CBD, short for cannabidiol, could be the key to reducing recovery time and achieving new personal bests (PBs) in the CrossFit gym. Managing niggles, staying healthy, and optimizing recovery are essential for any CrossFitter—but how exactly can CBD oil help?
CBD products have surged in popularity as research highlights their potential benefits for health, wellness, and athletic performance. While cannabis has been used for centuries for pain relief and stress reduction, modern formulations like CBD oil now make it easier to support recovery and maintain peak performance.
Understanding CBD vs. THC
Many people hesitate to try cannabis-derived products because of the stigma surrounding marijuana. Here’s the difference:
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Cannabis is the plant containing multiple compounds.
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THC is the psychoactive component that produces a “high” and is illegal in many contexts.
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CBD is non-psychoactive and safe for athletes, helping with pain, inflammation, and recovery without causing intoxication.
Unlike THC, CBD is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic potential, making it a popular choice for athletes who want to optimize performance while avoiding psychoactive effects.
CBD Oil for Pain Relief
Pain can be the enemy of progress in CrossFit. Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), minor injuries, and joint discomfort may hinder consistent training.
CBD helps combat pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates pain, sleep, immunity, appetite, and mood. Studies demonstrate its effectiveness:
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A 2018 study in the Journal of Pain Research found that CBD reduces pain and inflammation by modulating neurotransmitter activity.
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Animal studies in Frontiers in Pharmacology and the European Journal of Pharmacology showed that CBD injections significantly reduced pain and inflammation.
For CrossFitters, this means less discomfort and faster return to training.
Supporting Recovery with CBD
Recovery is essential for muscle repair, energy replenishment, and overall athletic performance. CBD may support recovery by:
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Reducing inflammation in muscles and joints
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Minimizing swelling after intense workouts
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Promoting tissue repair
Using 100% organic CBD oil is ensures maximum benefits without harmful additives. By reducing recovery time, athletes can spend more time improving skills and strength.
CBD and Sleep: The Recovery Connection
Sleep is a critical factor in athletic performance. Adequate rest allows the body to repair tissue, replenish energy stores, and consolidate learning from training sessions.
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A 2014 study found that athletes sleeping less than eight hours per night were 1.7 times more likely to suffer injuries.
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Research in The Permanente Journal (2019) showed that 66.7% of participants reported improved sleep quality, and 79.2% reported reduced anxiety when taking CBD.
Regular CBD use can improve sleep quality, helping athletes recover faster and train more effectively.
Choosing the Best CBD Oil for CrossFit
Not all CBD products are equal. Selecting the right type and quality is essential:
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Full-spectrum CBD includes additional compounds, flavonoids, and terpenes, enhancing benefits.
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CBD isolate contains pure cannabidiol without other compounds.
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Look for organic, high-quality brands to ensure safety and efficacy.
There are many online suppliers of CBD, but choosing trusted brands is key to obtaining the highest standard of the best CBD oil for your pain relief, recovery and sleep. Suppliers such as SmartCBD offer only 100% organic full spectrum CBD oil, preserved with advanced technology and delivered in ethical green packaging.
Smart CBD is one of the leading suppliers of 100% organic full-spectrum CBD oil. To find out more about the brand’s easy-to-take range of drops and balms, visit their website by clicking here.
How to Incorporate CBD Into Your Routine
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Post-workout: Use CBD to reduce soreness and promote muscle repair.
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Pre-sleep: Take CBD to improve sleep quality and manage stress.
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Consistency: Use daily to maximize recovery benefits and support performance.
By incorporating CBD strategically, athletes can optimize recovery, reduce downtime, and maintain peak performance.
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