Cannabis 101

Why Athletes Are Swapping Out NSAIDs with CBD Oil

Published

4 years ago

May 2, 2019

You wake up stiff, sore, and wondering how you’re going to do it all over again today. You turn to your bedside bottle of ibuprofen, but know that you shouldn’t take pain meds too many days in a row…or one day your liver won’t be able to rebound so easily.

As an athlete, there’s no way to avoid overtraining and injury. No matter how well you supplement with BCAAs and protein powders, the saying still holds true: no pain, no gain.

But that doesn’t mean that you have to use over-the-counter drugs to cope with it.

There is a new player in the anti-inflammatory pain game: CBD oil. From pro athletes to weekend warriors, you can find countless stories of athletes using CBD instead of NSAIDs to deal with inflammatory pain.

No matter who you’ve talked to or what stories you’ve heard, you’re likely still left with one, primary question: what does the science have to say? Will it help with pain, and if so, can it do so safely?

Read on to learn everything you need to know about why athletes are turning to CBD oil instead of anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs, and whether you should do so, too.

What Is CBD Oil, Anyways?

First things first: let’s dive in and unravel the mystery of what CBD oil actually is.

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a phytocannabinoid found in the Cannabis sativa plant. Cannabinoids are a kind of compound that impact human health, with researchers the world over digging in to see how humans may benefit from these unique compounds.

Does CBD Get You High?

You’ve no doubt heard of cannabis. Maybe you’re someone who indulges in the occasional hit of weed to help with sleep or stress, or you use it to unwind and have a good time with friends. Or maybe you’d never touch the stuff…not so into mind-altering substances.

No matter which group you relate to, CBD oil might still be for you. Even though CBD comes from the cannabis plant, it’s extracted from industrial hemp varieties of cannabis, rather than marijuana plants.

So, what does this mean for you?

Firstly, it’s not going to get you high. It’s THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a cannabinoid found in high levels in marijuana plants, that is credited with marijuana’s “high.”

Secondly, it’s legal under federal law to buy CBD oil products around the US. This is thanks to the recent passing of the 2018 Farm Bill which removed hemp-derived extracts, like CBD oil, from the list of class 1 substances.

CBD Oil is Extracted from Industrial Hemp

Every CBD product that you see in the store or online can trace its origins back to an industrial hemp plant. Industrial hemp plants are cannabis plants that contain less than 0.3% THC. When cannabis plants are low in THC, they tend to be high in CBD. This makes industrial hemp plants the ideal place to source CBD from.

In order to get CBD, hemp oil is typically extracted from the parts of the hemp plant that have the highest concentration of cannabinoids and other phytonutrients. This initial extract is known as full spectrum hemp oil, or FSHO.

FSHO is called “full spectrum” because it contains all of the naturally occurring phytonutrients found in the hemp plant. From there, some companies will have all of the THC removed so that there is a product that contains both CBD and other phytonutrients, but with 0% THC. This product is known as broad spectrum CBD oil.

There’s one last type of CBD hemp oil called CBD isolate. These CBD oils are the product of isolating CBD from all of the other nutrients found in the plant, resulting in a nearly 100% CBD extract (before it’s added to carrier oils, that is).

These three categories of CBD, FSHO, broad spectrum hemp oil, and CBD isolate are all varieties of CBD oil that are being used by some athletes to replace their NSAIDS.

Why Replace NSAIDs?

NSAIDs, or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are the most commonly used category of drugs for pain relief. This includes chronic pain like arthritis to less severe pain, like delayed-onset muscle soreness, or DOMS.

If you’ve ever taken an aspirin product like Bayer or Excedrin, an ibuprofen product like Advil or Motrin, or a naproxen sodium product like Aleve, you’ve taken a NSAID. There’s also a laundry list of prescription NSAID drugs that you can find here.

As the name implies, NSAIDs relieve pain through reducing inflammation in the body. While this type of drug is fairly effective at what it does, it doesn’t do so without risks.

Not only are there dangers of an overdose, but for some, NSAID use can increase the risk of chronic health conditions like stroke, heart attack, and ulcers. They can also pose a danger to kidney health with chronic use.

And the problem with NSAIDs is that most of us learn to use them as a crutch, so when we feel pain, we take them. This becomes a problem if you’re in pain frequently, for example, if you’re an athlete or develop any kind of chronic pain condition.

