Whether it’s from an intense workout or a chronic condition, muscle tension can get in the way of living life to the fullest. It’s uncomfortable and in some cases, downright debilitating.
But traditional pharmaceutical solutions can cause more harm than good, not to mention they’re rarely as effective as you need them to be. Fortunately, Mother Nature has provided you with everything you need to address tight, aching muscles.
So does CBD relax muscles? You’ve probably heard all about CBD for muscle relaxation, but is it really something worth trying? Absolutely! CBD helps support a healthier inflammatory response and may be able to ease spasms and cramping.
We’ve also seen solid anecdotal evidence showing how CBD can support people with fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, and other conditions characterized by chronic pain. Learn more about using CBD to relax muscles below.
The Problem With Most Muscle Relaxers
Your first response when met with muscle tension or any sort of aches and pains might be to head to the medicine cabinet and pop some ibuprofen. Or in the case of more chronic conditions, getting a prescription for something stronger like antispasmodics or antispastics.
These pharmaceutical muscle relaxers work - at least in some cases. The problem is how they work. They suppress nervous system activity, which can lead to drowsiness, dizziness, and impair cognitive function.
Not only can this prevent you from living your life, but ultimately, you’re just masking the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. It’s a slippery slope to becoming dependent on them with no real recovery in sight.
Athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and really anyone looking for a more natural way to manage tension without affecting their mental wherewithal are drawn to alternative treatments such as magnesium, massage, or even CBD.
But how does CBD relax muscles? Let’s dive into the science supporting the use of CBD for muscle relaxation below.
Does CBD Relax Muscles?
You’ve probably heard all about the therapeutic potential CBD, or cannabidiol, has to offer. It’s known as the healing cannabinoid in cannabis and thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, it’s only gaining more and more attention in holistic healthcare.
So does CBD relax muscles? It certainly has the potential to, but you’ll need to set your expectations and understand that it’s not a miracle cure like many would lead you to believe.
How CBD Interacts With the Endocannabinoid System for Muscle Relaxation
Cannabinoids like CBD, and THC for that matter, interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). This network of receptors throughout the body and brain that cannabinoids bind to is how you feel cannabis, whether it’s a high or some sort of therapeutic relief.
CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system are linked to mood, memory, and perception. You’ll feel a euphoric high come over you when THC binds to CB1 receptors.
CB2 receptors, on the other hand, are found in the immune system and peripheral tissues. They play a role in your inflammatory and immune responses. THC can bind directly to these receptors, but CBD takes a different approach. It influences the body’s natural cannabinoid signaling to help:
- Regulate muscle contractions through neurotransmitter modulation.
- Alleviate inflammation and ease muscle stiffness.
- Promote relaxation through interactions with serotonin receptors.
So does CBD relax muscles? Let’s take a closer look at some of the specific situations where it would make sense to try using CBD for muscle relaxation.
Can CBD Help With Exercise-Induced Muscle Tension?
Muscle soreness after exercise is totally normal, but that doesn’t make it any less painful and frustrating. This is known as delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and it’s the result of small tears in muscle fibers and the body’s inflammatory response.
So how does CBD relax muscles in this case? It helps encourage a healthier inflammatory response, in turn improving your body’s healing process. It can also reduce oxidative stress, which affects muscle fatigue.
Most importantly, it does all of this without the side effects of conventional painkillers or muscle relaxers. Just be aware that CBD isn’t going to dramatically improve your recovery rates or heal your muscles overnight. It’s still worth adding to your recovery regimen, though!
CBD for Chronic Muscle Tension and Conditions
Chronic muscle tension is a different ailment from the temporary soreness that results from exercise. It can be traced back to some sort of underlying condition like fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, or chronic pain disorders.
So is there reason to believe CBD can help with this type of muscle tension and all the discomfort that comes with it? A 2018 review published in Frontiers in Neurology showed CBD reduced muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients, for instance.
But there are also potential benefits to using CBD for tension related to stress and anxiety, which often manifests itself in muscular tightness.
Again, CBD isn’t going to cure your condition. It’s just one more way you can manage it holistically without exposing yourself to any of the adverse effects associated with pharmaceuticals.
THC and Other Cannabinoids for Muscle Relaxation
We know you came here specifically to learn about using CBD to relax muscles, but this is just one of the hundreds of cannabinoids found in cannabis. THC is what most people think of when it comes to getting high, but it actually has its own therapeutic benefits as well!
This psychoactive cannabinoid might be able to produce stronger muscle-relaxing effects than CBD because it can bind directly to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system.
Again, most of what we know comes from anecdotal evidence since research into THC has been extremely limited for legal reasons. We’ll likely have concrete studies to back this up as cannabis becomes more accepted in our society.
CBG is another lesser-known cannabinoid with serious potential to support a better inflammatory response. It works synergistically with CBD and THC.
On that note, we want to take a moment to mention that cannabis in general is best used as true-to-strain as possible, where you aren’t isolating out just CBD, or only THC.
All these cannabinoids can build upon the effects of each other and complement one another. When combined with the terpenes and flavonoids found in cannabis, you’ll enjoy what is known as the entourage effect - the most authentic cannabis experience.
