It might seem like CBD and music have little in common. After all, one is a natural health product, while the other is a collection of sounds. However, look a little deeper, and you’ll see that the two share more features than you might think.
This article explains the relationship between CBD and music and how the hemp-derived compound could help musicians improve their well-being.
What Is CBD?
CBD is short for cannabidiol. It is one of the best-known chemicals that cannabis and hemp plants produce. Industrial hemp, in particular, produces large quantities of CBD. Since the 2018 Farm Bill made it legal to cultivate this plant, it is now easy to find CBD products for sale both in physical stores and online.
Users report that these products help them maintain optimal health and manage symptoms such as anxiety and pain. A growing body of research supports these claims and has shown that CBD has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
The compound works by interacting with an innate biological system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). It is present throughout the body and has a range of crucial functions, including regulating mood, appetite, and sleep.
The ECS comprises specialized cell receptors (CB1 and CB2) and chemicals called endocannabinoids. CBD can influence the ECS by increasing our levels of endocannabinoids and enhancing their activity at CB receptors. It also affects various other essential systems. For example, it alters how serotonin transmits messages within the central nervous system.
So, what is the link between CBD and music? Let’s take a look.
The Surprising Link Between CBD and Music
One of the main things that CBD and music have in common is that both can relieve stress and aid relaxation. Many people listen to music as a means of unwinding, which is also a common reason for using CBD.
The ECS has a key role in modulating the stress response, and CBD appears to assist it with this function. That is why many say that CBD has helped reduce anxiety symptoms and improve related issues such as sleep problems.
However, there could be even more to the relationship between CBD and music than it first seems. Singing, in particular, has been shown to increase endocannabinoid levels in the body. This fascinating finding might explain why it feels so good to belt along to your favorite tune.
Further study is required, but it could be that CBD and singing have somewhat similar effects. It will be exciting to see more evidence emerging in this field in the future. But for now, here’s how the current research supports CBD as an aid for musicians.
How Can CBD Help Musicians?
As we mentioned, many people use CBD to aid relaxation. This could be useful for musicians who are feeling nervous before a show. Stage fright can affect even the most experienced performers, and CBD could help reduce anxious feelings and replace them with a sense of calm.
CBD could also help musicians who experience pain as a result of their craft. Playing an instrument can cause issues like repetitive strain injury while sitting in the same position for extended periods can lead to muscle stiffness and tension.
As CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, it could prove a valuable tool for dealing with these problems. However, not all CBD products are created equal. Below we will explain how musicians can choose the best option for them and ensure they get a high-quality item.
The Best CBD Products for Musicians
Musicians could choose CBD products they take orally, like oils, capsules, or gummies, or topical products, like creams and balms. The best choice comes down to personal preference and what they hope to achieve.
For example, anyone wishing to alleviate performance anxiety will get little benefit from topicals and should choose an oral CBD product instead. There is not much difference between oils, capsules, and gummies in terms of their effects. However, capsules and gummies are easier to take on the go and might be more suitable for use before a show.
Meanwhile, those with aches and pains may find that a topical offers the targeted relief they need. These products can be applied to uncomfortable areas throughout the day to soothe inflammation and keep the muscles tension-free.
Regardless of the product type, it is important to buy CBD from a reputable company to ensure the items are safe and effective. Look for a brand that provides third-party lab reports for all of its products as a bare minimum. These documents prove that each item contains as much CBD as it says on the label and is free from contaminants.
It is also well worth reading plenty of online reviews to see how previous customers rate a brand.
