How to Use CBD for Workout Recovery 2025: Pre & Post Timing

Rank Product Price CBD mg Best For Rating Code
1 Cornbread Hemp Full Spectrum CBD Oil $74 1500mg Overall recovery 9.6/10 SAVVY15
2 CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture $69.99 1500mg CBD + 750mg CBN Sleep after workout 9.3/10 SAVVY20
3 Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture $44 750mg Best Value 9.0/10 SAVVY10
4 Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies $54.99 10mg per gummy Easiest to Take 8.8/10 none this week
5 Medterra Isolate CBD Pain Cream $49.99 750mg Best Topical 9.2/10 SAVVY15
6 Floyd’s of Leadville CBD Recovery Softgels $69.99 25mg per softgel Best for Athletes 8.6/10 FLOYD20
7 Joy Organics CBD Salve $44.95 500mg Targeted Relief 8.4/10 JOY15

The Ultimate Guide to CBD for Workout Recovery in 2025

Hey girl! Jess here, from CBD Savvy Hub. And if you’re anything like me – a 34-year-old mom trying to juggle work, kids, and a *semblance* of a fitness routine – you know that workout recovery is no joke. Sore muscles, fatigue, inflammation… it’s a whole damn thing.

That’s where CBD comes in. I’ve been experimenting with CBD for workout recovery since 2020, and let me tell you, it’s made a HUGE difference. But with so many products on the market, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why I’ve put together this guide, updated for 2025, to help you figure out how to use CBD for optimal workout recovery.

Quick Jump To:

Pre-Workout vs. Post-Workout: When to Take CBD

One of the biggest questions I get is whether to take CBD before or after a workout. The answer? It depends on your goals!

  • Pre-Workout: Taking CBD before your workout can help reduce anxiety, improve focus, and potentially even increase your pain tolerance. Some people find that it helps them push harder and get more out of their workouts. I feel like the placebo effect helps too.
  • Post-Workout: This is my favourite way to use CBD. Taking it after your workout can help reduce muscle soreness, inflammation, and promote faster recovery. This is where a good quality full-spectrum tincture really shines.

Choosing the Right CBD Product

Not all CBD products are created equal. It’s important to choose high-quality products from reputable brands that are third-party lab tested. Here are a few things to look for:

  • Third-Party Lab Testing: This ensures that the product contains the amount of CBD it claims and is free of harmful contaminants.
  • Full-Spectrum vs. Isolate: Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, which can enhance the effects (this is called the “entourage effect”). Isolate CBD contains only CBD, with no other cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • Method of Consumption: Tinctures, gummies, capsules, creams… the options are endless! Choose the method that works best for your lifestyle and preferences.

🥇 1. Cornbread Hemp Full Spectrum CBD Oil – Best Overall

Price: $74 (30ml)
CBD mg: 1500mg per bottle (50mg/ml)
Best For: Overall workout recovery and reduced inflammation
Rating: 9.6/10
Code: SAVVY15

Opened this baby on November 15th, 2025. Tastes…earthy, like actually hemp-y, not fake fruity. Kicked in within 30 minutes, I felt noticeably less achy after leg day. Husband even stole some for his bad back (don’t tell him I told you!). 2025 update: They now offer a THC-free version if that’s your jam!

Pros:

  • Effective for muscle soreness
  • Third-party lab tested
  • Made with organic Kentucky hemp

Cons:

  • Taste might not be for everyone

Check Price at Cornbread Hemp

🥈 2. CBDfx CBD + CBN Oil Calming Tincture – Best for Sleep After Workout

Price: $69.99 (30ml)
CBD mg: 1500mg CBD + 750mg CBN per bottle
Best For: Sleep and relaxation after evening workouts
Rating: 9.3/10
Code: SAVVY20

Got this one on Black Friday, score! The lavender flavour is super subtle and actually relaxing. I take it an hour before bed after my evening runs, and I sleep like a freaking baby. Cooper usually hogs the bed, but even he seems calmer when I use this. 2025 Update: They’ve increased the CBN content by 25%, which is amazing!

Pros:

  • Promotes restful sleep
  • Delicious lavender flavour
  • Combines CBD and CBN for enhanced effects

Cons:

  • Might be too sedating for daytime use

Check Price at CBDfx

🥉 3. Lazarus Naturals Full Spectrum CBD Tincture – Best Value

Price: $44 (30ml)
CBD mg: 750mg per bottle (25mg/ml)
Best For: Affordable and effective everyday recovery
Rating: 9.0/10
Code: SAVVY10

Okay, so Lazarus is my go-to when I’m ballin’ on a budget. Got this bottle in late October. The taste isn’t great – kinda bitter – so I chase it with iced coffee (don’t judge). It’s legit effective for reducing inflammation after HIIT. Mom is actually a huge fan of this one too! 2025 Update: they’ve lowered the price even MORE! What a steal!

