
Even though there needs to be more research, it seems like CBD effectively reduces running-related soreness and inflammation. We hope this guide and product recommendations helped you!
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