CBD for Running Pain Relief - April 2024

CBD for Running Pain Relief

Getting through a running marathon is not an easy task. Various factors make the experience successful, such as managing the pain.

According to a study, 75% of top distance runners reported experiencing running-related musculoskeletal discomfort, with the lower leg being the region most often(19.1 %). The pain was present regardless of age, experience, or amount of exercise⁽³⁾.

Also, the current research demonstrates that the majority of runners experience moderate to severe discomfort after a marathon run⁽⁴⁾. 

This pain condition is not gender-specific. The pain can be severe and most commonly reported by individuals who train harder and longer⁽⁵⁾.

Meanwhile, cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a cannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. It is believed that CBD’s various health benefits can be achieved through the activation of the body’s endocannabinoid system⁽⁶⁾.

Researchers in Germany discovered that the brain’s endocannabinoid system, which is impacted by marijuana’s 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may now be involved in developing runner’s high, at least in mice⁽⁷⁾.

The researchers also noted that the body’s endocannabinoid system could be involved in the effects of running. One of its metabolites, anandamide, can travel from the blood to the brain and trigger a high⁽⁸⁾.

Unlike THC in cannabis, CBD compounds are non-psychoactive compounds known to stimulate the release of chemicals in the brain⁽⁹⁾. THC compounds are related to the feeling of euphoria experienced by runners⁽¹⁰⁾. 

Meanwhile, the endocannabinoid system is a part of the neurological system that regulates pain and inflammation⁽¹¹⁾.

The human body has two essential cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2. These are located in the central nervous system and can suppress the pain stimulus⁽¹²⁾.

Activating the CB2 receptor has been found to improve inflammatory nociception (the process of painful sensation). This study supports the concept that this receptor may help relieve pain⁽¹³⁾.

Thus, exogenous plant-based cannabinoids or CBD compounds have helped alleviate chronic pain⁽¹⁴⁾. 

CBD Benefits: How Can CBD Help Runners?

Analgesics containing cannabinoids have usually been well-tolerated in clinical studies. The potential as a pharmaceutical adjuvant to pain management shows considerable promise through the following clinical studies:

• CBD, a non-euphoric phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant, is neuroprotective like THC and has more antioxidants than ascorbic acid⁽¹⁵⁾.
• The effects of cannabinoid inactivation on the nociceptive threshold can trigger hyperalgesia and chronic pain⁽¹⁶⁾.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may cause renal damage and gastrointestinal ulcers⁽¹⁷⁾. However, research shows that CBD may help control and reduce pain⁽¹⁸⁾.

Thus, the anti-inflammatory and pain-relief properties of CBD⁽¹⁹⁾ may help runners with their pain management during their workouts or marathon injuries. 

Usage and Dosage

The potency of a CBD dosage influences diet, stress, sleep, and heredity all influence⁽²⁰⁾.

The patient’s weight should be added to the suggested starting dose to establish the proper starting dose. For example, 20 mg microdoses orally once a day⁽²¹⁾.

However, CBD dose is still being studied. More high-quality trials with diverse demographics are needed to determine optimal dosage, efficacy, and safety.

Consult a healthcare practitioner with considerable experience giving CBD to obtain the best dosage.

When to Take CBD Oil for Runners?

There is no optimal time for runners to use CBD oil. Maybe this is a matter of trial and error. It helps some runners in remaining alert and conscious, while others choose CBD to counteract the afternoon slump.

Other runners may find it soothing and prefer to take CBD oil after dinner or before night to maximize the sleep effects.

Effectiveness of Using CDB

An important advantage of CBD for athletes is its potential to relieve chronic inflammation, a common concern for runners who sustain injuries from workouts or running⁽²²⁾.

Many products now include cannabidiol (CBD) and are used as pain relievers. However, further research is required to assess these medicines’ efficacy adequately.

CBD Side Effects and Safeness

According to the World Health Organisation, CBD is safe, claiming that there is no evidence of public health-related issues connected with pure CBD⁽²³⁾.

Side effects of CBD, according to Mayo Clinic, are⁽²⁴⁾:

• Appetite changes
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea

What Is CBD Oil?

CBD oil is derived from the Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa plants, which are also used to grow cannabis or marijuana. But unlike cannabis with THC, the psychoactive compound, CBD does not give a “high” effect. 

