What Athletes Should Know About CBD Muscle Balms

Engaging in sports is an essential aspect of a healthy, active lifestyle. However, inevitably, accidents happen even to best-conditioned athletes.

Muscle aches and pain caused by an injury are commonly experienced by many players, especially by those who play for major leagues. That said, these things shouldn’t deter an individual from playing sports.

It’s possible to trip and fall during the game. However, you can at least reduce the risk of getting hurt without breaking the bank. That’s why it’s no surprise that several individuals are using natural remedies to alleviate pain.

CBD (cannabidiol) has been promoted as a potential “cure-all” for most common ailments. Make a quick web search, and you’ll uncover varying claims about this promising natural remedy.

The question is, can CBD actually deliver? This article will focus on CBD muscle balm and how it can potentially help athletes.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a cannabinoid or chemical component of Cannabis sativa. Although it is an active component of medical cannabis, the compound is non-psychoactive, so it won’t make you feel high.

Furthermore, CBD is known for its purported anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to impact pain levels.

Most CBD brands also claim the compound possesses numerous health benefits. You may also have heard someone who raves about how it helps them manage certain conditions.

However, remember that these claims must be substantiated with facts to prove their validity.

What Is CBD Balm and How Can It Help Athletes?

One popular cannabidiol product in the market that may have multiple benefits for athletes is CBD balm. CBD balm is a topical cream or oil that you may use to soothe sore muscles.

Using a CBD balm before working out or during training sessions may keep pain at bay while you’re in action. Similarly, applying the product after a workout may also help sore areas to recover fast.

A 2016 animal study from the European Journal of Pain hypothesized that CBD topical application may have therapeutic potential for inflammation and relief of arthritis pain-related behaviors without detrimental side effects.

Although the results are promising, they are inconclusive. Researchers suggest that longitudinal studies must be performed to confirm the purported benefits of CBD topicals on pain relief.

CBD Balm for Muscle Recovery

For athletes, any product that requires a bit of massaging or rubbing is an ideal choice. By rubbing a CBD balm directly into your problem area, you may find relief.

When you engage in an intense workout, you may experience microscopic damage to your muscle fibers.

A new intense workout may also lead to delayed body soreness for four to five days. This tenderness is called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).

The condition is a symptom of exercise-induced muscle damage. It is common among individuals who suddenly do vigorous exercises that their body isn’t accustomed to yet.

Physicians often prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to help with this condition. However, it is well documented that long-term NSAID use may be detrimental if you have excellent muscle growth potential.

You may try CBD balms instead since they’re topically applied and not ingested. However, speak with your doctor first before trying CBD balms.

Is CBD Balm Safe?

CBD balms may be a safer option since you only apply the product to your skin for localized relief.

The onset is relatively quick (10 to 15 minutes), and the effects generally last for two to three hours.

Even if a CBD balm contains traces of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound found in marijuana, it shouldn’t cause impairment. The compound won’t enter your bloodstream.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said cannabidiol is relatively safe. Still, it’s advisable that you first consult a physician experienced in cannabis use before trying CBD balm for pain relief.

Is CBD Balm Legal?

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized the commercial use of industrial hemp products on a federal level.

The bill stated that Cannabis sativa plants with no more than 0.3% THC are considered federally legal in the U.S.

In 2020, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed cannabidiol from the list of prohibited substances. For athletes, this applies whether they are in or out of competition.

Despite these developments, you should still read individual state laws regarding CBD, especially when traveling. Remember that different states may impose varied rules and regulations.

Ensure to familiarize yourself with various state laws to avoid possible legal consequences.

In South Dakota, for instance, the local government doesn’t allow the possession of any CBD products. CBD oil is still illegal in Mouth Rushmore state. Hence, owning a CBD balm is deemed a violation of state law.

Conclusion

CBD balms may be an essential tool for athletes. They have purported benefits that may help improve recovery from training stress and alleviate muscle soreness.

However, talking with your doctor, especially if you’re considering using cannabidiol products for the first time, is your best course of action.

Contact a Florida Medical Marijuana Doctor

As laws and regulations about medical marijuana continue to change, more and more research emerges about the benefits of medical marijuana in treating a range of medical conditions. If you are curious about whether or not you qualify for medical marijuana in your treatment plan, take MMTCFL’s patient survey today to help our Florida medical marijuana doctors determine if you are eligible for a medical marijuana registration card.

References

Casey Bloom

Casey believes that veganism has improved her well-being. She is a vegan advocate who believes in the healing power of CBD. She has recently taken an interest in what happens inside the body and how our bodies change. Casey writes for W-Radiology.com regularly.