Working out can be fun, but not when problems like muscle spasms holding you back. While generally harmless, muscle spasms can turn a productive exercise session on its head and even slow down recovery.
So, how can you help such a situation? Well, it is no surprise that pro athletes and fitness enthusiasts are turning to natural methods to make their muscles more flexible and resilient. Already, the increasing use of CBD in sports is becoming an area of interest in science.
CBD is an all-natural remedy potentially helpful with different symptoms, such as pain relief, muscle relaxation, and inflammation. And, of course, it is derived from hemp.
In this blog post, we explore what research says about CBD’s effect on muscle spasms. Does it really help? A growing body of studies suggests it may. If so, we cap off this blog by enumerating some great CBD gummies/brands to help alleviate muscle spasms.
Primary Jane
FAB CBD
Key Takeaways
- Muscle spasms are cramps that can happen suddenly. Though generally not harmful, they can be annoying and worsen your exercise experience.
- The growing use of CBD in sports underlines its potential to help improve exercise-related symptoms like pain, muscle spasms, and inflammation.
- CBD gummies are not psychoactive and may help you relax better.
- The effects of CBD-based edibles can last anywhere between 6 and 8 hours, depending on the dosage.
- Our favorite CBD Gummies brands include Fab CBD, Green Roads, Botany Farms, and Dad Grass.
A Quick Look at The Best CBD Gummies for Muscle Spasms
- EVN CBD – Sour CBD Gummy Bears
- Fab CBD – Anytime Gummies
- Green Roads – Extra Strength CBD Relax Bears
- Botany Farms – CBD Gummies
- CBD Fx – Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies
- NuLeaf – CBD Gummies
- not pot – CBD Gummies
- Dad Grass – Classic Formula CBD Gummies
- Joy Organics – Organic CBD Gummies
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Do CBD gummies help with muscle spasms?
First things first, what is a muscle spasm?
Muscle spasms, commonly known as cramps, are sudden tightening of one or more muscles. This involuntary and forceful contraction usually happens around the thighs, calves, feet, hands, or even arms.
While muscle spasms are typically harmless, they can be bothersome and painful and even temporarily impair the affected limb(s). This can be the difference between proceeding with training or postponing to a later date. For consummate athletes, this just doesn’t cut it. They understand the importance of consistency toward staying in tip-top form.
Although research is still in early days, there is evidence that CBD may improve certain exercise-related symptoms, making it valuable for your pre- and post-workout regimen.
Edibles are one of the many ways to consume CBD, and perhaps none is more popular than CBD gummies right now. Edibles have their advantages (and disadvantages), and for people with recurrent muscle spasms, CBD edibles could offer that much-needed relief.
The main advantage of edibles is a longer effects duration. Depending on the dosage, this can be anywhere from 6 to 8 hours.
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How Do CBD Gummies Work for Muscle Spasms?
CBD has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may also help lower cortisol levels. These qualities can help with two problematic areas for active people: inflammation, tired muscles, and general discomfort.
Inflammation may be remedied by CBD’s interaction with our endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is part of our nervous network and mediates various physiologic functions, including pain, hunger, mood, and inflammation.
One of the studied effects of CBD binding to the CB2 receptors is an anti-inflammatory response. That’s because the CB2 receptor is widely implicated in immune response regulation, pain, inflammation, and other metabolic processes.
CBD has demonstrated its therapeutic potential in ameliorating spasms. For example, in this study, the researchers found that cannabinoids, including CBD, may relieve muscle spasticity symptoms due to multiple sclerosis (MS).
This is just one of many studies highlighting CBD’s therapeutic benefits for muscle spasms. (Here are other studies on the same topic: 1, 2, 3). While clinical trials with CBD to treat muscle spasms are scarce, it shows promising potential to help athletes (and fitness enthusiasts) during and after their workouts.
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How Long Does It Take for CBD Gummies to Work?
