CBD, CBN, CBG, Or THC: Which Is The Best Post Workout Recovery?

 CBD continues to dominate interest not only in the U.S. but internationally as well. But with such an emphasis on potential cannabis offerings, how is anyone to make sense of the endless acronyms? We hear you loud and clear, which is why we decided to put together a comprehensive breakdown of CBD, CBN, CBG, and THC – all for post workout recovery. We’ll go over each cannabinoid type and provide you with some similarities and choices to consider before purchasing. 

While we know that sometimes those workouts go a little too hard (and you end up with aches and pains the next day), there are potential solutions to keep in mind so you don’t have to suffer during that post workout recovery. 

Also known as cannabidiol, CBD is a compound found in the cannabis plant. Extracted from the seeds, stalks, and flowers of hemp plants – though it can also be extracted from marijuana plants – CBD is a botanical concentrate that contains low levels of the psychoactive compound, THC (less than 0.3% THC). This makes CBD ideal for those seeking the potential benefits of cannabis without the "high" associated with marijuana use. 

The human body contains a vast network of receptors called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, or balance, in the body. The ECS has two main receptors: cannabinoid receptor type 1 (found in the brain and central nervous system) and cannabinoid receptor type 2 (found in the immune system). 

When CBD is consumed, it binds to receptors in the ECS, which in turn helps to regulate a variety of functions in the body, including pain perception, mood, appetite, and inflammation. 

CBN, just like other cannabinoids, interacts with the endocannabinoid (EC) system (5) in your central nervous system. Typically, your brain cells (also known as neurons) send chemical messages that regulate your actions, mood, and thoughts:

• A presynaptic neuron releases a neurotransmitter (i.e., a chemical message)
• The neurotransmitter attaches to a receptor on another neuron 
• That triggers the receiving neuron — known as a postsynaptic cell — to do something specific

In your EC system, it works in reverse: Cannabinoids, such as CBN, act as chemical messengers from the postsynaptic neuron to the presynaptic neuron. This then influences the future actions of the presynaptic neuron, affecting how future "messages" are sent by that neuron to other neurons. 

CBN can change how your neurons send messages to each other, and this can have wide-ranging potential health effects on your body and mind. 

CBG or Cannabigerol is the precursor to other cannabinoids. Since it has all hemp’s bioactive compounds, it can break down to form other cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, CBC, and THC. Like CBD, a full-spectrum CBG isn’t intoxicating, which means it won’t make you high. They work on the same receptors (CB1 and CB2) in the body and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

As CBG is newer in the market, there’s still much to know about its therapeutic effects. On the other hand, there’s already a huge amount of research done on the benefits of CBD. With the growing popularity of CBG however, we can expect more research to surface. 

More trials are already confirming the beneficial effects of a full-spectrum cannabis extract such as Sativex in the treatment of MS-related neuropathic pain.

Among all cannabinoids, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most popular, but there are more than 100 types of cannabinoids out there. THC has a strong psychoactive effect while CBD does the opposite and moderates the “high” caused by THC.

In hemp, CBG and CBD are the most common cannabinoid compounds, but they remain at low levels during the blooming phase. Like CBD, CBG also doesn’t have a psychoactive effect. CBG can also have differing effects on the body’s ECS even though it basically acts upon the same receptors as the other cannabinoid compounds. CBG has a wide range of medical applications when consumed in full-spectrum or when combined with other cannabinoids.

Also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the main psychoactive compound in cannabis. This compound gives users the "high" feeling often associated with smoking or consuming marijuana. 

THC works by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which is involved in various physiological processes, including mood, memory, appetite, and pain perception. 

Adjusting the CBD to THC ratio of products can help fine-tune a product for a particular disposition (although most states limit the amount of THC allowed in products). CBD and THC are both formed in the hemp plant’s flowers.

While each type is a different cannabinoid, they are all considered compounds within cannabis plants – hemp and marijuana. The largest difference would probably have to be with THC and its overall impact on the body. Due to the psychoactive effects with THC, some do not like that ‘high’ feeling and avoid products that contain any of it. However, CBD, CBG, and CBN are more alike than not with CBD being the most popular type. 

