Whenever CBD and muscle spasms are discussed, it’s usually in the context of the benefits CBD has to offer if you’re dealing with them.
But can CBD cause muscle spasms?
This is a question we’ve gotten asked before, but we haven’t seen it talked about much.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the science to see if CBD causes muscle spasms, or if what you’re experiencing is likely due to something else.
TAKEAWAYS:
- Based on the available research, CBD won’t cause muscle spasms, but THC, which is in full-spectrum CBD products, can.
- Stress and anxiety cause muscle spasms, so if you’re using CBD for therapeutic purposes, the spasms you’re experiencing may be due to the situation you’re addressing with CBD.
- To avoid muscle spasms after taking CBD, use a broad-spectrum or isolate CBD product, both of which contain no THC.
Can CBD Cause Muscle Spasms or Tightness? What Science Says
There isn’t any research to suggests that CBD by itself can cause muscle spasms, cramps, or tightness. In fact, most research suggests that CBD can help with spasms.
A research review from 2016 discussed multiple studies in which CBD reduced muscle spasticity in people dealing with central nervous system (CNS) conditions [1].
So not only will CBD not cause muscle spasms, but it may be therapeutically beneficial at addressing them.
But tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another naturally occurring cannabinoid in hemp, is a different story.
THC may cause muscle spasms
There is a phenomenon known as “weed shakes,” where you experience muscle spasms and tremors after consuming too much cannabis — especially THC-heavy cannabis (this applies to hemp flower with high levels of THC, too).
Weed shakes have a few causes. One is nervous system overstimulation, which can occur if you use many stimulants at the same time, such as THC, caffeine, soda, and nicotine, to name a few.
Another cause is anxiety. It may seem ironic that anxiety is a side effect of THC use, considering that many people consume psychoactive cannabinoids to address and temper anxiety in the first place.
However, it can still happen. Anxiety triggers your body’s stress response, which can result in muscle spasms.
The final cause of weed shakes is that THC can lower your body temperature, causing you to shiver.
So although CBD won’t cause muscle spasms, THC, another cannabinoid, might create spasms and spasm-like sensations if consumed in excess.
Full-spectrum CBD products may cause muscle spasms because they contain THC
Most CBD products contain what is known as full-spectrum CBD. This extract is composed of more than just CBD: it also contains small amounts of cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, and THC, all of which naturally occur along with CBD in hemp.
Since THC is a potential cause of muscle spasms, full-spectrum CBD, which contains THC, has the potential to cause spasms.
Properly made full-spectrum CBD products won’t contain enough THC to cause spasms, however, poorly manufactured products may.
And since the CBD industry is largely unregulated, this is always a risk.
Other Reasons You’re Experiencing Muscle Spasms After Taking CBD
Even if the product you’re using doesn’t contain THC, you might still experience muscle spasms after taking CBD. Here’s why:
Stress & anxiety
Stress and anxiety, if extreme enough, can cause your muscles to twitch.
If you take CBD to help manage stress or anxiety, it’s possible that the situation you’re dealing with is, itself, the cause of the muscle spasms.
And if you’re dealing with stress or anxiety, thinking about your situation can further stress your body, creating a vicious cycle.
Dehydration & depletion of electrolytes
Generally speaking, dehydration and depletion of electrolytes can result in muscle spasms. This is a possible explanation if you happen to be dehydrated after taking CBD.
Many people who have reported experiencing muscle spasms after using THC found that eating bananas helped. This is because bananas are heavy in potassium, an electrolyte your body needs.
Depletion of electrolytes such as potassium, magnesium, and calcium can cause muscle spasms, as can simple dehydration.
How to Prevent or Reduce Muscle Spasms
To minimize the chances that your CBD product will cause you to experience muscle spasms, opt for a broad-spectrum or isolate CBD product. Broad-spectrum and isolate extracts are THC-free, which rules out the possibility of cannabinoid-induced spasms.
Tips to present muscle spasms
A few general tips you can employ to prevent muscle spasms are:
- Maintain overall fitness
- Stretch your muscles regularly
- Drink plenty of water
Reliving pain during a muscle spasm
If a muscle spasm is happening, a few things you can do to help relieve the pain are:
- Stretch the affected area
- Massage the affected area
- Walk around
- Apply heat or ice
Conclusion: Is CBD Good for Your Muscles or Not?
More research on how CBD affects the muscles is needed before we fully understand its benefits for muscle relaxation — or if there are any drawbacks.
But based on what we know, CBD doesn’t cause muscle spasms, and in fact, it may help address the discomfort that comes with them.
CBD Causing Muscle Spasms: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about CBD causing muscle spasms.
Can CBD oil make you twitchy?
CBD oil won’t tend to make you twitchy or jittery, however, it might if it contains large amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) along with the CBD. THC is psychoactive and may cause twitchy sensations in some people.
Is CBD anti-spasmodic?
While CBD isn’t a proven treatment for muscle spasms, early research suggests it may have anti-spasmodic properties.
What is the best herb for muscle spasms?
Some of the best herbs to soothe muscle spasms include chamomile, peppermint, valerian root, and ginger.
Does CBD affect muscle?
Yes, CBD may positively affect the muscles by promoting physical comfort and muscle recovery. No research has indicated that CBD adversely affects the muscles. However, the research is preliminary and more study is needed.
Sources
[1] Zettl, Uwe K et al. “Evidence for the efficacy and effectiveness of THC-CBD oromucosal spray in symptom management of patients with spasticity due to multiple sclerosis.” Therapeutic advances in neurological disorders vol. 9,1 (2016): 9-30. doi:10.1177/1756285615612659
