CBD oil is now showing up in everything from muscle balms to pillow sprays to ice cream. It promises everything from helping us sleep better to improving our recovery from long runs and easing our aches and pains. And the CBD oil marketing machine is clearly working: according to independent research, 8-11% of the UK population tried it last year.
But is? Does it really work for those sore muscles?
What is CBD oil?
CBD is short for cannabidiol, one of the many compounds found in the marijuana plant. Another of these compounds is THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, and that is the psychoactive compound, altering the way your brain works to produce a high. However, CBD has no psychoactive effects and is safe according to the World Health Organization.
However, while it may be safe, there is still relatively little information about how it works. Graeme Close, professor of human physiology at Liverpool John Moores University who studies CBD, explains that “the scientific literature is way behind because it has been banned for many years. There is some evidence that it can help with pain management, anxiety and sleep, and obviously those are three really important things from a sports performance perspective,” says Close. “Certainly there is a mechanism for all three scientifically. But at this point, I would say the research evidence needs to be updated to further explore these claims."
How to take CBD oil
As CBD oil is now in everything, you might be wondering which is the best way to take it: oil, capsules, balm or spray? As you would probably expect, science shows that swallowing it is more effective than rubbing it on your skin. "If we were to look at some sort of hierarchy," says Professor Close, "well, by no means would I recommend vaping or smoking, but that seems to be the most effective way to get it into the system." Then there are the drops under the tongue, then the pills. Even less is known about balms and other things.
And how much is a good dose to take? It's hard to say, because research suggests that CBD can react differently in different people. "We know that the European Food Safety Authority has set the upper safe limit at 70 milligrams per day," says Professor Close. But we don't know if this is an effective dose. Also, if a label on a bottle states that a CBD oil contains '1,000 mg of CBD', which refers to how much is in the entire bottle, then what percentage will be in a few drops?
Is CBD oil safe?
One reason why experts are cautious is also about quality control issues. A recent study tested 25 products and found that only three of them were close to the declared CBD content on the label. Another American study analyzed 84 samples and found that only 26 contained the claimed amount of CBD. More worryingly, 18 of them contained more THC than they claimed. CBD products sold in the UK must contain no more than 0.2% THC, but even that would be more than enough to ban you as an elite athlete. Therefore, anyone wishing to avoid THC should be careful to get their CBD from a source that tests each batch correctly. As Grayson Hart, who created PureSport CBD, says, "All of our products are tested by the BSCG [Banned Substances Control Group], which tests for all banned substances and contaminants and certifies that the product has exactly the potency it claims to be... Unfortunately, the CBD world is filled with brands that don't take it seriously and are looking to make a quick buck.”
In January 2019, the Novel Food Act included CBD for the first time. This means that in order to remain on the market, CBD products had to apply for authorization. This process is ongoing and products may remain on the market until they are tested, but large numbers may be withdrawn. "I hope that in this way we will get rid of jeans, leaving only credible brands on the market", says Professor Close.
“Right now, you can end up spending a lot of money without really knowing what you're getting and how to get it. But there are some really trusted brands that are funding the research and doing everything they can to answer these questions."
What are the best CBD oils in 2023?
CBD KLORIS Balm
Derived from organic hemp plants, this all-natural CBD balm is designed to help with pain relief and muscle recovery. It's free of harmful chemicals and pesticides and infused with a blend of natural ingredients (including shea butter and coconut oil) that work together to provide a calming, calming effect. Developed to be applied before and after running, massaging the skin.
CBD Oil PureSport 1000mg
CBD Oil Tincture 1000mg – 30ml | Broad Spectrum | 0% THC
CBD Oil Tincture 1000mg – 30ml | Broad Spectrum | 0% THC
Third party triple lab tested and THC free. All PureSport products are tested by BSCG [Banned Substances Control Group], which also certifies potency.
Trip Double Down CBD Oil Pack
CBD oil certainly has a strong flavor and some may prefer blended oils with more pleasant flavors. This double pack comes with Orange Blossom and Wild Mint.