Tips on Using CBD to Relax Muscles
There’s plenty of potential in using CBD for muscle relaxation, but it’s not as simple as finding the perfect cannabis product at your local dispensary and adding it to your wellness regimen. Certain products are more powerful than others in easing tense, agitated muscles.
Best CBD Products for Muscle Relaxation
There are so many different cannabis products at your fingertips, which can be a blessing and a curse. How do you know which is the best CBD for muscle relaxation?
These products differ in their absorption rate, duration, and method of action. You’ll need to choose a solution based on where you’re feeling the tension and how quickly you need relief.
CBD topicals are typically your best bet for this use case since you can target the most tense muscle groups directly. Balms, creams, and lotions can be massaged into the skin, at which point the active ingredients will make their way into the bloodstream.
CBD oils and tinctures are another option that works well for broader relief across the entire body. These oral CBD products work systemically and tend to absorb faster. We recommend these for chronic muscle tightness, especially when it’s caused by stress and anxiety.
The other option is some sort of edible cannabis product, like our CBD mints or a CBD shot. These are super convenient and provide long-lasting effects throughout the day. We have stress mints, calm mints, anxiety mints, and even an anxiety shot for something stronger.
Mr. Moxey’s is your trusted source for legal cannabis online. Our products are specifically formulated for different moods, whether you’re looking to ease a racing mind or improve focus throughout the workday. Learn more about what we have in store for you today!
How Much CBD for Muscle Relaxation Do You Need?
Finding relief with CBD is contingent on getting your dosage right. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer on serving sizes because it’s based on your body weight, metabolism, experience with cannabis, and how severe your muscle tension is. Here are some general guidelines:
- Mild muscle tightness: 10-20mg CBD
- Post-workout soreness: 20-40mg CBD
- Chronic muscle discomfort: 40-100mg CBD (divided into smaller doses throughout the day)
Just be aware if your product contains THC dosage becomes even more important. Getting “too high” can actually have the opposite effect as it kicks up anxiety and makes you feel like your muscles are tenser than they are. It’s worth keeping our calm mints on hand for this reason.
So, always start with as low a dose as possible and gradually increase the dosage over a few different servings to find the sweet spot. Of course, topical CBD products are a bit different in that there isn’t necessarily a “dose” for these - just apply them generously.
When to Take CBD for the Best Muscle Relaxation Benefits
There is frankly never a bad time to take CBD for muscle relaxation. If your muscles are sore and tight, use CBD! However, there are a few situations in particular where CBD can provide powerful relief:
- Before Exercise: Some people take CBD 30-60 minutes before a workout to get ahead of any tension and support a better inflammatory response during activity.
- After Exercise: Taking CBD immediately after a workout can also help reduce DOMS and kick your body’s muscle recovery process into gear.
- Before Bed: If muscle tightness is preventing you from getting a good night’s sleep, it’s only going to make matters worse since this is when your body heals itself. Taking CBD before bed may help unwind physical stress and improve relaxation. Try our sleep shot or sleep mints.
You’ll probably want to take a few doses throughout the day for consistent relief from morning to mid-day and through to the evening. It may take some trial and error, but you’ll eventually get into a good regimen for when to take CBD for muscle relaxation.
How Long Does CBD Relax Muscles For?
Speaking of which, how long will CBD relax muscles for? Just like in finding your optimal dose there’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. There rarely is with cannabis. Ultimately, it comes down to how severe your muscle tension is and what type of product you take:
- Topicals: Relief can last 2-4 hours depending on how much is applied.
- Tinctures and Oils: Effects typically last 4-6 hours depending on metabolism.
- Edibles and Capsules: Lasts 6-8 hours, so these are best for sustained relief.
This goes back to timing your doses. You might take some CBD when you first wake up, with your lunch, with your dinner, and then again before bed. Find what works for you.
Combining CBD With Other Recovery Strategies
Although using CBD to relax muscles definitely has its place, there are countless other recovery strategies you should employ as well. A holistic approach to wellness always works better than choosing just one treatment:
- Stretching & Mobility Work: Helps release tension and prevents stiffness buildup.
- Massage Therapy: Pairing CBD topicals with massage techniques can really boost relaxation.
- Heat & Cold Therapy: Heat loosens tight muscles, while cold reduces inflammation. Both of these can complement CBD’s effects.
- Hydration & Nutrition: Drinking enough water and following an anti-inflammatory diet supports muscle recovery and helps manage chronic conditions. Eat plenty of turmeric and magnesium-rich greens. Stay away from processed junk.
But one of the best things you can do to live a healthier, happier life is incorporating our wellness shots into your regimen. So, stock up at Mr. Moxey’s today and see why we’ve sold more than 50 million products since 2015!
Wrapping Up Our Guide to Using CBD for Muscle Relaxation
So does CBD relax muscles? As you can see it definitely has its place in easing tense, aching muscles. It supports a healthier inflammatory response by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system. It can also balance the nervous system and speed up recovery.
Just set your expectations in using CBD to relax muscles, as it’s not a miracle cure. It’s just one piece of the puzzle in managing DOMS or chronic tension. If you’re ready to see how CBD for muscle relaxation can help you, though, take the next step at Mr. Moxey’s!
