CBD and Athletic Recovery

After intensive physical exercise, the body must go through a process of recovery. The recovery process is essential for maintaining a balanced and healthy sporting routine. Rest, hydration & nutrition are all key to this process. Additionally, it is possible to strengthen and accelerate the recovery process by stretching the body and calming the mind, this can be achieved through practising yoga, qigong, Thai chi, & meditation.

However, even when these measures are being appropriately addressed, individuals may still experience: fatigue, inflammation, loss of functional mobility, & reduced concentration.

So, what can be done?

Recently a big change came to the sporting world, when in 2018 the World-Anti-Doping-Agency removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances. Since this change, CBD has become a popular choice for athletes across the globe to support the recovery process. A recent P.E.A.C.E survey found that out of 1,161 athletes interviewed, 26% use CBD products (sometimes with small amounts of THC and sometimes with none) to improve their recovery process.

CBD can help the recovery process due to the way it interacts with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It modulates the inflammatory response by affecting immune cell activity and cytokine production. This modulation and reduction of inflammation is why athletes use CBD to reduce delayed onset muscle soreness.

During recovery, pain often reduces mobility, which in turn delays recovery. CBD can relieve the pain that limits mobility and delays recovery.

This effect occurs when CBD interacts with the body’s ECS —specifically, with the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors play key roles in regulating various physiological functions, including pain perception, inflammation, immune response, and homeostasis. This process is especially effective when applying CBD balm to specific areas. The localised effect makes CBD balm particularly effective for targeted pain relief—for example, in sore muscles, joints affected by arthritis, or areas experiencing inflammation.

CBD Balm — Targeted Relief

Apply to sore muscles and joints for fast, localised relief. Ideal for post-workout recovery.

Shop Balm

The Mental Side of Recovery

Another, often overlooked, aspect of athletic recovery is the mental resilience of the individual. The psychological strain that accompanies physical pain and recovery can lead to stress, which interferes with the body’s recovery process. The positive effect on the limbic system, the part of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, is another valuable boon CBD grants athletes during the recovery process. To put it simply, a healthy mind helps sustain a healthy body.

The body recovers quicker when it is in a restful state, and when there is lessened cortisol levels. CBD can positively alter mood via the serotonin receptors (5-HT1A) which helps the body to achieve a more naturally restful state. In addition, it has been demonstrated that CBN (a cannabinoid present in CBD oils) can improve an individual's sleep. Restful sleep is essential for recovery, hormone regulation and muscle repair. With better sleep comes a speedier recovery.

CBD Oil — Full Body Recovery

Support overall recovery, relaxation, and sleep with premium CBD oils.

Shop Oil

CBD and Circulation

New research suggests that CBD may support vascular health by promoting better blood flow and circulation. During recovery, healthy circulation is critical as it delivers oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissue cells while simultaneously flushing out metabolic waste products. Improved circulation also helps to reduce swelling and stiffness after workouts.

💡 Tip: If you’re considering taking CBD to help boost your physical recovery process, we recommend that you talk to your doctor or wellness consultant before doing so, especially if you are using other medications.

Taking all the potential benefits into account, it becomes clear why so many athletes and gym goers now implement CBD into their routine. CBD balms are an effective way to target specific areas of pain, and CBD oil and gummies are very immediate and easy ways to give the whole body a boost during its recovery phases.