CBD for Men: A Complete Guide to Its Possible Benefits

Market analysts tuned in to the steadily increasing popularity of CBD expect the industry to maintain an impressive 18% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) through 2032.¹ While most surveys over the past decade suggest women are more open to CBD use than men, current data shows that men are more likely to use hemp-derived CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, and gummies more consistently.²  

While browsing the internet, you've likely found multiple sources suggesting possible benefits for everything from post-workout discomfort and mental clarity to heart health and erectile dysfunction. But how much evidence is backing those claims? In this user guide, we'll cover what CBD is, explain how it works, and provide the details you need to make an informed decision about incorporating the cannabinoid's diverse range of possible benefits into your daily routine. 

Topic Overview: How CBD Asserts Its Influence on the Male Body  

CBD (cannabidiol) is the most abundant of 113 potentially beneficial cannabinoids in hemp flower extract that interacts with more than 65 molecular targets.³ The plant element activates serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system receptors, increases dopamine levels, and inhibits the overproduction of glutamate – a neurotransmitter linked to the progression of complex neurodegenerative disorders.⁴  

Although the receptor systems listed are essential to multiple aspects of physical health and emotional well-being, cannabis experts typically credit CBD's influence on an entirely different set of targets for the cannabinoid's rather impressive list of possible benefits – the endocannabinoid system (ECS) receptors CB1 and CB2. Most researchers believe supporting ECS function with CBD helps promote homeostasis by inhibiting the breakdown of the ECS messengers produced in your body, anandamide and 2-AG.^5,6  

Exploring CBD's Possible Benefits for Supporting Physical Well-Being  

The information transmitted by anandamide and 2-AG to their corresponding receptors regulates everything from mental clarity, stress responses, and hormonal regulation to immune system function, muscle movement, and the perception of pleasure and pain. The implications are so far-reaching that some experts believe ECS deficiencies could be linked to several complex health concerns.⁷

Although a growing body of evidence appears to support the theory of clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD), more research is needed to fully comprehend its prevalence and possible impact. That takes time. Until then, men of all ages are basing their decisions to integrate CBD into their daily routines based on lab results, animal studies, and a steadily increasing number of clinical trials suggesting multiple benefits for overall health and well-being.  

Easing Discomfort After Physical Activity  

The discomfort most men feel after pushing their bodies to the limit is typically caused by the type of microscopic damage to muscle fibers essential for building strength and endurance.⁸ Activity-induced discomfort in your neck and shoulders after a long day at the office is typically caused by stress-induced muscle tension. In a study published in the International Journal of Physical Education, Sports and Health, study participants taking CBD reported significantly less discomfort at 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours.⁹

Supporting Post-Workout Recovery  

Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) triggers the release of specialized white blood cells that clear cellular debris and initiate repairs.¹⁰ Muscles that don't have enough time to fully recover are at risk of recurring injury, chronic inflammation, and permanent damage.¹¹ In a 2020 Sports Medicine – Open report, CBD is credited with multiple biochemical effects that researchers identify as potentially beneficial for athletic recovery, sports-related fatigue, and factors relevant to repetitive motion.^12,13 

Improving Sleep Duration and Quality  

Even a single night of too little sleep or poor sleep quality increases the amount of the stress hormone cortisol circulating in your system. At the conclusion of a two-year CBD study, researchers reported "statistically and clinically significant" benefits for sleep quality. A similar report suggests CBD also has a positive impact on sleep duration.^16,17 

Supporting Skin Health and Appearance 

Skin is a remarkably complex structure made up of mini organ systems responsible for specific functions. Current evidence suggests CBD's influence on the CB1 and CB2 receptors found on nearly every type of skin cell could have a positive impact on inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, oil production, moisture balance, skin cell turnover rates, collagen synthesis, and more. The research also shows possible benefits for calming severe itching and alleviating uncomfortable skin irritation.¹⁸ 

Further Exploration: CBD's Possible Benefits for Supporting Mental and Emotional Health   

Men once hesitant to try CBD because of common misconceptions about hemp-derived products are now taking a second look after reading multiple endorsements and user testimonials –  reports highlighting the many potential benefits for everyone from elite athletes and high-level corporate executives to popular gamers.^19,20 Their growing acceptance appears to be driven by a deeper understanding of the reasons so many men are investing in CBD products to maintain their competitive edge – including the following concerns impacting mental and emotional well-being. 

