Frequently Asked Questions

What is CBD used for? CBD is typically used by adults who are seeking natural alternatives to help manage anxiety as well as muscle and joint pain. To date, however, Epidiolex is the only cannabidiol product to be approved by the FDA. It is FDA indicated for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in patients 2 years of age and older.

Can CBD help athletes? CBD can be an extremely helpful tool for athletes seeking to enhance performance by better managing symptoms related to anxiety and pain. Athletes of all levels may experience chronic and acute anxiety as well as mental and physical stress. Anxiety from the pressure to perform in training and competition can have a significant impact on performance. CBD can help athletes with the liberation of anxiety and stress. This suppression of anxiety will also enable an athlete to sleep better, which in turn can speed up recovery and improve cognitive functionality.

Individuals can also experience stress through intense training and exercises. CBD has the ability to also reduce the body’s stress response and allow individuals to continue training without the body reacting in a negative way. Another effect that CBD can have is via the reduction of pain and inflammation resulting from athletes continuously placing their bodies through rigourous training. The reduction in pain and inflammation in an athlete can be a vital to the recovery process. And like with reduced stress, the achieved reduction in pain can also potentially lead to improved sleep which is essential for the recovery and healing processes within the body.

How does CBD work in the body? It is considered to be one of the major cannabinoids, which are compounds that act upon endogenous cannabinoid receptors of the body. These receptors are utilized by the body through the endocannabinoid system that includes a group of lipid proteins, enzymes, and receptors that play a role in many physiological processes. This system has been shown to be involved in cognition, pain sensation, sleep, memory, immune function, appetite, and mood among many other bodily systems. CBD also interacts with many other non-endocannabinoid signaling systems throughout the body. For example, evidence has demonstrated that CBD activates serotonergic and TRPV1/TRPV2 vanilloid receptors, inhibits synaptosomal uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, acts on mitochondria calcium storage, blocks T-type calcium channels, antagonizes alpha-adrenergic and opioid receptors, and inhibits the activity of fatty amide hydrolase. Interestingly enough, cannabidiol is actually considered a negative allosteric modulator in the endocannabinoid system, which potentiates some of THC’s beneficial effects as it reduces its psychoactivity and enhances the tolerability of the drug.

What are the benefits of CBD? CBD has demonstrated a capacity to incorporate itself into numerous bodily systems. This gives CBD the potential to have a positive effect on many physiological functions including pain and inflammation alleviation, stress reduction, improvement in cognition, sleep and mood improvement, and appetite stimulation. CBD has the most evidence, however, in treating two rare, severe forms of epilepsy.

Is CBD good for athletes? Many athletes embrace CBD because of the positive impact it has on their sporting performance and recovery from physical activity. From speeding up the recovery process to improving an athlete’s overall sleep, which in turn improves focus and energy, CBD can be a vital component for an athlete’s ability to optimize their competitive abilities. Besides its beneficial properties in the recovery process and improving sleep, CBD also carries the ability to reduce pain sensation, anxiety, and stress, while offering a natural and potentially more safe alternative to the commonly used NSAID for pain and inflammation. It should be noted that the industry is still young and research is still underway to fully understand the long-term impact of CBD intake by athletes.

How does CBD affect the brain? Although it is a cannabinoid, CBD does not directly interact with the major classical cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the brain. Instead, it affects signaling through CB1 and CB2 receptors indirectly. This partly explains why, in contrast to THC, CBD is non-intoxicating. In addition to its indirect influence on the CB1 and CB2 receptors, CBD can increase levels of the body’s own naturally-produced cannabinoids (known as endocannabinoids) by inhibiting the enzymes that break them down. Other receptors that CBD targets within the brain, other than those involved in the endocannabinoid system, include pain receptors, dopamine receptors, and many more.

Can CBD help my tennis game? CBD is involved in many physiological systems throughout the body, making it an extremely interesting compound in the sporting world. Specifically, it can help reduce pain and inflammation, and serve as a natural and safer alternative to the commonly used NSAID. It can also help improve a competitor’s sleep quality, which is imperative to the overall performance and well-being of a tennis player.

Why do golfers use CBD? On most occasions, golfers use CBD for its positive effects on physical and mental stress. Golfers are prone to having joint pain, back pain, underlying inflammation in joints, and pre-hole jitters. CBD offers a more natural way to alleviate pain and inflammation in order to enhance performance while providing a calming effect to the golfer.

Is CBD oil safe? CBD tends to be well-tolerated, due to the absence of a psychoactive component. According to the World Health Organization, CBD shows no abuse potential and when taken orally the compound has a great safety profile with the most common side effect being mild stomach distress, increased liver enzymes, and drowsiness.