Nature Can 10% Aceite de CBD
Guaranteed THC free, tested and certified in independent laboratories and suitable for vegans. This 10% CBD oil is also made from certified organic hemp, and the carrier oil in the blend is also organic.
Endoca CBD oil
CBD OIL 150MG CBD/ML (STRONG)
CBD OIL 150MG CBD/ML (STRONG)
THC-free, lab-tested, and packed with omega-3s and vitamins D and E. Endoca comes in strong and medium, as well as raw and heated formulations (heated or decarboxylated CBD is often stronger).
CBD Oil PureSport 1000mg
Third party triple lab tested and THC free. All PureSport products are tested by BSCG [Banned Substances Control Group], which also certifies potency.
Mission C Pre-Workout + CBD Oil
This CBD oil is infused with Ashwagandha, Citral, and Maca Root, which are claimed to boost your energy, increase focus, and reduce pre-run inflammation.
Capsules
If the flavor of CBD is too much for you, there are also plenty of capsules available from top brands; As with the oil, they come in different strengths and some have additional vitamins or supplements included. Always check the dosage and recommended use.
Ultra Pure CBD Advanced Absorption Capsules
Acid resistant to aid absorption in the stomach, take these 20mg high purity CBD capsules once daily.
Four five CBD capsules
High purity and THC free, with exactly 10mg of CBD in each capsule. They are also free of herbicides and pesticides and are vegan.
Provacan Premium CBD Calming Capsules
Provacan partners with leading CBD researchers in Israel and the UK and even publishes the lab reports on their ingredients, so you can be sure exactly what you're taking.
FAQs
What form of CBD is best for athletes? ›
- Charlotte's Web CBDMEDIC Active Sport Pain Relief Stick.
- CBDistillery CBDol Topical — CBD Balm.
- Level Select CBD Roll-Ons.
- Therabody Revive CBD Body Balm.
- PlusCBD CBD Balm.
- CBDfx CBD Cream For Muscle & Joint.
- Aspen Green Pain Relief Body Balm.
Athletes can maximise post-run recovery with the help of CBD. Reduced injury risk – CBD has proven anti-inflammatory effects on your joints. This can reduce pain and lessen the risk of injury and post-run stiffness, which is especially important for runners, who are at greater risk of knee pain and injury.
Is CBD oil or CBD capsules better? ›CBD oil has high bioavailability as most of the therapeutic properties get through to the bloodstream very quickly. A capsule has lower availability as some of the CBD will be lost in the digestive process, therefore less reaches the bloodstream and it takes longer to get there.
Does CBD salve help runner recovery? ›Studies have found that topical CBD may be able to significantly reduce inflammation, regulate the perception of pain, and balance cortisol levels. So if you're looking to soothe running soreness to recover faster from workouts, topical CBD balms could be effective.
What type of CBD is best for energy? ›- CBDfx – Overall Best CBD for Energy and Focus.
- CBDistillery - Best CBD Edibles.
- Charlotte's Web - Best Allergen-Free.
- Medterra - Best CBD Isolate.
- Joy Organics - Best CBD Topical.
Many experts suggest about 300 milligrams taken orally, but others have found benefit with as little as 20 milligrams, a relatively common dose in CBD supplements for athletes. It's wise to start with small doses to assess your sensitivity.
Can you take CBD before running? ›Using CBD before your workout can significantly help to lessen the effects of anxiety and reduce blood pressure, allowing you to bring your A-game from the word go.
Does CBD improve endurance? ›Endurance athletes are known to have outstanding athletic abilities and stamina; adding CBD could up the ante even more. There is a lot to still learn about CBD, but limited studies and anecdotal evidence point in the direction of a benefits all endurance athletes could gain from.
Should I take CBD oil before or after workout? ›The short answer is that CBD oil is effective both before and after workouts. Before your workout, it can help to boost your energy and relax your muscles. Afterward, it can help soothe post-exercise inflammation.
What is the downside of CBD oil? ›Though it's often well-tolerated, CBD can cause side effects, such as dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness and fatigue. CBD can also interact with other medications you're taking, such as blood thinners. Another cause for concern is the unreliability of the purity and dosage of CBD in products.