We all respond differently to cannabinoids due to our different body constitutions. So, it is unsurprising for some people to react faster than others.
But all factors considered, edibles generally take longer to kick in, somewhere between 30 minutes to one hour. That’s because they are absorbed into the body via the digestive system, which is a time-intensive process.
The digestive system first breaks down the gummy into tiny bits the enzymes can digest. The enzymes continue their work as the food particles get into the intestines, where absorption happens.
CBD is then processed in the liver and circulated in the body, interacting with the appropriate CB receptors in the ECS.
Other methods for consuming CBD include tinctures, gel caps, and flower. However, if you want longer-lasting effects, smoking hemp flower might not be the best method as the effect’s duration is relatively short. Tinctures are a good option, but gummies are preferable because they are discreet and easy to consume.
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How Many CBD Gummies Should You Take for Muscle Spasms?
Again, this is where you need to remember that people respond differently to cannabinoids. A dose that works for one person might not be effective for another. These are the drawbacks of natural methods.
The rule of thumb with cannabinoids is to ‘start low and slow.’ This way, you can assess how you respond to them before going all in. That said, there are dosing guidelines that may help.
We recommend a pre-workout CBD dose of around 10 to 15mg, roughly half of a regular 25mg CBD gummy. After your session, you could take an entire gummy (~25mg) to help with the inflammation, soreness, and pain.
Users usually report feeling relaxed at lower dosages. This underscores the notion that “more is not always better with cannabinoids.” In fact, this notion is scientific if you think about the inverted U-shaped dose-effect curve of cannabinoids.
Another advantage of CBD gummies is that you can ‘microdose.’ This is where you take tiny doses of a drug to reap its therapeutic benefits while minimizing the side effects. Microdosing is possible with gummies because they can be broken down into smaller portions.
Alternatively, you can start with a small dose and increase it gradually as you feel the effects. So, if exercise-related problems like muscle spasms are holding you back, CBD gummies may just be what you need to take your training to beast mode.
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Can CBD Gummies Also Help with Muscle Recovery?
Yes, you can also use CBD gummies for muscle recovery. Since CBD may reduce inflammation and pain, whether applied topically or taken orally, it may help with post-workout recovery where these symptoms are present.
What’s more, besides its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects, there is evidence CBD may also possess neuroprotective properties. If you wonder how this effect is valuable to athletes and physically active persons, think about cognitive function.
In competitive sports, the ability to think clearly and manage the many “stress-inducing” situations is a no-brainer.
But more importantly, CBD may help you sleep better thanks to its sedating qualities. For physically active people, getting enough rest is critical to recovery. Keep in mind that most repair processes take place during sleep. So, the more sleep you get, the more time your body has to heal.
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Are CBD Gummies Psychoactive? What Does CBD Feel Like?
No, CBD-infused gummies are not psychoactive. CBD does not induce intoxication when consumed, unlike other cannabinoids like delta-9 THC or HHC.
Instead, CBD produces a relaxing effect with a characteristic clear-headedness. Most users report pain reduction and muscle relaxation. Others might feel a slight energy boost. However, larger doses might make you slightly drowsy, which is perfect for users having trouble sleeping well.
The high from taking marijuana is due to delta-9-THC (“THC”). THC binds to the CB1 receptor triggering a myriad of physiologic and behavioral responses, key among them intoxication. CBD, on the other hand, does not bind to the CB1 receptor hence its non-psychoactive nature.
Without getting into details, this is essentially what creates the “high” experience with weed. CBD, by default, won’t make you feel “high” or provide a psychedelic feeling. But this is only true if you stick to CBD-only supplements, i.e., broad-spectrums and isolates.
back to menu ↑Do Athletes Use CBD Gummies for Muscle Recovery and Spasms?
Yes! Athletes increasingly use CBD gummies to aid muscle recovery and spasms. Why?
Research has concluded that CBD might have several benefits for athletes, including biochemical and even psychological benefits with daily use.
