By Miguel Ordoñez


Muscle recovery is an integral part of every athlete's routine. Whether you're a runner or a bodybuilder, you need a post-workout regiment that can alleviate your body from the aches and pain brought on by a hard training session.

There are numerous drugs out there that try to offer immediate relief, but they also bring uncomfortable side effects and potential long-term damage to your health. However, there's also one alternative that many experts have been looking into as the new solution: cannabidiol.

CBD and Muscle Recovery

CBD is one of the 100+ cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, just like the iconic THC.

Once CBD enters the body, it has an indirect interaction with our endocannabinoid system (ECS) via the inhibition of an enzyme that breaks down anandamide, which is a cannabinoid created within our bodies. It's also known as the "bliss molecule", and it binds with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in our ECS, handling aspects of our lives such as our mood, appetite, our perception of pain, and our fertility.

The feeling when it hits out system is similar to the “runner’s high,” or that feeling of elation and reduced stress caused by a sudden rush of endorphins.

Speaking of runners, now could be a good time to delve deeper into the use of CBD for athletic muscle recovery.

You’ve probably heard about that a lot, but how exactly does it work?

Well, before we dive into the main topic, let’s briefly discuss why we get sore after a workout in the first place.

See, when a muscle works harder than usual, microscopic tears can start to form in the fibres. We recognise this as Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, or DOMS, and it's a perfectly normal part of working out. As they heal, they're slightly more adapted to the new activity, and the next round of soreness won't hurt as bad or last as long.

The recovery process is still decently painful and uncomfortable, though; ice packs and rest may ease the process, but some rely on painkillers to keep them going. As we discussed earlier, those pills can not only cause various short-term side effects but long-term damage to your internal organs as well.

Considering the possibility of those issues, scientists have begun exploring every possible safer alternative. Cannabis, specifically the cannabinoids found within, have become the main focus of studies in that process.

So that leads us to our main question: how could CBD potentially help in muscle recovery?

CBD and Muscle Recovery

Pain Management

In terms of pain management, researchers are still testing CBD to see if it’s of any use against inflammation

What makes it effective is its relationship with the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS. Unlike THC, CBD does not bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is instead believed to bind to the TRPV1 receptors, which are responsible for regulating body temperature, pain perception, and inflammation.

Ongoing studies are trying to figure out how CBD works to influence the ECS. So far, researchers have found the molecule to influence anandamide levels and interact with CB2 receptors, as well as receptors that make up the “expanded ECS”. Now, they’re looking to see if this action has any relevance in terms of pain, inflammation, and post-workout aches[1]

Better Sleep Quality

Apart from those long hours of training and skill honing, sleep is another integral part of an athlete’s life. A lack of proper sleep hygiene may compromise the recovery process, which could lead to slower healing of injuries and lingering aches.

As you start to get less sleep on a weekly basis, you may start feeling more anxious in turn. Your mind goes into overdrive, worrying, and ruminating to the point you end up tossing and turning at night even more.

This vicious cycle can quickly feed into itself. In hopes of slamming the breaks, researchers are now observing the effects of CBD on both sleep and anxiety. A large case series published in 2019[2] examined the effects of the cannabinoid on 72 adult patients struggling with sleep and anxiety; the authors concluded that more formal studies on efficacy and dose-finding are urgently needed. 

Possible Side Effects

As research progresses, the hope is that an alternative or adjunct to these addictive and sometimes dangerous drugs can be found. But we won’t know the validity of CBD in this regard until strict human trials with large sample sizes are carried out. 

The side effects[3] of excessive cannabidiol doses may include diarrhea, fatigue, loss of appetite, and, in especially uncommon cases, weight changes. The worst of it could be liver damage, especially if taken alongside certain medications, but that's very rare and only happens with extremely high doses of CBD or conflicting medications.

How to Use CBD

Thanks to the research and product development allowed for by legalization, cannabidiol comes in various forms in this day and age.

You can get some buds from a CBD-rich plant, for instance, and smoke or vape them the same way you would with standard cannabis. If you don't want to smoke or vape flower, though, there are ways to take it orally, such as capsules, oils, and tinctures. Oil can also either be infused in food or beverages, or used directly by dropping underneath the tongue.

For those who aren’t big fans of its taste, there’s also the option for topical administration. Topical CBD comes in lotion, balm, and oil form, which you apply directly onto the skin.

