Cannabidiol (CBD): Benefits, Types, Uses, and Is It Worth It? – Muscle & Fitness
If you’ve tried CBD before, you’re likely in one of two camps: those who notice a significant difference or those who feel no effect at all, wondering if it even works. Since CBD was legalized under the U.S. Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (also known as the “Farm Bill”), it has become the wellness world’s go-to for everything from pain management to better sleep.
Athletes in particular have gravitated toward CBD for help with soreness, inflammation, and recovery. But the question remains: Does it live up to the hype? With booming sales, a growing range of products, and evolving research, we wanted to understand CBD’s real potential (and its limits), so we talked to a few experts to get the latest insights.
The CBD Boom
“Since the legalization of CBD in 2018, the industry has experienced tremendous growth and significant research opportunities,” says Len May, CEO of EndoDNA. He notes, the market expanded to $4.7 billion in sales with product offerings that range from oils and gummies to more unconventional items like skincare products, beverages, and even CBD-infused pillows and underwear.” (Yes, that last one raised our eyebrows too.)
But beyond just the market growth, legalization has opened new doors for research. According to May, consumer demand has driven studies on CBD’s potential benefits for pain relief, anxiety, insomnia, and inflammation. EndoDNA is actively involved in 10 clinical studies and a Phase 2 clinical trial at Harvard Medical, signaling that the science around CBD is evolving rapidly. Athletes are increasingly interested in these benefits, hoping CBD might be a valuable tool in their recovery routines.