What is better 500 or 1000mg CBD oil? ›
What's the difference between 500mg and 1000mg of CBD oil? A 1000mg CBD is twice as strong as a 500mg CBD oil, provided the total contents of the bottle is the same. So, expanding on the example above, a 10ml bottle of CBD oil containing 1000mg of CBD would offer 5mg per 0.05ml drop.
Can you take CBD oil and capsules together? ›Yes, you can. In fact, we do it all the time at Cannaray HQ, mixing and matching our CBD oils, CBD capsules and CBD gummies to work with our mood. But, to combine different CBD products, you need to keep the amounts you're taking in mind, as we recommend using no more than 70mg of CBD per day.
How can a runner recover faster? ›- Rehydrate and Replenish. When you exercise, your body's core temperature increases. ...
- Carb Up. Glycogens are stored carbohydrates that are broken down and used as the main source of fuel during a run. ...
- Foam Roll. ...
- Stretch It Out. ...
- Sleep More and Better. ...
- Eat a High-Protein Meal.
- Inflammatory Foods to Avoid. As athletes, the quicker we reduce inflammation, the more consistently we can train. ...
- Top Anti-Inflammatory Foods to Add to Your Diet. ...
- Turmeric. ...
- Ginger. ...
- Spinach. ...
- Tart Cherries or Tart Cherry Juice. ...
- Garlic. ...
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
One rule of thumb is 1-6 milligrams of CBD for every 10 pounds of body weight based on pain levels. Another is to start with 5-10mg per day and increase by 5-10mg until you feel relief.
What is the most potent way to use CBD? ›Vapes and sublingual (aka under the tongue) tinctures tend to be the most effective methods because they put CBD right into your bloodstream, he says. A CBD gummy or even a supplement, on the other hand, would have to be absorbed through the digestive tract, which may take longer or result in a less potent effect.
How do I choose the best CBD product? ›First and foremost, reputable CBD oil companies submit their products to third-party laboratories for testing and make the resulting certificates of analysis (COAs) easily available to consumers. In terms of quality, look for companies that use organic, non-GMO, U.S.-grown hemp to manufacture their oils.
What is the strongest level of CBD? ›Directions. Crescent's 9000 mg Max Strength CBD drops are the strongest CBD oil on the market, with 300 mg of CBD per 1 mL dropper. Take 1 mL (one full dropper) once a day, or 0.5 mL (half dropper) twice a day.
Is 200 mg CBD per day too much? ›Studies show doses up to 1,500 milligrams a day have been well-tolerated, but every person is different. Ingesting too much CBD can cause unpleasant side effects, such as dry mouth, nausea, diarrhea, upset stomach, drowsiness, lightheadedness and general disorientation. While rare, liver damage can also occur.
What is 1000mg of CBD good for? ›What is 1000mg CBD oil good for? 1000mg CBD oil packs a punch and is generally used by those seeking serious relief from conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, and insomnia. It can also be used to help with milder issues like moderate pain, inflammation, and stress.
Is 100 mg CBD per day OK? ›
As with any drug, the appropriate dosage is one that provides a therapeutic effect and is well-tolerated. In clinical studies, researchers have used various oral dosages of CBD, ranging from 100–800 mg per day. Some studies use even higher dosages.
When should you avoid CBD? ›Absolute contraindications to CBD are allergies to cannabidiol or sesame oil. At first signs of skin, cutaneous irritation, or anaphylactic reaction, the patient should stop using CBD.
What time of day should you use CBD? ›Current evidence does not suggest there is a best time to take CBD. A person may wish to take CBD in the morning if they want to feel more awake and alert or to help manage their anxiety. Throughout the day, a person may wish to use CBD to treat certain epilepsy seizures or migraine.
Does CBD hinder athletic performance? ›With what we know at this point, CBD offers good potential benefits and few risks. If it improves recovery as a pain reliever, anti-inflammatory, and sleep aid, then it has great potential to improve athletic performance.
Does CBD reduce tiredness? ›If you're experiencing sleep issues, you might feel tired and lack focus the next day. CBD might be able to help with certain sleep disorders and help you get a good night's sleep. This can help you feel energetic and focused more often.