CBD oil is a combination of CBD and a carrier oil, often coconut or hemp seed oil. CBD oil in bottles is a tincture that comes in a variety of concentrations.

What’s the Difference Between Full-Spectrum and Isolate?

In addition to the active CBD compound found in the hemp plant, full-spectrum CBD products have a synergistic impact that complements and improves the advantages of CBD. 

Due to the widespread recognition of the heightened advantage, it has been given the name “entourage effect⁽²⁵⁾.” 

The entourage effect is a concept wherein the biologically active compounds of cannabis work better when administered together. 

In contrast, CBD isolate is completely THC-free and used by individuals who do not want any THC or work in a profession that needs drug testing.

How Do Consumers Choose a CBD Product?

Choosing the right CBD product for a runner’s pain relief is difficult due to the uncontrolled CBD industry. Buying a CBD product that does not fulfill the label has hazards.

Before purchasing a CBD product, extensively investigate the CBD oil’s origin and extraction processes. Verify the company’s reputation for transparency.

Third-party labs should thoroughly test trusted CBD products. A Certificate of Analysis (COA) should be published on their website.

Legality

CBD oils and other CBD products now on the market are primarily generated from hemp plants cultivated expressly for their CBD content. The CBD extract generally contains less than 0.3 percent THC. It is entirely legal in all 50 states after the 2018 Hemp Farming Act⁽²⁶⁾.

1. PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN MARATHON RUNNERS WHO COMPETE AT THE ELITE LEVEL
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739041/
2. Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Relationship With Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7557112/#:~:text=CB1%20receptors%20are%20expressed%20predominantly,pain%20stimulus%20through%20different%20mechanisms.
3. PREVALENCE OF MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN MARATHON RUNNERS WHO COMPETE AT THE ELITE LEVEL
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4739041/
4. Pain During a Marathon Run: Prevalence and Correlates in a Cross-Sectional Study of 1,251 Recreational Runners in 251 Marathons
   https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fspor.2021.630584/full#:~:text=All%20but%20two%20runners%20(99.8,run%20was%205.26%20%C2%B1%202.45.
5. Ibid.
6. Cannabinoid Receptors and the Endocannabinoid System: Signaling and Function in the Central Nervous System
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
7. New Brain Effects behind “Runner’s High”
   https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-brain-effects-behind-runner-s-high/
8. Ibid.
9. Cannabis, a complex plant: Different compounds and different effects on individuals
   https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3736954/
10. New Brain Effects behind “Runner’s High
    https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/new-brain-effects-behind-runner-s-high/
11. The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
12. Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Relationship With Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7557112/#:~:text=CB1%20receptors%20are%20expressed%20predominantly,pain%20stimulus%20through%20different%20mechanisms.
13. Ibid.
14. The Endocannabinoid System, Cannabinoids, and Pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/
15. Cannabinoids in the management of difficult to treat pain
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503660/
16. Cannabinoid Receptors and Their Relationship With Chronic Pain: A Narrative Review
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7557112/#:~:text=CB1%20receptors%20are%20expressed%20predominantly,pain%20stimulus%20through%20different%20mechanisms.
17. Risk of acute myocardial infarction with NSAIDs in real-world use: bayesian meta-analysis of individual patient data
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5423546/
18. Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/221293
19. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
20. CBD Dosing
    https://www.projectcbd.org/guidance/cbd-dosing
21. SUBLINGUAL MUCOSA AS A ROUTE FOR SYSTEMIC DRUG DELIVERY
    https://innovareacademics.in/journal/ijpps/Vol3Suppl2/1092.pdf
22. Cannabidiol: A Brief Review of Its Therapeutic and Pharmacologic Efficacy in the Management of Joint Disease
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7176325/
23. CANNABIDIOL (CBD): Clinical Report Review
    https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
24. What are the benefits of CBD — and is it safe to use?
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/expert-answers/is-cbd-safe-and-effective/faq-20446700#:~:text=Though%20it’s%20often%20well%2Dtolerated,dosage%20of%20CBD%20in%20products.
25. The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/labs/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/
26. The Farm Bill, hemp legalization and the status of CBD: An explainer
    https://www.brookings.edu/blog/fixgov/2018/12/14/the-farm-bill-hemp-and-cbd-explainer/