Similarly, depending on the user each cannabinoid will have a slightly different feeling. This depends on the strain and overall potency. The great unifier between all of these types is that they all interact with the endocannabinoid system which works to regulate pain, mood, and even appetite. 

Much of this depends on the strain and concentration of the product, but overall, THC still probably has the strongest effect. This is due to the fact that THC is responsible for the psychoactive effect felt in the body. However, take our Dream CBD Oil Tincture for example, we have two concentrations of: 1,000 mg or 3,000 mg depending on preference. 

This means you have to consider your experience and tolerance of cannabinoids. You should always start off slow with a low concentration before tapering up as needed. So, while there are different types and strengths to consider with cannabinoids, always exercise caution when first starting. Figure out what you enjoy and can tolerate before going to the strongest concentration. You may find that a lower concentration works just as well. 

Again this largely depends on your preference and experience with cannabinoids. Beginners looking to take that edge off and stay dialed in throughout a workout may want to start with our Clarity CBD Oil Tincture. At 1,000 mg or 3,000 mg of CBD, this concentration is engineered to push away trivial thoughts, leaving you to your work (or workout in this case!). Below are a few other products to consider:

With 25 mg of full-spectrum CBD oil and 5 mg of THC, these THC gummies are intended to recreate recreation, one microdose at a time. 

How To: Take ½ of a gummy to start, then move up to a full gummy if necessary. Wait 45 minutes for the product to take effect before increasing the dose. 

This is not for the rookies, but for the CBD connoisseurs. At 4,000 mg of CBD and 2,000 mg of CBG, the Gold Reserve Blend is our most potent tincture formulation to date. 

We also formulated our Gold Reserve into gummies that pack a punch with 50 mg CBD and 25 mg of CBG. 

How To – Tincture: Squeeze the rubber end of the graduated dropper. Fill it halfway, then place the CBD oil under your tongue for ~30 seconds. This allows for faster absorption. It may take 1-2 hours to experience full effects. Take more as needed. Most say 1-2 times a day is sufficient.

How To – Gummy: Chew 1 gummy either during the day or at night. It may take 1-2 hours to experience full effects. Take more or less as needed. Most say 1-2 times a day is sufficient.

CBG is often called the “Rolls-Royce” of cannabinoids so we formulated our rarest blend yet with our CBD oil. With a 1:1 CBD to CBG ratio (1,000 mg of CBD and 1,000 mg of CBG) you get the full benefit of both cannabinoid types. Something that is often referred to as The Entourage Effect. 

How To: Squeeze the rubber end of the graduated dropper. Fill it halfway, then place the CBD oil under your tongue for ~30 seconds. This allows for faster absorption. It may take 1-2 hours to experience full effects. Take more as needed. Most say 1-2 times a day is sufficient.

Read on about CBG and CBD with: CBG vs. CBD: Your Guide To These Popular Cannabinoids and CBG vs. CBD: Differences, Benefits, Uses, And More 

So now that we’ve covered what to consider ahead of or during your workout, we can’t wrap this up without providing the best post-workout products too! While you can always try one of our CBD Oils or CBD Gummies, this is where the CBD topicals come in hand. 

CBD Balm: Original – Our OG balm is meant to get you back on your feet! With 1,250 mg of rich Wisconsin Full-Spectrum CBD, this BATCH staple is not only meant to get you back in movement, but it smells great too thanks to the subtle fresh scent of lavender, tea tree, and eucalyptus. 

CBD Balm: Fire & Ice – Boosted with camphor (6.6%) and menthol (6.7%) for a pleasant warming and cooling experience, this balm delivers quick absorption when you need it most! We enriched this blend with jojoba oil and other essential oils as an added benefit so you can recover quickly and get back to what you do best. 

CBD Cream – Our brand new CBD Cream is designed to relieve your skin after a long day. Perhaps you’ve had a long run outside and your skin needs a little TLC? With 1,500 mg of CBD and a blend of aloe vera, lavender oil, and peppermint oil, this cream is refreshing and a must-have to enhance any self-care routine. 

While there are options for you to consider as you workout, always be sure to discuss new products and injuries with your doctor first. They will be able to better explain and diagnose any lingering sports injury or aches and pains that you are facing daily. 

For more information on cannabinoid types, check out the BATCH Blog today!