Stress Management  

Like sleep deprivation, physical and emotional stress also increases cortisol production. During a placebo-controlled, double-blind study, CBD appears to blunt the impact of cortisol, an effect researchers credit to the cannabinioid's influence on the "bliss molecule" anandamide. Although more study is needed, preliminary investigation suggests possible benefits for stress mitigation and management.²¹   

Mental Clarity and Focus  

Focus and concentration require memory recall, executive function, and the ability to filter distractions – brain functions also impacted by cortisol. Without enough time for the cortisol levels linked to elevated stress levels to resolve, most men tend to feel increasingly tense, uncharacteristically preoccupied, and unfocused. A report detailing the effects of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) programs cites an increase in the two main ECS messengers CBD helps keep circulating in your system.²² 

Easing Mild or Temporary Anxiety  

The human brain is wired to respond to nearly any potentially threatening situation by preparing the body to fight or flee. The impact on your system is the same whether you're facing a threat head-on or anticipating a potentially troubling event in the not-so-distant future. A report evaluating CBD's effects in multiple epidemiological, human experimental, preclinical, and clinical studies suggests a positive influence on mild or temporary anxiety symptoms while also highlighting the need for further research.²³ 

The Male Libido: Investigating Claims of Possible Benefits for Sexual Performance  

Hemp-derived CBD products are not habit-forming, generally well-tolerated, and the World Health Organization reports "no evidence of public health-related problems. Although decades of research appear to confirm the cannabinoid's many reported benefits for relaxation, better sleep, discomfort after physical activity, and calming the impact of stress, manufacturer claims suggesting CBD enhances the male libido or helps support an erection remain unconfirmed by scientific evidence.   

Choosing the Best Fit for Your Wellness Routine  

The versatility of hemp flower extract makes it easy to use your favorite CBD products throughout the day. Most men can expect the effects of their morning serving to last about 6-8 hours. But you may not want to grab the first product you find locally. If you can't find a certificate of analysis (COA) when visiting a brand website, look elsewhere. You need that document to confirm the amount of CBD in your purchase and verify that you're buying products tested for heavy metals, extraction residue, salmonella, e coli, and other potentially harmful contaminants. 

Once you've narrowed your options to CBD oil tinctures, topicals, softgels, or gummies made by a reputable brand investing in consistent third-party batch testing – an industry leader like CBDistillery®, for example – you can simplify the selection process by first determining which of the following types of hemp flower extract you find the most appealing. You have three main options. 

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract  

Full spectrum hemp flower extract gives you the many additional minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and other phytonutrients in the same ratios produced in the plant, including a small amount of THC. The 25-30:1 CBD to THC ratio means little risk of intoxication. The full array of hemp flower's cannabinoids and terpenes contributes to the potency-maximizing "Entourage Effect” cannabis is known for.²⁵ 

Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract  

Broad Spectrum hemp extracts provide many of the same cannabinoids and terpenes as their full spectrum counterparts, but their THC is reduced to non-detectable levels. Most have 0.01% THC or less. Although broad spectrum products have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed for an Entourage Effect, some CBD users feel that removing THC from the equation diminishes its impact.²⁶ 

CBD Isolate Products  

CBD isolate is highly refined and has 0% THC. While products made with the flavorless, odorless, crystalline powder don't have the minor cannabinoids and terpenes needed to initiate an Entourage Effect, there's no reason not to try one. Researchers specified in a 2020 report that most of the data used in their analysis of cannabidiol's possible benefits reflected the "pure form" of CBD.²⁷ 

Discover Why Men of All Ages Choose CBDistillery® Hemp-Derived Products  

At CBDistillery®, we're on a mission to cut through the noise so you can focus on what really matters without unnecessary distractions. According to a 2019 CBDistillery® survey of 1,900 customers, most CBD users report positive results using our hemp-derived tinctures, softgels, topicals, and gummies for relaxation, better sleep, and pain, stiffness, and inflammation after physical activity. Of those nearly 2,000 respondents, 89% also tell us that CBD helps calm their minds, 76% prefer CBD over alcohol for relaxation, and 88% report that CBD helps with mild or temporary anxiety. Most report achieving their best results within 7-14 days of consistent use. 

If you're leaning towards trying CBD but not quite sure where to begin, consider taking our 3-minute CBD Product Quiz or scheduling a Personal Consultation with one of our experts. Our hemp-derived CBD, CBDA, CBN, CBG, and delta 9 THC products are crafted in a cGMP-certified facility, rigorously tested, and backed by a user-friendly 60-day satisfaction guarantee. 

If you have medical concerns or take medication, consult your healthcare provider. CBD is not advisable for people with certain conditions and can interact with several over-the-counter treatments and prescription medications. 

