What is CBD? All the answers you need.

Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, has gained significant attention over the years. Most known for its potential therapeutic properties, CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has been studied for many years. CBD taps into your body's Endocannabinoid system (ECS), helping to regulate balance and promote homeostasis.

CBD has been used as a treatment since 2700 BCE to treat menstrual disorders, gout, rheumatism, malaria, constipation, and absent-mindedness. In medieval times, Islamic doctors used CBD for issues like nausea, epilepsy, and inflammation. In the 1800s, Western medicine commonly used cannabis as a painkiller before aspirin became popular! Recently, the Farm Bill removed all hemp-derived products, including CBD, from the Controlled Substances Act, making CBD products legal (Devinsky). 

CBD has shown promise in treating seizure fits and has a unique way of working with the body. By working with the ECS, chemical signals and cellular receptors that are densely packed in the brain and body are controlled by immediate feedback by the neurotransmitters. There are two receptors known as CB1 and CB2 respectively. CB1 in the brain controls hunger levels, temperature, and alertness levels. To stimulate these receptors, our bodies produce molecules called endocannabinoids. CB2 is in immune tissues and controls immune functioning and regulates intestinal inflammation, contraction and pain in inflammatory bowel conditions (Blume). 

The strongest evidence lies in its effectiveness for treating epilepsy syndromes such as Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. CBD is effective for various conditions, as a natural and non-psychoactive compound has provided minimal side effects. In numerous studies, CBD was able to greatly reduce the number of seizures and in some cases stop them completely. This led to Epidiolex, the first cannabis-derived medicine approved by the FDA for these conditions (Grinspoon). CBD may also help with anxiety, insomnia, chronic pain, inflammation, arthritis, muscle soreness, and addiction. 

More research is being done surrounding CBD in order to make strides to uncover more potential health benefits. As will any health-related topic, it is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice and guidance. 

Fuel to your Fire

CBD isn't just the go-to for the zen-seeking yogis; it's your secret weapon on the gym floor. It taps into your body's endocannabinoid system, helping to regulate balance and promote homeostasis. Translation? Less inflammation, faster recovery, and a body that's ready to put in work every workout. Say goodbye to the days of feeling wrecked post-exercise; CBD's got your back.

Crushing Anxiety; Not Your Goals

Who said the fitness journey is all about lifting iron and running miles? It's a mental game too, and that's where CBD shines. Bid farewell to pre-workout jitters or post-workout stress. CBD is your personal chill pill, as it can have a Neuroprotective effect, offering protective benefits for conditions affecting the nervous system, turning down the volume on anxiety and helping you focus on crushing your goals. A calm mind equals a beast-mode workout – it's that simple.

Become the Master of Your Recovery

Recovery, the unsung hero of fitness. Forget the ice baths; CBD is here to revolutionize your cooldown game. Its anti-inflammatory properties can be like a superhero cape for your muscles, reducing soreness and speeding up recovery. Inflammation frequently occurs after an accident or vigorous exercise. While some inflammation is alright, excessive amounts can lead to chronic diseases, psychological problems, and physical discomfort. Inflammation might also prevent your body from healing. CBD successfully reduces inflammation to a safe level.Hello, faster bounce-back and goodbye to the days of hobbling around like a newborn giraffe.

Train, Rest, Recover, Repeat

In a world where fitness meets cannabis, CBD stands tall. CBD has antioxidant properties that can combat oxidative stress, helping your body recover from the inside out. It may even support better sleep, giving you the regenerative rest your body craves after an intense workout. It's your ally in achieving new personal bests, overcoming mental hurdles, and embracing the holistic side of fitness. So, what are you waiting for? Elevate your game, celebrate your victories, and repeat, because with CBD in your corner, there's no limit to what you can conquer. The fitness journey just got a whole lot more exciting – let's make gains, not excuses

CBD and The Law

The Farm Bill of 2018 decriminalized hemp-derived CBD, waving a green flag for cultivation and extraction. What is hemp? It is the cannabis plant with less than 0.3% THC, making it the go-to-source for legal CBD. The CBD market is a jungle, and not all products are created equal. Stick with trusted brands, look for third-party testing, and make sure your CBD comes from the 0.3% THC or less crew. Because legality is not just about dodging the law but also about investing in the good stuff that your body deserves. Thanks to the Farm Bill, CBD is not just a game-changer for your workouts but also a legal ally on your journey to wellness. So, gear up, rebels – it's time to blaze a trail legally, smash those fitness goals, and let the good vibes roll! CBD and fitness: a match made in green heaven. Let’s get fit and fly high, my friends! 💚🌿✨

Citations

Blume, L. C., & Dalton, G. D. (2011, September 25). CB(1) cannabinoid receptors and their associated proteins. Current medicinal chemistry. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3179980/

Devinsky, O., Cross, H., & Cilio, M. R. (2014, May 22). Cannabidiol: Pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Epilepsia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24854329/

Grinspoon, P. (2021, August 11). The endocannabinoid system: Essential and mysterious. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-endocannabinoid-system-essential-and-mysterious-202108112569

Grinspoon, P. (2021, September 24). Cannabidiol (CBD): What we know and what we don’t. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/cannabidiol-cbd-what-we-know-and-what-we-dont-2018082414476