Does CBD oil affect your motor skills? ›A small study suggests that CBD, a cannabis component in many medical marijuana products, may not have much effect on driving or cognitive abilities.
Does CBD affect motor skills? ›The key takeaway here is that pure CBD oil is unlikely to have any impact on your motor skills; however, there isn't enough research to say definitively. If you're unsure of whether you should be driving, consult your doctor.
Should you take CBD before a workout? ›If you want to use CBD to enhance your workout, reduce stress and improve sleep ahead of an intense session, taking CBD before you work out is the best option. If however, you want to aid and speed up your recovery process, then taking CBD after a workout will better help you achieve the intended results.
How long does it take for CBD oil to work on muscles? ›"Most sublingual formulations of THC or CBD cannabis products, such as the hemp oil, will take 20 to 40 minutes to produce any therapeutic effect," said Palvia. "The advantage here is that sublingual administration results in therapeutic benefit in all muscles."
What drugs should not be taken with CBD? ›CBD has been reported to interact with several anticonvulsants, including diazepam, lamotrigine, and phenytoin28,29; sedative drugs including barbiturates such as phenobarbital and hexobarbital30; and narcotics such as codeine and morphine.
Does CBD capsules really work? ›
There is moderate evidence that CBD can improve sleep disorders, fibromyalgia pain, muscle spasticity related to multiple sclerosis, and anxiety. People report that oral CBD helps relieve anxiety and pain and also leads to better sleep.
What are the benefits of CBD capsules 300mg? ›It is most commonly used to treat chronic pain, anxiety, inflammation, and insomnia. One study showed that CBD may relieve pain by affecting receptors of the endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain, mood, and memory, in addition to many other physiological and cognitive functions.
What mg of CBD is best for beginners? ›"The best practice and the industry standard for dosing is to guide new CBD users to 'start low and go slow. ' This means starting at a dose of 10mg and slowly titrating up as needed by increasing the dose in 5mg increments every 2 to 3 days," says Capano.
How long does it take for 1000mg CBD to kick in? ›The time it takes for CBD to work can vary greatly depending on a number of factors, but most people will typically feel the effects anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours after use.
What mg of CBD are best? ›A 2019 study investigating CBD for anxiety found that 300 to 600 milligrams reduced anxiety symptoms. However, that study was limited to 57 adult males. "For generalized anxiety or sleep disorders, 25 to 75 milligrams per day is recommended, while for PTSD, 33 to 50 milligrams per day is recommended.
How long before bed should you take CBD capsules? ›Take 30–60 Minutes before Bed
For best results, take your CBD sleep gummies 30–60 minutes before you'd like to fall asleep. CBD tinctures for sleep are a little faster to kick in, so that could be taken 20-30 minutes before bed.
Thankfully, due to the coating, capsules have a higher chance of more CBD being absorbed. Less of the CBD is digested on its first pass through the digestive system, leaving a greater chance of more being taken into our bodies after our liver has a second sweep at it (13). It is not all bad for gummies, however.
How long does the effect of CBD capsules last? ›How long do the effects last? Again, it all depends on your body, how much you take, and how you take it. But generally, the effects of CBD can last from 2 to 6 hours.
Should athletes take CBD? ›As an athlete you apply greater stress to your body, leading to pain and inflammation greater than what your endocannabinoid system can handle. Adding exogenous CBD may help this overloaded system get your neurotransmitters back under control and help athletes maintain homeostasis.
Do pro athletes take CBD? ›FAMOUS ATHLETES WHO USE CBD
Many use CBD to level up their wellness routines. Some of the most famous athletes endorsing CBD are professional golfer Rickie Fowler, NFL player Rob Gronkowski, and MMA fighter Nate Diaz.
What type of CBD is best for muscle recovery? ›
Formulation. CBD comes in lots of different forms, like creams, gels, drops, vapors, edibles, and bath salts. The choice is up to you, but for post-workout recovery, topical CBD works best in providing targeted relief as the effects are more focused on the swollen local tissue.