In particular, CBD can potentially ameliorate muscle and skeletal injuries while helping reduce other symptoms. Further, CBD users laud its ability to help them reset more, heal faster, and recover better.
Sleep is vital for athletes, as it helps with energy consolidation and body repair. Because of this, people who exercise frequently could supplement with CBD to support their sleep and get a better night’s rest.
That said, speak with your coach and healthcare provider to assess the best options for general injury and muscle recovery. CBD is undoubtedly an important remedy, but it is always better to have a medical opinion to learn the extent of your injuries/discomfort and the best treatment plan.
back to menu ↑Our Picks, Best CBD Gummies for Muscle Spasms
Now that we’ve discussed CBD’s potential benefits, let’s look at the best CBD gummies for muscle spasms. Of course, keep in mind that they come in different flavors, shapes, and potencies.
Choosing brands that align with your wellness goals is advisable, considering your unique body characteristics, added ingredients, and flavors.
EVN CBD
If you want a brand that uses high-quality extracts with simple-yet-effective packaging, EVN CBD is the perfect match. Thanks to its quality manufacturing practices, third-party lab testing, non-GMO products, and organically sourced hemp, EVN has a wide range of wellness-focused products. Their CBD Sour Gummy Bears are no exception.
EVN CBD Features:
Simply crafted and 100% organic, these CBD Sour Gummy Bears contain 10mg of broad-spectrum, high-quality CBD extract per gummy. That means they do not have any THC that might make you high.
The enticing citric and sugary flavor does justice to the palate. These are highly recommended if you want products to help with sore muscles and inflammation.
- Lab Tested
- 0 THC
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO
- Organically Sourced Hemp
- Low CBD dose per gummy
FABCBD
If you want a brand that’s easy to remember and offers high-quality CBD products, you’ll love Fab CBD. This company is 100% focused on extraordinary customer service and building a hemp product line everyone feels comfortable supplementing with.
Their customer-centric products come in different strengths and flavors and are formulated with your health needs in mind. So, whether it is winding down the day or prepping to sleep you need help with, FABCBD’s delicious Anytime Gummies are an excellent choice.
FABCBD Features:
These edibles are the perfect fit if you are looking for a gluten-free and vegan alternative, as their base is pectin instead of gelatin. What’s more, they are made with THC-free CBD isolate. Moreover, each gummy contains 25mg of CBD and other natural ingredients. And since they don’t contain terpenes, you won’t feel that distracting earthy taste.
- CBD isolate formula is perfect for people who don’t want THC
- Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free ingredients
- Low-calorie
- Discreet and tasty
- Only available one flavor, which can be a turn-off for people who like variety
- Isolates are generally less impactful than broad-spectrums and full-spectrums
Green Roads
Extra Strength CBD Relax Bears - (10ct) 250mg
Green Roads™ CBD
Green Roads dispensary truly stands out for its pharmacist-formulated and top-notch quality products.
They offer a straightforward experience with CBD isolate extract while keeping things within an affordable price range. So, if you want a unique experience without any THC, this is the brand. And to deal with sore muscles and nagging pain after a rigorous workout session, we recommend their Extra Strength CBD Relax Bears.
About the Product:
These CBD gummies are potent, boasting 25mg of CBD isolate in each gummy cube (2.5 times more CBD than the original Relax Bears gummies).
You’ll love their vast array of delicious flavors, including lemon, green apple, orange, blue raspberry, and cherry. These gummy bears are all pharmacist-formulated, gluten-free, and fully vegan. Each jar has 30 gummies in 5 assorted flavors.
- Assorted flavors
- High CBD content.
- 0% THC for an intoxication-free experience
- Vegan, gluten-free, and pharmacist-formulated
- Incredible taste with no herb-like aftertaste.
