CBD has become wildly popular of late, with almost one in seven Americans trying the compound. This spike in popularity, which occurred after hemp was legalized at the federal level in 2018, has unleashed a huge wave of CBD onto the marketplace. As a result, people are using the compound for many reasons, including recovering from a workout. However, because CBD is so new, there are still many questions about whether this is a good idea. Here's a look at what some of the research says.
The Science Behind It
CBD oil works by altering the functionality of your body's endocannabinoid system, causing your body's own cannabinoids to bind with your body's cannabinoid receptors for longer periods of time than normal. This, in turn, is thought to have an impact on a variety of physical and emotional sensations, including pain, inflammation, sleep, hunger, stress, and more. As such, there are some who believe that CBD ingestion can help sore muscles recover faster from a long workout.
Quality Concerns
Unfortunately, because CBD is so new, there are many vendors who just want to make a quick buck. For example, a 2017 study from the University of Pennsylvania found that nearly 70% of CBD tested was mislabeled for a variety of ingredients, including THC. This poses huge problems to consumers who may be ingesting chemicals that can cause them to have an allergic reaction or fail a drug test. As a result, it is highly advisable that you only purchase CBD that contains a certificate of analysis. This certificate is given by a third-party vendor who will test the CBD and list the ingredients contained in the compound.
A Word of Caution
As noted above, all CBD is not created equal, and there are serious concerns with the quality of some types of CBD. Furthermore, not all CBD products are legal. Because of the strange way marijuana was classified, they exist in a legal grey area with each state having its own rules for CBD. The federal status of CBD is still somewhat murky, and it is still prohibited in three states. Make sure you are protecting yourself in a physical and legal sense before making a CBD purchase.
CBD seems to have a great deal of potential, but there are still many questions about its ability to help people. Make sure to do your own research, and always consult with a medical professional before consuming CBD. However, anecdotal evidence sounds like good news. Many people have found that it makes a positive difference in their lives.
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