Is CBD Oil the Answer? Maybe: CBD Oil Reduces Inflammation

Probably one of the most promising effects of CBD is its ability to reduce inflammation. Animal studies and small human studies have found CBD to be helpful in management of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Animal studies have found CBD to exert powerful anti-inflammatory action. In fact, one study on arthritic rats found that topical application of CBD resulted in a reduction of pro-inflammatory biomarkers and pain-related behaviors.

As for human studies, no research has directly examined the effects of CBD on pain. However, there have been some small studies looking into CBD’s impact on chronic inflammatory conditions.

In a small study on a solid-dosage, patented form of CBD by Robson, researchers examined the potential of CBD to help those with the inflammatory condition Crohn’s disease and found an improvement in symptoms. Similar benefits were seen in a small group of patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, with CBD use allowing for the reduction of steroid drug treatment.

These studies demonstrate the potential of CBD treatment when it comes to a variety of painful inflammatory conditions in humans.

Does That Mean CBD Will Work for Exercise-Induced Pain?

Chances are, if scientists end up coming to the definitive conclusion that CBD oil can help with arthritis and inflammatory conditions like autoimmune diseases and Crohn’s disease, it will also help with pain caused by strenuous training or physical injuries.

The reason? Inflammation itself causes pain. So whether you’re injured, you’ve worked out, or you have a chronic inflammatory condition, the pain itself is caused by a similar process in your body. To combat the pain you must address the source: you want something that combats the inflammation.

When it comes to human studies on CBD and inflammation, we are in the very early stages. What this means is that there have been some published studies, but they consist of small sample sizes. In order to draw definitive conclusions we must wait it out and see what future human clinical trials find.

Final Thoughts

In spite of the research on CBD for pain being in its infancy, CBD demand is soaring. It has far exceeded what would typically be expected at this early stage of research. Why? The reason is simple: consumers are impressed with CBD.

People everywhere are talking about it. You’ll find news stories about it helping kids with previously incurable seizures, retired pro football players using it for chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and athletes throwing out their NSAIDs and using CBD oil instead.=

If you want to try CBD for yourself, find a quality CBD oil tincture or CBD oil gel capsule and give it a try today. You might just find yourself jumping on the bandwagon and saying goodbye to your over-the-counter drugs. Or you might not, but there is only one way to find out.

Related Topics:cbd for athletes cbd oil xwerks

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Cannabis 101

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis Expands Access to Medical Marijuana through Telehealth

Published

5 days ago

September 22, 2023

Stacey Wellington

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has taken a step in improving access to medical marijuana for the state’s over 840,000 registered patients.DeSantis signed into law House Bill 387, titled “Medical Use of Marijuana,” allowing patients to use telehealth services for medical marijuana evaluations.

The new law enables patients who are renewing their medical marijuana recommendations to consult with their healthcare providers online, reducing the need for in-person visits. However, it’s important to note that this new telehealth law applies only to renewals, not initial evaluations for new patients.

To be allowed to shop at any Florida dispensary patients must have an active state-issued medical marijuana identification card and have a valid prescription from a licensed medical marijuana doctor. This legislation aims to enhance convenience and accessibility for long-term patients who use medical marijuana to manage various medical conditions.

One of the key benefits of this new law is the potential to reduce the financial burden on patients. Currently, Florida patients face expenses associated with maintaining a valid medical marijuana ID. They include renewing their state ID cards every year, which costs $75 through the state’s official website. Moreover, the doctor’s prescription for medical marijuana, valid for up to 210 days or seven months, varies in price depending on the locality and the availability of doctors in the area.

The cost of renewing a prescription can range from as low as $99 to as high as $200, depending on the doctor’s fees and location. This variance in pricing can make medical marijuana costly for many patients, particularly those residing in areas with limited access to affordable doctors.

Luckily, many Florida dispensaries have stepped in to provide financial help to patients through dispensary discounts and dispensary deals daily to help patients save money and purchase the products they need to manage their medical conditions. One common dispensary discount is the Florida card renewal discount, which provides patients with $75 off a $150 purchase each time they renew their medical ID card with the state. This helps offset the cost of renewing the state ID card, making medical marijuana more accessible to patients.