- CBD isolate lacks the “entourage effect” of broad-spectrums and full-spectrums
Botany Farms
botnayfarms.com
One of the pioneers of CBD and hemp-derived flower and concentrates are the folks at Botany Farms. Besides creating top-shelf products based on CBD, Delta-8, and CBG, they are known for their delicious and vast array of hemp buds. Let’s take a look at their delicious CBD Gummies.
About the Product:
These CBD Gummies are not only tasty but also potent enough to help you take control of your workouts. Each gummy comes with 25mg of broad-spectrum, hemp-derived CBD extract, which means all the terpenes and cannabinoids without any THC.
They are available in Sour Green Apple, POG, Pink Lemonade, Peach, Sour Blue Raspberry, and Sour Grapefruit flavors (talk of variety!). Alternatively, you can get a mixed-flavor bag to try out each flavor before picking your favorite.
- Lots of flavors available, perfect if you haven’t decided on a favorite flavor
- Made of broad-spectrum CBD isolate, meaning added therapeutic benefits
- 100% vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and no high-fructose corn syrup.
- Excellent price point
- No artificial sweeteners or color
- Broad-spectrum CBD extract might contain traces of THC
CBD Fx
cbd.co
The good people at CBD Fx have constantly innovated the hemp industry with high-quality extracts, vaping devices, edibles, and pet products.
So, if you want a brand with a massive variety of top-shelf products with vegan, non-GMO, and broad-spectrum formulas, CBD Fx it is! In this blog, we review their Original Mixed Berry CBD Gummies.
About the Product:
If we could, we’d gladly label these the “best CBD gummies” on the market.
They come loaded with 50mg of broad-spectrum CBD per gummy in a large gummy jar with a child-safe lid. These incredible edibles are perfect for relaxing after a long day at the gym or supporting your everyday wellness goals.
The gummies are available in two strength levels: 25 or 50mg of top-quality, broad-spectrum CBD. This means no THC in these all-natural mixed berry-flavored edibles that are also organic, vegan, and gluten-free.
- Delicious mixed flavor
- Amazing price point for the gummy count and CBD content
- All natural ingredients
- No THC (broad spectrum) formula makes it perfect for users seeking broader health benefits
- Extra large jars with more servings to last longer
- Honestly, the amount of CBD in these gummies might overwhelm new users.
- The berry flavor might get boring for shifty users, especially with so many servings per jar.
NuLeaf
NuLeaf is an innovative brand that leverages all-natural ingredients and flavors. Their products are made with organic hemp, grown in the USA, and extracted using the ‘green’ CO2 extraction method.
Nuleaf focuses on three things: elevating your health, helping you live a happier, healthier life, and building a brand consumers trust. This is what they have been doing since 2014. And to cap it all, they offer to coach you through the process of reaping the benefits of cannabinoids within 60 days.
About the Product:
CBD Gummies by NuLeaf come in a 30-pack jar and are available in three different strength levels: 300mg, 900mg, and 1350mg of premium quality full-spectrum CBD formula. For users who love to tease their taste buds, try these four delectable flavors: Blueberry, Lemon, Orange, and Strawberry to find the one that works best for you.
- Multiple tasty flavors
- Three different strength levels to suit all users
- All-natural, vegan ingredients
- Green CO2 extraction makes this product sustainable
- Full-spectrum formula that some users might not like due to THC
not pot
If you love things kawaii, colorful, and full of life, not pot is the perfect hemp brand.
This brand is all about chill vibes with delicious products like gummies, gels, tinctures, and more, all with vegan and gluten-free ingredients. Their CBD Gummies are perfect if you want some help with your workouts and recovery.
Features
Introducing the not pot CBD Gummies with a clinical strength CBD dose of 20mg per gummy. The hemp extract is sustainably sourced, lab-tested, and gently extracted to maintain its integrity. Moreover, the gummies are made with all-natural derivatives, so there are no questionable ingredients to worry about.