What does CBD actually do to your body? CBD (cannabidiol) is a a chemical compound and phyto-cannabionoid found within Cannabis sativa that, when ingested, acts upon the endogenous cannabinoid receptors found with the human body. These receptors are utilized by the body through the endocannabinoid system that includes a group of lipid proteins, enzymes, and receptors that play a role in many physiological processes. This system has been shown to be involved in cognition, pain sensation, sleep, memory, immune function, appetite, and mood among many other bodily systems. CBD also interacts with many other non-endocannabinoid signaling systems throughout the body. For example, evidence has demonstrated that CBD activates serotonergic and TRPV1/TRPV2 vanilloid receptors, inhibits synaptosomal uptake of noradrenaline, dopamine, serotonin, and GABA, acts on mitochondria calcium storage, blocks T-type calcium channels, antagonizes alpha-adrenergic and opioid receptors, and inhibits the activity of fatty amide hydrolase. Interestingly enough, cannabidiol is actually considered a negative allosteric modulator in the endocannabinoid system, which potentiates some of THC’s beneficial effects as it reduces its psychoactivity and enhances the tolerability of the drug.

Is CBD already in your body? No. CBD (cannabidiol) is a phyto-cannabinoid or ‘plant-based’ cannabinoid and is found in Cannabis sativa. The human body also produces cannabinoids but they are known as endocannabinoids or ‘endogenous cannabinoids’. Phytocannabinoids are closely related to endocannabioids from a structural perspective however they differ in terms of how they interact with the body’s physiological system.

Does CBD affect exercise? One of the common side effects of CBD is drowsiness, thus, an individual may notice a reduction in energy capacity. However, the compound does carry the potential to reduce pain and inflammation, which in turn can lead to a faster recovery from injury and workout-related muscle damage. This improved recovery process can help an individual workout for longer periods of time and with greater intensity.

What are the side effects of CBD oil? The side effects of CBD oil are mainly experienced when the product is taken orally. The most common side effects that individuals experience when taking CBD include mild stomach distress, drowsiness, and increased liver enzymes. For the most part, CBD is well-tolerated and has a great safety profile.

How does CBD oil make you feel? CBD does not contain any psychoactive components, unlike THC, and does not create a euphoric “high”. However, CBD may make an individual feel drowsy or more relaxed.

Is CBD legal on the PGA Tour? In 2018, the World AntiDoping Agency removed CBD from its Prohibited List, allowing its use by PGA Tour players and Olympic athletes.

How doe CBD affect the immune system? Technically speaking, overall research supports the notion that CBD is immune suppressive and that the mechanisms involve direct suppression of the activation of various immune cell types, induction of apoptosis, and promotion of regulatory cells, which, in turn, control other immune cell targets.

Is CBD good to take everyday? Well it depends. Frequency and dosage of CBD is something that is best discussed with one’s PCP. It is important to understand what the intended goal of taking CBD is. For people seeking help with chronic pain or sleep deprivation issuers, frequency and dosage may be greater than someone who is seeking stress relief or soreness specific to a certain situation.

Is CBD oil a drug? In short, yes. CBD, also known as cannabidiol, that is extracted from marijuana is a schedule 1 controlled substance. CBD that is extracted from hemp, on the other hand, is not viewed as a controlled substance because of the recent passage of the Farm Bill. However, the FDA still only recognizes Epidiolex, wich is used to treat two rare, severe forms of epilepsy, as an approved prescription CBD drug. As such, it remains illegal to market CBD by adding it to a food or making any medical/treatment claims.

Are CBD products good for golfers? Golfers may experience may positives from incorporating CBD into their fitness routines. For example, due to the impact of the compounds on pain and inflammation, golfers taking CBD products may experience a faster recovery process and decreased discomfort while performing. Additionally, because of how CBD inegrates with the body’s physiological systems, golfers may also experience reduced anxiety and enhanced calm, both of which are helpful during moments of intense pressure such as hole winning putts.

Can CBD help me sleep? Yes. Research is showing that CBD can have a positive impact on ones ability to achieve a deeper sleep and better night’s rest. One such study conducted in 2019 specifically examined whether the administration of CBD would improve overall sleep and/or anxiety. In the study, 79.2 percent of the patients reported lower anxiety levels and 66.7 percent reported better sleep. Although the patient population in this study was fairly low (only included 72 subjects), the results nonethless demonstrate that CBD has promise in terms of helping with sleep disorders. Further research is still need though in order to validate the use of the compound for an efficacious sleep aid.

Does CBD help with depression? CBD does have the potential to help with depression. Experts believe that the compound’s benefit in depression is directly related to its positive impact on serotonin receptors within the brain. Abnormal serotonin activity within the brain has been linked to individuals suffering from depression, as current standards of care include medications that increase serotonin levels. A 2014 animal study concluded that CBD’s effect on serotonin receptors within the brain produced anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects. A more recent study conducted in 2018 concluded that CBD has anti-stress effects, which may in turn reduce depression related to stress.

Does CBD help with golf? The administration of CBD does have the potential to enhance performance in golf. Through the compound’s impact on pain and inflammation, CBD may speed up the recovery process and offer a much safer option compared to NSAIDs. CBD may also improve an individual’s sleep, which will, in turn, leads to a reduction in early fatigue and may increase endurance. Lastly, CBD’s potential effect on stress reduction can have a huge impact on golfers as golf is such a mental game. Golfers love feeling less stress during big shots and hole saving putts.

How long does it take for CBD oil to work for joint pain? Ultimately, it will vary from person to person and depends on the route of administration. When taken orally, CBD is absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract slowly (about one to two hours). However, CBD can be absorbed directly into the bloodstream if one were to hold liquid from a spray or tincture under the tongue (sublingual) for 60 to 120 seconds and effects may be felt in 15 – 45 minutes. There is limited evidence that topical application of CBD has significant effects and whether the product is able to be delivered below the skin is unknown. If CBD is inhaled, absorption is much faster within the body and effects may be seen in as little as 3 – 10 minutes.

Will CBD help tennis elbow? CBD does carry the potential to help alleviate symptoms of tennis elbow through its positive effects on pain and inflammation. Tennis elbow is caused due to the repetitive movements of the forearm and wrist while playing the game of tennis or any other activity involving similar body movements. This can result in significant stress placed on the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the tendons of the elbow, thus causing pain and inflammation. Through multiple mechanisms of action, such as interacting with serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, TRPV1 receptor, and the mu and sigma opioid receptor within the body, as well as reducing cytokine production and interacting with CB2 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, and enhancing adenosine concentrations within the body, CBD targets pain and inflammation processes to reduce symptoms associated with tennis elbow.

Does CBD help arthritis? The current literature regarding the validation of CBD as a potential treatment for arthritis is extremely limited. Some preliminary reports and case studies suggest that CBD had a significant impact on the condition while others suggest that there is no difference in results between CBD and a placebo used the the studies. Theoretically, the compound has the ability to help with symptoms of arthritis inducing its anti-inflammatory and decreased pain-sensation characteristics. However, for certain types of arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, conventional prescription medications are highly recommended due to the validation of these therapies helping to prevent further joint damage and worsening disability.

Does CBD affect rem sleep? Although research is extremely limited, CBD does appear to have an effect on the sleep cycle. Specifically, literature from 2014 suggests that CBD improves the symptoms of REM sleep behavior disorder, which is a disorder in which individuals act out their dreams. REM sleep behavior disorder is associated with poor sleep and nightmares. Other research suggests that there is no significant difference between the administration of CBD and placebo in regards to sleep onset latency and REM onset latency.

Does CBD relax muscles? Through the compound’s anti-inflammation and pain-alleviating properties, CBD does in a sense relax muscles by reducing the stress being placed on them. Although not extensively studied, CBD is showing promise as a natural muscle relaxant by directly aiding in slowing down the flow of chemical messengers that cause muscle spasticity.

Does CBD lower blood pressure? In one study, a single dose of CBD reduced resting blood pressure and the blood pressure response to stress, particularly cold stress, and especially in post-test periods. This may reflect the anxiolytic and analgesic effects of CBD, as well as any potential direct cardiovascular effects. More research needs to be conducted in order to better understand the cardiovascular benefits of the compound and validate current research.

Does CBD help with back pain? CBD does carry the potential to help relieve back pain through multiple mechanisms. First, the compound is integrated into many physiological systems that affect pain sensation, and inflammation. Another mechanism of how CBD can help alleviate back pain is through its anti-anxiety properties, often associated with chronic or long-lasting back pain. Back pain can also cause sleep interruptions and CBD can potentially improve sleep and the overall state of relaxation.

Can CBD help with focus? CBD has the potential to improve an individual’s focus by acting indirectly. Many factors can affect our energy and concentration. Chronic conditions, lack of sleep, stress, and diet can all influence an individual’s energy levels. At present, there’s limited evidence that concludes CBD could improve energy and focus. A study conducted in 2014 noted that CBD might promote wakefulness for some people, although further research needs to be conducted. However, there’s promising research that suggests CBD can improve other issues that may affect your energy levels and ability to concentrate. For example, CBD has the potential to alleviate anxiety, influence sleep, and reduce pain sensation.

Can CBD help with energy? Yes. CBD has the potential to improve an individual’s energy level by acting indirectly. There are many factors that can cause low energy, one of them being a lack of sleep. Although research is limited, CBD may improve an individual’s overall sleep, which in turn can improve energy levels. Also, CBD has the capability to reduce pain sensation, which is another factor that can be the culprit of low energy levels.

Can CBD help with muscle recovery? Through the reduction of pain and inflammation, CBD has the potential to be a vital part of recovery and performance. When the body is trained excessively or intensively, pain and inflammation can occur. Small amounts of inflammation can be beneficial for competitors because it helps to promote positive training adaptations. However, excessive inflammation can delay recovery time and diminish performance. CBD offers the potential to reduce both pain and inflammation in order to speed up the muscle recovery process for an individual after a workout or injury.

Can CBD help joint pain? CBD has the ability to alleviate joint pain by interacting with serotonin 5-HT1A receptor, TRPV1 receptor, and the mu and sigma opioid receptor within the body. Along with pain, inflammation can be a common co-existing modality. CBD displays its anti-inflammatory properties by reducing cytokine production and interacting with CB2 receptors, TRPV1 receptors, and enhancing adenosine concentrations within the body.