CBD AND MEN: SEX, SPORTS & STAYING CONNECTED

A LOOK AT HOW CBD CAN ENHANCE MENS HEALTH

Cannabis does not discriminate. The CBD industry is turning out to be a surprisingly female dominated landscape (both in terms of consumers and behind the scenes), but don’t let that fool you into thinking this isn’t something for men! Not only are the vast majority of the therapeutic affects unisex, but there are a number of benefits worth noting as being particularly helpful for guys.

CBD & Testosterone 

Studies into the effects of CBD, THC and cannabis as a whole have been pretty slow going over the years – partly due to the rollercoaster ride of regulation and legalisation and also due to the fact that many of the most important clinical studies to date are long haul ones. Fortunately, we are now starting to see the emergence of some ground-breaking results from those studies, which are beginning to set the landscape for more in-depth research into points of particular interest.

One such point is the relationship between CBD and testosterone.

Cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 can be found in Leydig cells, sperm cells and the pituitary gland – all of which play a vital role in testosterone production. But this doesn’t mean that taking CBD oil will elevate testosterone levels. As with pretty much every aspect of the way cannabinoids work within the endocannabinoid system, it’s all about striking balance, which is really what every body needs.

Evidence suggests that CBD slows down the production of testosterone, but that doesn’t necessarily equate to lower levels of this key hormone, as it also has been shown to simultaneously limit the degradation of testosterone in the liver and support the free flow of circulating testosterone in the bloodstream.

Too much or too little of anything, especially hormones, is rarely a good thing but there are many factors which can cause fluctuating testosterone levels, which unpleasant side effects such as depression, aggression, erectile dysfunction, obesity and fatigue. While there is still plenty of room for expansion on what we know about CBD and testosterone, so far all studies point to that sweet spot of achieving homeostasis.

CBD & Sex 

While we’re on the subject of testosterone and one potential resulting side effect of low levels, erectile dysfunction, it’s worth mentioning that hormonal imbalance is not always the problem here.

Just as with women, many men experience performance anxiety or struggle with putting their worries aside when it comes to having sex. But for many, CBD helps.

Anxiety is one of the main reasons people (of all sexes) take CBD, thanks to the way it (and the other 100+ cannabinoids and terpenes you can find in full spectrum CBD products) interacts with the ECS and serotonin receptors. Although there’s a lot of talk about how CBD isn’t psychoactive, this isn’t entirely true as is does have the ability to alter your mood and perception. That’s not to say it will get you high (it won’t), but through the supported release of your internally produced ‘bliss molecule’, endocannabinoid anandamide, and the direct activation of your serotonin receptors, it will make you feel different – both mentally and physically.

This is nothing to be concerned about – you’ll still have all your faculties and could even take a drug test without failing it, but the world may seem a little brighter and your disposition a little lighter. And this is often all people need to get in the moment with their partner in the bedroom.

CBD & Post Workout Recovery

If you’re big on exercise, CBD is a must-have for your recovery and muscle building. There are a number of excellent reasons for this:

CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory. Multiple studies have shown that CBD interacts indirectly with the CB2 receptors throughout the immune system to produce an anti-inflammatory response. CBD’s antioxidant potential only adds to this. The result? Reduced spasticity and accelerated muscle recovery. What’s more, this doesn’t only apply to muscle inflammation. If you’ve got stiff joints that limit your weight bearing ability CBD may reduce the inflammation there too.

If you’re aiming to build muscle, taking a regular dose of CBD could assist with that. When the ECS is activated (directly by THC, indirectly by CBD, or both) it produces an anti-catabolic response which prevents the body losing muscle mass.

Although you may be most familiar with CBD being used to relax, it can actually be very effective for energising too! Cannabidiol has been referred to as a ‘wake-promoting agent’ in a 2014 study published in Current Neuropharmacology. More research needs to be done to fully understand why this is, but there are a number of potential contributing factors: the direct activation of dopamine receptors, the support of a bliss-inducing flow of endocannabinoid anandamide, the regulation of blood sugar levels and the antioxidant properties of CBD.

Of course there’s so much more about CBD (and all the other cannabinoids and terpenes) which make this an exciting food supplement to add to any man’s lifestyle.