- Incredible branding and clinical strength CBD dose per gummy
- Zero artificial ingredients
- Delicious strawberry flavor
- Lab-tested
- Vegan and gluten-free
- The CBD dosage per gummy might be on the lower side for severe issues
Dad Grass
For cannabis users seeking a no-frills brand with a really cool vibe, you’ll love Dad Grass.
They only use organic grass and hemp CBD, paying keen attention to ethical and responsible farming. Their products have unique branding with nostalgic lettering and a relaxed vibe. If that’s what you are looking for, we recommend Dad Grass Classic Formula CBD Gummies.
Features:
These fast-acting blackberry ginger CBD formula gummies support the body and mind. Each gummy contains 20mg of full-spectrum CBD formula reinforced with all-natural ingredients like tapioca syrup and pectin.
The edibles come in a 30-count jar with all the flavors derived from fruit and vegetable sources. They are vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free, so they will probably fit most lifestyles.
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-Free
- No Artificial Flavors
- Contains sugar cane and pectin, which can be a no-go for people on low-calorie diets
Penguin
Penguin is a company inspired by mother nature in everything they do. Like penguins, this company seeks to encourage people to dive into life, find warmth among friends, stand together in the face of adversity, take long walks, and go the extra mile.
Their hemp is 100% organic, with no pesticides or harmful chemicals. They utilize the CO2 extraction process with state-of-the-art technology to preserve the valuable natural ingredients in hemp, creating high-quality, broad-spectrum CBD extract.
The proof, as they say, is in their CBD Gummy Bears.
Features:
Penguin’s CBD Gummy Bears are made with the finest CBD isolate. They are soft, colorful, and coated with a tangy blend of sweet and sour sugar to treat your taste buds. Each gummy offers 10 mg of CBD to help your health and wellness journey.
- Aesthetically appealing packaging
- Products tested in ISO 17025 accredited independent 3rd party labs
- Made of CBD isolate, so “entourage effect.”
Joy Organics
For a brand that’s entirely organic and vegan, with lots of products that can give your wellness routine a significant boost without any compromises, try Joy Organics.
Their collection of CBD gummies is based on a broad-spectrum formula, meaning they only contain CBD and no delta-9 THC traces. If you are looking for a boost of wellness with a twist, try these Organic CBD Gummies.
About the Product:
As the name suggests, these CBD Gummies have an organic formula with natural ingredients, no syrups or artificial flavors. What’s more, they are USDA-certified organic, so they take utmost care from the time they plant to the final sprinkles of sugar.
You can get these edibles in two flavors: Strawberry Lemonade-flavored gummies with 10-25mg of CBD per gummy or Green Apple-flavored gummies with 10mg of CBD per gummy. These are what you need to take the edge off, de-stress, relax and unwind without losing focus.
- Comes in two delicious flavors: strawberry lemonade and green apple
- Available in two strength levels
- Broad spectrum formula with phytonutrients but 0.0% THC
- Incredible price point
- Longer shelf life (18 months)
- Uses sugar cane, which is natural but not ideal for low-calorie users
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How We Chose Our Best CBD Gummies List
We focused on high-quality edibles that could fit most lifestyles. We considered each brand’s reputation, the ingredients list, extraction processes, and formulas to ensure they are best placed to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.
Whether you were looking for specific high-strength CBD gummies for muscle spasms, or a treat to aid your post-workout routine, we gathered the best brands with great practical products.
Overall, go with products that are third-party lab tested. Some brands also have ethical and sustainable sourcing principles, which are equally important considerations if you want high-quality products.
back to menu ↑Final Thoughts
The increasing use of CBD products attests to its wide-ranging potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, pain, and muscle spasms. These products may also help with sleep issues owing to CBD’s relaxing and sedating attributes.
Since we all react differently to cannabinoids, it is advisable to start with small doses as you assess your response. The good news is CBD is generally well-tolerated and displays a remarkable safety profile, so users suffering adverse side effects are rare.
When choosing gummy edibles, go for those that fit your lifestyle. For best results, integrate CBD products into a routine.
