There’s nothing better than a ski getaway to your favorite mountain resort. Then again, there’s nothing much worse than the sore muscles afterward.
But what if we told you there’s a hack for that?
Enter: CBD.
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More and more people have discovered the benefits of CBD for skiers. It makes sense—an increasing number of athletes are using CBD for muscle soreness and anxiety, and several new lines of athlete-friendly CBD products have hit the market this year. Major athletic organizations have started allowing players to use CBD, including Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Football League (NFL), and even the International Olympic Committee.
CBD, for those who are not familiar, is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. This means that while it comes from the marijuana plant, it won’t get you high, but it has been reported to relieve stress and decrease inflammation, among other effects.
While there is still a lot of research that needs to be done on it, the only known side effects of CBD at this point are diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, fatigue, and dry mouth.
Here’s how to use CBD for a ski vacation without consequences.
Use topical CBD products on sore muscles
When it comes to the discomfort of sore muscles after a long day on the slopes, CBD can help reduce your pain.
This includes different forms of pain associated with exercise, including musculoskeletal pain, stiff joints, and aching muscles. CBD topical creams and hemp spray are great for this purpose since they can reduce inflammation.
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Rather than relying on ibuprofen and other types of over-the-counter pain meds that have dangerous effects if taken long-term, you can use a natural product with far less potential for harm.
Just apply a topical CBD product anywhere that hurts, or where you anticipate pain. The CBD will absorb into your skin, causing most people to feel relief within an hour.
Try a CBD tincture for increased endurance and altitude sickness
One of the best things about CBD is, as long as you take it in small doses, most people can take it any time of day without worrying about side effects such as drowsiness or nausea.
So rather than taking ibuprofen before you hit the slopes, why not try a few drops of CBD oil?
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Many athletes who use CBD and other cannabis-related products before physical activity say it gives them a kind of “runner’s high,” making them forget their pain while they accomplish the task at hand.
Some hikers even claim CBD helps them combat altitude sickness. This might make sense since some studies have suggested CBD could increase oxygen intake.
Just drop a small dose of CBD oil (we recommend consulting a healthcare provider on what dosage is best for you) under your tongue before skiing, and see if those achy knees and altitude-induced headaches get a little quieter.
Improve your quality of sleep with CBD before bed
To get the most out of your ski trip, and to help sore muscles heal, you’ll need plenty of sleep. CBD can help you relax so that you can enjoy quality sleep and wake up ready for another day on the slopes.
CBD-infused pillows and even bedsheets have come on the market recently, and you can also get your nightly dose of CBD in with a fun CBD-infused mocktail. Or, keep it simple and just drop a small dose of CBD oil (we recommend consulting a healthcare provider on what dosage is best for you) under your tongue before tucking in.
Keep in mind that quality sleep is a crucial part of a successful ski vacation since high altitudes tend to take a toll on the body. Many people not only enjoy a great night’s sleep, but also fall asleep sooner by using CBD before bed.
How to use CBD for skiing
Like with any health product, it’s always best to start with a low dose when using CBD. Then, build up as needed.
Before using CBD on your next ski trip, we recommend speaking with a healthcare provider on how to best incorporate CBD into your health regimen. Hopefully, you’ll be flying down the slopes this year with a new energy thanks to the benefits of CBD.