Fitness and wellness enthusiasts have long enjoyed natural alternatives so it makes sense that cannabis topicals are popular aids for workout recovery. We all want a faster and more comfortable workout experience that allows us to stay focused on our goals. But, how do you select one and will it work? With the explosion of cannabis topicals, how do you know what to look for?
Consider these common scenarios:
- When your tough workout leaves you with sore muscles, can cannabis topicals help ease the discomfort and facilitate recovery?
- You have some achy (possibly arthritic) joints that act up and prevent you from being as active as you would like. Will cannabis topicals allow you to be more active?
- Perhaps you live with chronic pain that keeps you from enjoying the exercise you love. Could cannabis topicals relieve your persistent pain allowing you to participate more in the activities you love?
Any of these scenarios are right for a cannabis topical! You deserve to be able to move painlessly, enjoy an active lifestyle and reap the benefits of exercise. Cannabis can help make that possible. Using topicals is one way to use cannabis in a non-intoxicating way but experiencing the natural benefits of anti-inflammatory properties, localized pain relief, relaxation and recovery. If you already have a foam roller, massage gun and ice pack in your workout recovery arsenal, it’s time to add a cannabis topical to your tool box.
TOPICALS 101
Skin contains a high concentration of endocannabinoid receptors where cannabis can bind to and provide relief from a number of symptoms without any concern of psychoactivity because it does not enter the bloodstream.
Most popular topicals are made with CBD, although THC and strain specific topicals are increasing in popularity.
All topicals offer these great benefits:
- Pain Relief: Cannabis topicals can provide localized pain relief by targeting specific areas of the skin or around specific muscles and joints. They may help alleviate pain related to arthritis, muscle soreness, and other conditions. Cannabis topicals can be applied directly to the areas of the body that are experiencing pain or soreness after exercise. They can help reduce pain signals and provide localized relief because they work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. Depending on the product, topicals can provide relief in as little as 5 minutes and last up to 3 hours. Applied before or during training, topicals can keep pain at bay while you’re moving.
- Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Intense exercise naturally leads to inflammation in the muscles and joints. Cannabis topicals containing cannabinoids like CBD promote faster recovery due to their anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and swelling. Additionally, by reducing inflammation in the body, this may help with conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and dermatitis.
- Muscle Relaxation: The cannabinoids in cannabis topicals can help relax muscles and ease tension. Athletes, individuals with muscle spasms, or those experiencing muscle tightness will all benefit from topicals. By applying topicals to the affected areas post workout, they can help alleviate muscle soreness and promote relaxation.
- Skin Care: Cannabis topicals often contain moisturizing ingredients that hydrate skin and boost collagen production improving the health and appearance of the skin. They may also help with conditions like acne, dry skin, and wrinkles.
- Natural Alternative: Many athletes and fitness enthusiasts prefer using cannabis topicals as a natural alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications as they offer a more holistic approach to pain management and recovery. Topicals have no further side effects than a traditional pain reliever. In a world where we are quick to turn to opiates and over-the-counter pills for pain, there is a natural alternative!
- Non-Psychoactive: Since most topicals are made with CBD and are applied externally, they are traditionally non-psychoactive, meaning they do not produce a “high” effect. This makes them suitable for anyone who wants the benefits of cannabis without the psychoactive effects including athletes and weekend warriors who don’t want their performance impaired.
SELECTING A TOPICAL
Selecting a CBD cream, balm or salve depends on your needs and your personal preference. First, identify whether you need pain relief, to ease muscle stiffness and soreness, general relaxation, a skin issue or something else.The dosage with most topicals start at 20mg and the amount you need depends on the severity of your symptoms. As with all cannabis, (even though this is non psychoactive) start with the minimal amount, wait at least 30 minutes, and apply more as needed.
Although they still won’t get you high through the skin, THC topicals are gaining popularity for capturing strain specific benefits. These relative newcomers may offer more therapeutic relief by utilizing strains that are known for their pain relief and anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, topicals that combine CBD and THC in the right ratio can provide the most effective healing and restorative effects by harnessing the benefits of both compounds. It offers the perfect blend for optimal therapeutic relief, truly the best of both worlds.
Since production of cannabis topicals is not regulated, it’s important to ensure you’re selecting quality products. When possible, look for a product’s COA (Certificate of Analysis) which means it’s been tested by an independent laboratory. Some reputable brands include: Charlotte’s Web, Joy Organics, CBDistillery, and Cornbread Hemp.
Much more research is needed to provide a clearer picture of the entirety of what cannabis can do for us when used topically. A 2016 study in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD topicals reduced joint swelling from arthritis related inflammation. A 2020 study found improvements in pain, physical function, sleep quality and reduced use of OTC medications and opiates for those suffering arthritis related symptoms.
In conclusion, cannabis topicals have become popular aids for workout recovery among fitness and wellness enthusiasts. Whether you experience sore muscles, achy joints, or chronic pain, incorporating cannabis topicals into your workout recovery routine can help you move painlessly, enjoy an active lifestyle, and experience the natural benefits of cannabis. Look for high quality products specifically targeted for your personal needs, use consistently and enjoy a more robust recovery and relaxation!
If you’re interested in more personalized or want to explore further, feel free to reach out to me directly at Beth@Cannafitnessnutrition.com. You can discover more about my comprehensive 12 week program, CannaFit, which helps you integrate cannabis into your fitness and nutrition for optimal wellness at www.cannafitnessnutrition.com.