If you are any kind of athlete--a runner, a lifter, a yogi, or a sports enthusiast--you’ve probably heard of CBD. The use of CBD as both an ingestible supplement and a topical have been on the forefront of the sports world for several years now. Maybe you’ve thought about using it yourself, but never quite got around to finding out more.
In this article, we’ll share a bit about how
CBD sports cream can help anyone who suffers from the aches and pains of an active lifestyle. We’ll also give you some tips on how to find the very best CBD creams on the market.
What Exactly is CBD?
CBD is cannabidiol, an extract of the hemp or cannabis plant. While related to the even more ubiquitous THC, it does not share the psychoactive properties of its cousin. They are both cannabinoids, but while both have a plethora of health benefits, CBD will not get you high. CBD interacts with the receptors of the body’s own endocannabinoid system--a series of neurotransmitters and receptors that are present along the central and peripheral nervous systems. The endocannabinoid system works to promote homeostasis in the body...it regulates any number of functions including:
- Pain reaction
- Sleep
- Immune response
- Metabolism
- Anti-inflammatory response
The cannabinoids found in plants (CBD is one of over a hundred known cannabinoids) also interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors found in the endocannabinoid system. This can lead to many potential health benefits that are still being
studied.
The Benefits of CBD
There are many medical uses for CBD that are currently being studied. Research has not yet caught up to the popularity of CBD use as a whole, but anecdotal evidence is strong, and preliminary studies are extremely promising. Especially for
anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.
This is where CBD sports creams can shine. The application of CBD to the skin allows for topical absorption into the pores, where the cannabinoid can interact with CB2 receptors. For many, this provides relief for both the typical after-workout soreness, as well as the pain of minor injuries. It can be applied directly to the affected muscle or joint.
Is CBD Legal to Use?
The short answer is yes. However, it can become a complex question when you break it down on a state level. Federally, yes CBD is legal. And even many of the
states allow for the sale and use of CBD without exception. However, there are some states that have caveats.In any case, you can easily buy CBD products online (from where they are made and sold in non-exception states), and have it delivered. A note: The weird exception clauses in some states do not stem from any question of the safety of CBD. It is simply the result of long lived blowback from the draconian days of American disgust for anything cannabis. Will Using a CBD Sports Cream Show Up on a Drug Test? It’s understandable that you’d be concerned about THC showing up on drug tests, especially if you’re a professional athlete or someone else whose job relies on periodic drug testing. CBD is not something that is tested, but full spectrum CBD products do contain trace amounts of THC. When full spectrum CBD is ingested, there is a chance that a THC drug test will trip a false positive. When using a cream, the CBD doesn’t enter the bloodstream. It interacts with CB2 receptors that are present in the skin. There shouldn’t be any issue with this kind of use, but if you are really concerned you can choose a product that offers “broad spectrum CBD” or “CBD isolate”. These types of CBD have all of the THC removed from their composition.How to Find Quality CBD from Reputable SellersWhen buying CBD products, you have to be careful to find a reputable seller. CBD is not regulated by the FDA, so the marketplace is flooded with a plethora of ineffective and poor quality products. While a subpar product for topical use may not be terribly dangerous (unless contaminated), it is certainly a waste of money.
Therefore it’s important to follow a series of steps before choosing a brand of CBD sports cream to purchase.
#1 Find a Trusted Company with a Good Reputation
First thing to do is find some of the finer CBD retailers. You can start by doing a quick search of trusted third party websites or health publications and see what brands they’re talking about. There are several industry leaders that you can find in all sorts of “best of” lists.
When you’ve narrowed it down to a few contenders, double check their websites. Look for any awards, certifications, or public mentions. Is there anything that stands out that would make you buy from them? Cruelty free, vegan, company mission, etc?
#2 Make Sure that the Products are Third Party Lab Tested
The COA (certificate of analysis) for your CBD cream should be prominently posted on the website. It is extremely important that this is provided by an independent, third party lab. This is how you’ll know that your product is both at advertised potency, and that there are no toxins, heavy metals, or other contaminants. Don’t trust this to an in-house lab. A transparent company will clearly advertise their products as “third party lab tested”.
#3 Read the Reviews
When you’re sure that your CBD sports cream is safe and from a brand leader, take a look at customer reviews. What are they using it for, and how effective do they find the formula? Does the formula have menthol for cooling? If so, do people find the smell or sensation overpowering or pleasant?
#4 Go With a Brand That Truly Believes in Their Product
Finally, choose a company that offers a full satisfaction money back guarantee. This way, you have nothing to lose. Try one brand and if you find it doesn’t do the job, you can return it and try another. -