CBD and Athletes

Here are some alarming statistics: according to a fact sheet[4] put out by the State of New Jersey’s Department of Education, the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence found that 12 percent of male athletes and eight percent of female athletes have used opioids.

Another 2016 study revealed that the prescription of opioids[5] for analgesic purposes increased significantly over the last 20 years. While these drugs are completely legal, they’re very addictive and can lead to a vast amount of health issues. In turn, the consequences of misuse are much more devastating.

If CBD turns out to be of benefit, this athletic population could gain from the accessibility and good safety profile of the cannabinoid. The diversity of products—from CBD topicals to capsules—also makes for some interesting pre, post, and intra-race strategies.

How to Dose and When

Everyone has their own boundaries when it comes to CBD dosages, whether it be how they consume it or how much they take on a daily basis. Along with many other users, though, most athletes prefer dropping CBD oil or tinctures under their tongue.

Many people prefer that route because the cannabinoids get into the bloodstream relatively quickly. Oral CBD also has higher bioavailability, meaning that more of what you consume actually makes it into your bloodstream, which means doses can be reduced eventually.

There’s also a question of when, exactly, someone should take their dose. Some do it right after a workout for more immediate relief, while others may have some in the morning to start off their day on a peaceful note. It’s all down to preference, though; one of CBD’s effects is drowsiness and sleepiness, so many opt to take it right before going to bed.

CBD and Athletes

CBD and Bodybuilding

If you're a bodybuilder, the process of honing your muscles is as regular as breathing air. However, you may not have considered the science behind your exercises.

In short, the process involves two metabolic states: anabolic and catabolic. The anabolic state is all about growing and increasing your lean muscle mass. On the flip side, the catabolic state is about breaking down stored fat and carbohydrates to be converted into energy.

So how could CBD be involved in all of this, you may ask? According to research, it can be observed regulating the catabolic process and ensuring that it won’t go overboard. As a result, the athlete will maintain their needed muscle mass while also curbing any possible muscle loss.

How to Dose and When

In a previous section of this article, we mentioned how soreness is caused by the formation of mini tears in the fibres of muscles that are worked out especially hard. Weightlifting is a classic example of how this concept works, especially since certain workouts target specific muscles.

In this case, it would make sense to use CBD topically and apply it directly to the affected area right after the workout. This direct application allows the cannabinoid to interact with the ECS in that specific area, leading to faster and more direct relief.

CBD and Bodybuilding

CBD and Runners

Long-distance runners go through arduous and strenuous training sessions to prepare for the next marathon or race. They will likely experience soreness and aches, particularly in their legs and feet. Stretching and ice packs can help to an extent, but many turn to conventional painkillers and other prescribed substances to find relief.

How to Dose and When

As more research is done, both topical and oral CBD is deemed useful for people who run on a regular basis. The former could be used for the aching parts of their lower extremities, while the latter could be used to help them sleep better. These can be taken right after the workout and before going to bed, respectively.

CBD and Runners

While CBD is legal in most parts of the world, athletic governing bodies still considered it to be a banned substance until recently. That, of course, all changed in 2018, when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took out CBD from its list of controlled substances.

Given the numerous benefits for recovery, and ultimately athletic performance, this was a promising development for athletes all-around. If you’re actively competing and intend to use CBD for such purposes, there's a good chance that you'll no longer run into any trouble that could potentially tarnish your name and ruin your career.

A small caveat, however, is that rules may differ depending on where you live. But if you do your due diligence, you should be fine.

Will CBD Cause a Positive Drug Test?

Straight answer: no, it won’t. Drug tests don’t go after CBD, but what could cause a positive result is the THC present in the substance you’ve used.

Conclusion

So, even though there are a lot of potential benefits to be discovered here, it is still wise to proceed with caution when taking CBD. The findings have been promising, yes, but more research needs to be done. So, if you want to be on the safest side, consult your doctor before making CBD a part of your regular regimen, especially if you’re taking other medications on a regular basis.

External Resources:
  1. Cannabis and the Health and Performance of the Elite Athlete https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Cannabidiol in Anxiety and Sleep: A Large Case Series https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. CBD: Safe and effective? - Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org
  4. Opioid Use and Misuse Educational Fact Sheet https://www.state.nj.us
  5. Nonmedical Prescription Opioid and Heroin Use Among Adolescents Who Engage in Sports and Exercise https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: