We’ve all been there. You crush a workout, feel great, and then wake up the next morning unable to lift your arms or walk down the stairs.
DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) is a sign of progress, but it’s also a pain. For years, athletes have relied on ice baths and Ibuprofen to get back in the gym faster.
But recently, the sports world has shifted toward CBD (Cannabidiol). From rugby players to CrossFitters, people are trading pills for plants.
In this guide, we’ll look at whether CBD actually speeds up recovery, how it compares to traditional painkillers, and whether you should be using a balm or an oil.
How CBD helps muscles repair
When you work out, you create microscopic tears in your muscle fibres. Your body repairs these tears to make the muscle stronger, but the process causes inflammation—which you feel as pain.
CBD is a potent anti-inflammatory. By interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system, it helps modify the immune response to injury.
It doesn't stop the muscle from growing; it simply helps regulate the excessive inflammation and oxidative stress that makes recovery painful and slow.
CBD vs. Ibuprofen (NSAIDs)
Many athletes pop NSAIDs (like Ibuprofen) like candy. While effective, long-term use can damage the stomach lining and kidneys, and some studies suggest NSAIDs might actually blunt muscle growth.
The CBD Advantage:
- Natural: No risk to stomach lining or kidneys.
- Sleep Support: CBD helps you sleep, which is when 90% of muscle repair happens (thanks to Human Growth Hormone). Ibuprofen does not do this.
Balm vs. Oil: Which do you need?
This is the most common question we get. The answer depends on where the pain is.
1. CBD Balm (Topical)
Best for: Targeted "spot treatment."
If your knee hurts, your shoulder is tight, or your lower back is stiff, a balm is perfect. You rub it directly into the area, where it is absorbed by cannabinoid receptors in the skin and muscle tissue.
Our Pick: Evopure Organic CBD Balm. It bypasses digestion for fast, localized relief.
2. CBD Oil (Internal)
Best for: Systemic inflammation and sleep.
If your whole body aches or you're too wired to sleep after a late training session, oil is better. It circulates through your whole body to lower overall inflammation.
Our Pick: Relief CBD Oil (with Turmeric for extra joint support).
The ultimate recovery protocol
For serious recovery, many athletes use the "Inside-Out" method:
- Post-Shower: Massage CBD Balm into specific sore spots (quads, shoulders, knees).
- Before Bed: Take a dropper of Relief Oil or Sleep Oil to lower systemic inflammation and ensure deep, restorative sleep.
Why active people choose Evopure
Our Organic CBD Balm isn't just CBD mixed with Vaseline. It’s a potent blend of:
- Full Spectrum Hemp Extract: For maximum potency.
- Shea Butter & Cocoa Butter: To nourish the skin.
- Essential Oils: For a cooling, soothing sensation.
It’s clean, non-greasy, and designed to get you back in the game faster.
Frequently asked questions
Does CBD balm work immediately?
Most people feel a soothing sensation within minutes, thanks to the essential oils, with the deeper anti-inflammatory effects of CBD building over 30–60 minutes.
Will CBD stop muscle growth?
No. Unlike some studies on high-dose NSAIDs, there is no evidence that CBD impairs muscle hypertrophy (growth). In fact, by improving sleep, it may support it.
Can I use the balm and oil together?
Yes, this is highly recommended. Using balm for targeted pain and oil for internal recovery provides the most comprehensive support.
Is CBD legal for athletes?
Yes. WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) removed CBD from its prohibited list in 2018. However, THC is still banned, so always choose a lab-tested brand like Evopure.
Final thoughts
Recovery is just as important as the workout itself. By swapping synthetic painkillers for natural tools like CBD Balm and Magnesium, you can support your body's natural repair process without the side effects.