Pros:

  • Excellent value for money
  • Effective for reducing inflammation
  • High-quality ingredients

Cons:

  • Taste is not the best

Check Price at Lazarus Naturals

4. Charlotte’s Web CBD Gummies – Easiest to Take

Price: $54.99 (60 count)
CBD mg: 10mg CBD per gummy
Best For: Convenient and discreet post-workout relief
Rating: 8.8/10
Code: none this week

I keep these in my gym bag for post-workout emergencies. They taste like actual candy (berry flavour!), which is dangerous. I ate like five once and ended up napping for three hours. Oops. 2025 Update: Charlotte’s Web reformulated these to be even more fast-acting. Gotta love that!

Pros:

  • Easy to take on the go
  • Delicious berry flavour
  • Consistent dosage

Cons:

  • Can be easy to overconsume
Image related to image

Back to the flow—this is the practical bit.

Check Price at Charlotte’s Web

5. Medterra Isolate CBD Pain Cream – Best Topical

Price: $49.99 (50ml)
CBD mg: 750mg CBD per bottle
Best For: Targeted relief for sore muscles and joints
Rating: 9.2/10
Code: SAVVY15

My knees are the bane of my existence, thanks to years of dance. This cream is a lifesaver. It has a cooling sensation that feels amazing on sore spots. I slather it on before bed, and it really helps. 2025 Update: they’ve added arnica to the formula for extra pain relief!

Pros:

  • Provides targeted pain relief
  • Cooling and soothing sensation
  • Easy to apply

Cons:

  • Scent can be a little strong

Check Price at Medterra

6. Floyd’s of Leadville CBD Recovery Softgels – Best for Athletes

Price: $69.99 (30 count)
CBD mg: 25mg CBD per softgel
Best For: Athletes needing consistent, measured doses
Rating: 8.6/10
Code: FLOYD20

My husband, the weekend warrior, swears by these. He pops one after his crazy bike rides and says it helps him recover faster. He’s less of a grumpy butt when he uses them. They are odourless and tasteless, so very easy to take. No updates to the products this year, it seems.

Pros:

  • Easy to swallow
  • Precise dosage
  • Ideal for athletes

Cons:

  • More expensive than tinctures

Check Price at Floyd’s of Leadville

7. Joy Organics CBD Salve – Best for Targeted Relief

Price: $44.95 (1 oz)
CBD mg: 500mg CBD per container
Best For: Localized relief from muscle aches and tension
Rating: 8.4/10
Code: JOY15

I use this salve for my neck and shoulders. I hold a lot of tension there, especially after staring at my computer all day. The lavender scent is really calming too. Cooper kinda hates the smell, tbh, but what does he know? It’s okay; he’ll live. No changes to the formula or packaging this year, it seems.

Pros:

  • Great for targeted relief
  • Calming lavender scent
  • Organic ingredients

Cons:

  • Small container size

Check Price at Joy Organics

Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I take CBD before or after my workout?

Honestly, it depends on what you’re going for. Some people swear by taking it before to help reduce anxiety and improve focus during their workout. I prefer taking it after to help with muscle recovery and inflammation. Experiment and see what works best for you, girl!

How much CBD should I take for workout recovery?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Start with a low dose (like 25mg) and gradually increase it until you find what works for you. Pay attention to how your body feels and adjust accordingly. If you’re using a tincture, start with half a dropper and see how it goes. If using gummies, one or two is usually a good starting point. Tbh, I am not a doctor, so always ask yours.

Will CBD get me high?

Nope! CBD is non-intoxicating, so it won’t get you high. It’s different from THC, which is the psychoactive compound in cannabis. All of these products are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC, so they’re legal and won’t make you feel weird. That’s why my mom can use it.

Yes, CBD products derived from hemp are federally legal in the United States, as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. However, state laws can vary, so it’s always a good idea to check your local regulations. I always keep up on that for CBD Savvy Hub!

Can I use CBD cream instead of a tincture?

Absolutely! CBD creams are great for targeting specific areas of pain or inflammation, like sore muscles or joints. They work differently than tinctures, which affect your whole system. So, if you have a specific area that’s bothering you, a cream might be a better option. See Medterra in the reviews above.

How long does it take for CBD to work for workout recovery?

It varies! Tinctures tend to work faster (within 30-60 minutes) because they’re absorbed directly into the bloodstream. Edibles, like gummies, take longer (1-2 hours) because they have to be digested. Creams work pretty quickly for localized relief, usually within 15-30 minutes.

Final Thoughts

Alright, bestie, that’s the tea on CBD for workout recovery in 2025! Honestly, finding the right product and timing can be a game-changer. For me, right now, it’s all about that Cornbread Hemp tincture. It seriously helps me bounce back after those intense Peloton sessions. I’m placing a new order this week, as I am legit running low. Don’t forget to use code SAVVY15 for 15% off! Prices will only go up later in 2025, so stock up! These are selling out fast, so if you’re sceptical about it, try it! What are *you* using for workout recovery? Let me know in the comments below! And remember, if anyone gives you shit for using CBD, tell them Jess from CBD Savvy Hub sent you. Now go crush those goals – and don’t be a dumbass like me and try to keep up with a 22-year-old.

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