References 

1. CBD Market Size. (2024) Global Market Insights. 

2. Moltke J, Hindocha C. (2021) Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross-Sectional Study of CBD Users, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems. 3(5) J Cannabis Res https://doi.org/10.1186%2Fs42238-021-00061-5 

3. Elsaid S, Foll B. (2020) The Complexity of Pharmacology of Cannabidiol (CBD) and Its Implications in the Treatment of Brain Disorders. 45 Neuropsychopharmacol 229-30 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41386-019-0518-1 

4. How CBD Works: CBD and Neurotransmitters (2019) The CBD Insider. 

5. Sallaberry C, Astern L. (2018) The Endocannabinoid System, Our Universal Regulator. 34(6) JYI 48-55. https://www.jyi.org/2018-june/2018/6/1/the-endocannabinoid-system-our-universal-regulator 

6. Ren S, Zhang Y, et al. (2020) Potential Application of Endocannabinoid System Agents in Neuropsychiatric and Neurodegenerative Diseases—Focusing on FAAH/MAGL Inhibitors. 41(10) Acta Pharmacol Sin 1263-71. doi: 10.1038/s41401-020-0385-7. PMID: 32203086; PMCID: PMC7608191 

7. Russo E. (2016) Clinical Endocannabinoid Deficiency Reconsidered: Current Research Support the Theory in Migraine, Fibromyalgia, Irritable Bowel, and Other Treatment-Resistant Syndromes. 1(1) Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 154-65. oi: 10.1089/can.2016.0009. PMID: 28861491; PMCID: PMC5576607 

8. G Olson. (2019 June 25_ What Is Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) and What Can You Do About It? 

9. Hatchet A, Armstrong K, et al. (2020) The Influence of Cannabidiol on Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness. 7(2) Int J Phys Ed, Sports and Health 89-94. 

10. Pedersen B, Hoffman-Goetz L. (2000) Exercise and the Immune System: Regulation, Integration, and Adaptation. 80(3) Physiol Rev 1055-81. https://doi.org/10.1152/physrev.2000.80.3.1055 

11. Fitzgerald M. (2013) Is Inflammation Holding You Back? Active.com 

12. McCartney D, Benson M, et al. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: A Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research. 6(1) Sports Med Open 27. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0 

13. Rojas-Valverde. (2021) Potential Role of Cannabidiol on Sports Recovery. 12 Front Physio 722550. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.722550 

14. Foster, R. (2020) Sleep, Circadian Rhythms, and Health. Interface Focus. 10(3) https://doi.org/10.1098/rsfs.2019.0098 

15. Dasgupta R. (2020) What is the Purpose of Sleep? Healthline. 

16. Vigil J, Stith S, et al. (2018) Effectiveness of Raw Natural Medical Cannabis Flower for Treating Insomnia Under Naturalistic Conditions 5(3) Medicines 75. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines5030075 

17. Moltke J, Hindocha C. (2021) Reasons for Cannabidiol Use: A Cross0Section of CBD User, Focusing on Self-Perceived Stress, Anxiety, and Sleep Problems. 3(1) 5. https://doi.org/10.1186/s42238-021-00061-5 

18. Baswan S, Clinical, Klosner AE. (2020) Therapeutic Potential of CBD (Cannabidiol) For Skin Health and Disorders. 13 Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 927-42. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411 

19. How CBD Could Benefit CEOs. (2021) Business First. 

20. Hemraj D. (N.D.) Can CBD Help Improve Your Gaming? Leafwell. 

21. Appiah-Kusi E, Petros N, et al. (2020) Effects of Short-Term Cannabidiol Treatment on Response to Social Stress in Subjects at Clinical High Risk of Developing Psychosis. 223 Psychopharmacology 1121-30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05442-6 

22. Reis R, Isaac A, et al. (2021) Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System. 15 Front Neurosci. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2021.747229 

23. Blessing E, Steenkamp M, et al. (2015) Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders. 12 Neurotherapeutics 825-36. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-015-0387-1 

24. Panoff L. CBD for Erectile Dysfunction: Research, Benefits & Side Effects. hims.com 

25. Nahler G, Jones T, et al. (2019) Cannabidiol and Contributions of Major Hemp Phytocompounds to the "Entourage Effect"; Possible Mechanisms. J Altern Complement Integr Med 70(5) PDF download 

26. Wilkins T. (2022) What Is the Entourage Effect? How This Enhances CBD Effects. Marijuana Takers. 

27. Larsen C, Shahinas S. (2020) Dosage, Efficacy and Safety of Cannabidiol Administration in Adults: A Systematic Review of Human Trials. 12(3) J Clin Med Res 129-41 doi: 10.14740/jocmr4090