Effects of cannabis oil (CBD) on muscle recovery after exercise

The Australian Federal Government recently approved greater medical use of cannabinoids. As such, there is a growing industry in terms of the development of new compounds. 

One active ingredient, cannabidiol (CBD), has promising anti-inflammatory effects. CBD is the main component of the cannabis plant that does not affect mental functions (non-psychoactive). It is also linked with anti-seizure, antioxidant, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antipsychotic effects. Although there is growing medical interest in this compound, there is a lack of research on their effects across a wide range of physical health outcomes.

While there has been much research into the effects of CBD on inflammation in chronic disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and arthritis, not much is known about the effects of cannabinoids such as CBD in terms of exercise-induced muscle inflammation. 

There is evidence to suggest that CBD causes changes in immune cell function, which helps your body’s immune system to better cope with injury post-exercise. However, it is unclear how this might then affect inflammatory markers in the blood and performance, particularly muscle strength and movement. Unfortunately, there are very few trials that assess whether exercise-induced inflammation and soreness are improved after taking medicinal cannabis products in healthy people.

As the number of products containing CBD increase and become more available, it is important that clinical trials on whether medicinal cannabis compounds such as CBD improve muscle functions are conducted. We need to conduct studies to determine whether different medicinal cannabis products are useful as post-workout supplements. We can then tell medical practitioners, patients and the general population about these effects. The outcomes of this research have the potential to influence packaging warnings and prescribing practices of these medications.

About this study

This study aims to test whether different doses of a medicinal cannabis oil product improves inflammation, when compared to a placebo. Other tests will be used to assess muscle soreness, strength as well as recovery. It will also assess how CBD is excreted from the body, in the blood and urine. Lastly, it will assess how CBD affects sleep, mood and well-being.

You may be eligible to participate if you:

• are aged between 18 and 35 years
• are recreationally active, but do not participate in any structured exercise more than two days per week, in the last six months
• have experimented with cannabinoids (hemp, hashish, marijuana) at least once in your lifetime with no side effects/allergic effects
• are willing to provide blood, saliva and urine samples throughout the testing phase.
   

What’s involved?

Participation in the study will involve: 

• attending Swinburne’s Centre for Human Psychopharmacology on six separate occasions: 
• a screening session for around 1.5 hours 
• an exercise and monitoring session for approximately four hours 
• and four testing visits, spaced 24 hours apart, for 45 minutes each. 
• you’ll also be called on the telephone five days after the final visit for a follow-up.

If you are interested in participating, please complete the registration form and we will be in touch.