Does CBD Promote Muscle Building?

Trends and fads are no stranger to the weight training industry. A few years ago, coffee was the first choice for morning strength athletes. We've also seen trends like HIIT combined with weight training to create the crossfit hybrid.

When it comes to supplements, the weight training industry isn't immune either. Lots of people have jumped on the whey protein bandwagon and use their protein shakers after a workout to keep muscle fatigue at bay. And to build muscle. 

If you've been paying close attention over the past few months, you may have heard early adopters praising another dietary supplement. CBD Oil is a relative newcomer to the market, but it's a real hit. A practical benefit of CBD oil is that it can be used to prevent muscle soreness after lifting weights. 

CBD oil is the lesser known compound found in cannabis plants. The better known compound is THC or tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the compound that is responsible for getting you "high".

Research into the benefits of CBD oil is ongoing, which may make some people suspicious. However, the first signs suggest that there are many benefits and few side effects. It is currently available in the UK without a prescription. 

The next time you stock up on whey protein and protein bars at a health food store, you're sure to find CBD oil on the shelves too. From white coffee to bath bombs - the industry is crazy about CBD products.

What is CBD oil?

Before we dive into the weightlifting benefits of CBD oil, it is important to understand what it is.

CBD stands for cannabidiol and is one of the many phytocannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Another, more well-known phytocannabinoid is THC, the compound responsible for the “high” associated with consuming cannabis products. 

Unlike THC, CBD is not psychoactive, which means it won't get you high. Good news for anyone looking to keep a clear head while lifting weights! And because it's not psychoactive, it's completely legal too. If you are getting your CBD oil from a reputable source you shouldn't have any problems using it.

The full extent of the benefits of CBD oil is still being explored. It is believed to interact with the endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in maintaining many body functions in the central and peripheral nervous systems. The system was only discovered in 1992, and research into the full extent of its effects on biological processes is ongoing. It is believed to maintain homeostasis in everything from appetite and sleep patterns to pain sensation and memory.

Another important point is that CBD oil can also be used to control and reduce inflammation. Inflammation is usually the culprit in sore muscles. In addition to helping reduce inflammation, CBD oil can help control the pain response. So you won't be forced to skip training because of sore muscles. 

Are there any research results that support this?

There is anecdotal evidence that cannabis oil can help people struggling with a range of diseases. In 1990 Pubmed had 200 cannabis research articles. Today there are over 20.000 such items.

Retired NFL players have also cited CBD oil as an important part of their pain management protocol. Football Hall of Famer Terrell Davis named CBD oil as the only treatment that helped him with his joint pain and migraines. He believes in CBD oil so much that he launched his own line of sports drinks containing CBD.

How can I take CBD oil? 

CBD oil comes in many different forms, but the most effective are either the oils or water-soluble products taken orally. You can also apply it to your skin as a balm or add it to your food. 

The Study According to CBD, it is "anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiemetic, antipsychotic and neuroprotective". These are all positive signs for those looking for a pick-me-up after a workout.

As for the dosage, there is no standard rule. The effect is different for every person, so the user has to decide for himself how much he wants to consume. The risk of an "overdose" is virtually eliminated, as CBD oil has been shown to be safe up to a dose of 1.500 mg, which is far more than you would ever need. The starting dose is more likely to be 15-20 mg. 

Is it safe?

With all dietary supplements, you should make sure that you are taking the right amount for your body and your tolerance level. Someone unfamiliar with creatine could experience undesirable side effects from ingesting too much too quickly.

But unlike other dietary supplements, CBD has very few side effects. And all undesirable side effects are short-lived. This means that if you notice anything unpleasant, you can just stop taking it or reduce your dose.

Side effects can include symptoms such as drowsiness and drowsiness. To avoid side effects, it is best to increase your intake of CBD oil. By gradually increasing your dose each day, you can determine when you have had enough and avoid unwanted side effects.

If you do experience any undesirable side effects, just stop using the drug and you will soon feel fine again. 

Is it legal?

All the talk about the active ingredients extracted from cannabis plants often makes people nervous. The good news is that CBD oil is completely legal. But not every CBD oil is created equal.

To stay on the right side of the law, you need to make sure you are getting it from a reputable provider. In order for CBD oil to be legal in Germany, it must not contain THC. A good supplier will offer a composition analysis that will show the purity of the product.

Even though CBD oil and CBD products are legal in the UK, you should be careful when traveling with them. If you are traveling by plane, the same rules apply as for taking liquids with you. And remember, not all countries allow you to carry or use CBD oil. 

Russia is a country where the use of CBD oil is banned. In the United States, regulations vary by state, so it is best to do some research before you travel. 

Find out more about traveling with CBD here.

How can I use CBD oil for my muscle building workouts?

If you are convinced that CBD oil could be the right choice, you may be wondering how to incorporate it into your exercise program.

You can use CBD in a number of ways before and after your workout. 

Mix it into your morning smoothie

If you want to start the day with a delicious and nutritious smoothie, you can add a few drops of CBD oil to your glass. So start the day with a clear head and a positive attitude.

Try a few drops before training

Before hitting the gym, you might want to grab a protein-rich snack like a yogurt or a banana. Try putting a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue before going to the gym. This will help prepare your body for the upcoming workout.

Apply a balm after your workout

When you finish exercising at the gym and take a shower, apply a small amount of CBD balm to the muscles and joints that you were exercising that day. Not only will the balm keep your skin looking and feeling great, but it will also help bring the anti-inflammatory properties where they're needed most. 

This type of application can be combined with foam rollers or myofascial relaxation to release tension and prevent your muscles from cramping the next day.

Try before bed

If you exercise in the evening, you may find it harder to switch off and fall asleep. A few drops of CBD oil under the tongue can be very helpful here. Develop a calming evening routine and use CBD as the centerpiece of that routine. About an hour before bed, turn off all screens and have a cup of herbal tea and a few drops of CBD oil.

If you exercise regularly, it is important to ensure that you are getting adequate, quality sleep. If you find that you are not getting the results you want despite eating a healthy diet and exercising, your sleeping habits could be to blame.