Despite the convenience offered by telehealth renewals, it’s important to note that new patients seeking initial evaluations and approval by the state are still required to visit a doctor in person first then the following 7 months can renew through telehealth if the doctor supports it.

The state of Florida has a large network of over 20 licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, including Ayr Cannabis Dispensaries, Cannabist, Cookies, Curaleaf, Fluent Cannabis, Gold Leaf Cannabis, Green Dragon, GrowHealthy, HT Medical Cannabis, Insa, Jungle Boys, MÜV, Rise Dispensaries, Sanctuary, Sunnyside, Surterra, The Flowery, Trulieve, and VidaCann. All offer some dispensary discounts and dispensary deals to help patients safe on their medication. Dispensaries play a crucial role in providing patients with safe and reliable access to medical marijuana products.

Governor Ron DeSantis’ signing of HB-387 represents a positive step forward in improving access to medical marijuana for patients across the state of Florida. By allowing telehealth renewals, this legislation offers a more convenient and cost-effective option for patients to maintain their medical marijuana recommendations, ultimately improving their quality of life and well-being.

Cannabis 101

Cannabis and Community: Ann Arbor’s Progressive Approach

Published

2 weeks ago

September 13, 2023

Jordan Webber

In the heart of Michigan, nestled within the vibrant cultural tapestry of the Midwest, lies the city of Ann Arbor. Known for its rich history, prestigious university, and progressive values, Ann Arbor has become a beacon of cannabis advocacy and community engagement. This blog post explores how Ann Arbor’s progressive approach to cannabis has not only shaped local policies but also fostered a sense of unity and acceptance within the community.

A Brief History of Cannabis in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor’s relationship with cannabis dates back to the 1960s when the counterculture movement was in full swing. The city gained notoriety for hosting the annual “Hash Bash,” a cannabis-centric gathering that began as a protest against marijuana prohibition. Over the decades, this event has evolved into a celebration of cannabis culture, drawing enthusiasts and activists from all over.

In 1972, Ann Arbor made history by decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana. This move set the stage for the city’s progressive stance on cannabis, one that would continue to evolve over time.

The Medical Marijuana Movement

The early 2000s saw the emergence of the medical marijuana movement across the United States. Ann Arbor was quick to embrace this change, allowing the establishment of Ann Arbor dispensary and provisioning centers to provide medical cannabis to patients in need. This compassionate approach not only improved access to medical marijuana but also generated economic opportunities within the city.

Recreational Cannabis Legalization

Ann Arbor’s progressive cannabis journey reached a significant milestone in 2018 when Michigan voted to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use. The city enthusiastically embraced this change, and local officials worked diligently to create a framework for a responsible and inclusive recreational cannabis market.

One of the key aspects of Ann Arbor’s approach to recreational cannabis is the expungement of past cannabis-related convictions. The city has been proactive in helping individuals with prior convictions for cannabis offenses to clear their records, providing a fresh start and a pathway to a brighter future.

Social Equity Initiatives

Ann Arbor is not only focused on the economic benefits of the cannabis Ann Arbor industry but also on social equity. The city has implemented policies to ensure that marginalized communities have a fair opportunity to participate in the cannabis business. This includes providing resources and support to individuals from communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs.

The Cannabis Community

Ann Arbor’s progressive approach to cannabis has fostered a strong sense of community among residents and visitors alike. The annual Hash Bash, which continues to draw thousands of attendees, has become a symbol of unity and a platform for cannabis advocacy. It’s a place where people from all walks of life come together to celebrate their shared passion for cannabis.

Local businesses have also embraced the cannabis culture, with some establishments incorporating cannabis-themed art and decor. There’s a sense of pride in being part of a city that values individual freedoms and progressive ideals.

Looking Forward

As Ann Arbor’s cannabis journey continues, the city remains committed to responsible and equitable cannabis policies. The local government is actively engaged in ongoing discussions about the evolving cannabis landscape, ensuring that Ann Arbor’s approach remains at the forefront of progressive cannabis reform.

In conclusion, Ann Arbor’s progressive approach to cannabis is a testament to the city’s commitment to individual freedom, social justice, and community engagement. The city’s rich history of cannabis advocacy, combined with its forward-thinking policies, has not only shaped the local cannabis industry but has also created a welcoming and inclusive community that celebrates the diverse world of cannabis enthusiasts. As the cannabis movement continues to evolve, Ann Arbor stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when a community embraces progressive values and works together for positive change.

Cannabis 101

From Dispensaries to Doorsteps: Exploring the Houston Cannabis Delivery Ecosystem

Published

3 weeks ago

September 8, 2023

Daniel King

In recent years, the landscape of the cannabis industry has undergone significant transformation across the United States. With the legalization of medical and recreational cannabis in various states, the way people access and purchase cannabis products has evolved. One of the most notable changes in this evolution is the emergence of cannabis delivery services, offering a convenient and discreet way for consumers to obtain their favorite products. In Houston, Texas, a city known for its bustling energy industry and diverse culture, the cannabis delivery ecosystem has been rapidly growing, providing residents with a new level of accessibility to their cannabis needs.

The Legal Landscape of Cannabis in Texas

Before delving into the cannabis delivery Houston, it’s essential to understand the legal context in Texas. Unlike some states that have fully legalized recreational cannabis, Texas has taken a more conservative approach. As of my knowledge cutoff date in September 2021, Texas law allows for the use of medical cannabis in limited circumstances, primarily for patients suffering from epilepsy. The recreational use of cannabis remains illegal, and possession of even small amounts can result in criminal charges.

Despite these legal limitations, there has been growing momentum in Texas to expand access to medical cannabis and to potentially decriminalize or legalize recreational use in the future. This evolving legal landscape is a key factor in shaping the cannabis delivery ecosystem in Houston.

The Emergence of Cannabis Delivery Services

In Houston, as in many other cities, the emergence of cannabis delivery services has been driven by consumer demand for convenience and discretion. In a bustling metropolis like Houston, where traffic congestion is a daily reality, the prospect of having cannabis products delivered directly to your doorstep is undeniably appealing.

Cannabis delivery services in Houston operate within the boundaries of existing state laws. They cater exclusively to registered medical cannabis patients, providing them with a legal and convenient means of obtaining their prescribed medications. To use these services, patients must first obtain a medical cannabis recommendation from a qualified physician and then register with the Texas Compassionate Use Program (TCUP).

The Houston Cannabis Delivery Experience

So, what does the cannabis delivery experience in Houston look like? It typically begins with patients browsing the online menus of licensed dispensaries that offer delivery services. These menus feature a wide range of cannabis products, including various strains of flower, edibles, tinctures, and more.

Once a patient has made their selection, they can place an order online or over the phone with the chosen dispensary. Orders are typically fulfilled by dedicated delivery drivers who are well-trained in compliance with Texas cannabis laws. These drivers, often referred to as “budtenders on wheels,” ensure that the entire process adheres to the strict regulations governing medical cannabis in Texas.

Delivery times can vary, but many services aim to provide same-day or next-day delivery to ensure patients receive their medication promptly. This quick turnaround time is especially important for patients who rely on cannabis to manage medical conditions.

The Benefits of Cannabis Delivery in Houston

The cannabis delivery in Houston offers several significant benefits to patients and the community at large:

Convenience: Cannabis delivery eliminates the need for patients to travel to a physical dispensary, saving them time and reducing the hassle of navigating Houston’s busy streets.
Discretion: For those who value privacy, cannabis delivery offers a discreet and confidential way to obtain their medication without drawing attention.
Accessibility: Delivery services can reach patients who may have limited mobility or live in areas without nearby dispensaries, ensuring that medical cannabis remains accessible to those who need it.
Safety: By providing a legal and regulated means of obtaining medical cannabis, delivery services contribute to a safer and more controlled environment for patients.

Looking Ahead

As the legal landscape surrounding cannabis continues to evolve in Texas, it’s likely that the cannabis delivery ecosystem in Houston will also undergo changes. The potential for expanded medical cannabis access and discussions about recreational legalization could lead to further growth in the industry.

It’s essential for patients and consumers to stay informed about the latest developments in cannabis legislation in Texas, as these changes will directly impact the availability and accessibility of cannabis delivery services in Houston. For now, though, many patients in the city are finding solace in the convenience and reliability of having their cannabis products delivered from dispensaries to their doorsteps.