Many current and former professional athletes from various sports are endorsing the use of cannabidiol (or CBD). CBD is one of more than 100 different cannabinoids which naturally occur in the cannabis plant. Research on CBD is continuously expanding, but is still relatively limited at this time. However, CBD has shown promise in treating many conditions associated with athletic competition, such as muscle soreness and joint pain.
CBD is an anti-inflammatory
Athletes put their bodies through high levels of stress in order to maximize performance. The human body has a naturally-occurring internal cannabinoid system (known as the endocannabinoid system or ECS). The ECS exists in part, to return stress levels to normal. Moreover, the ECS functions to restore homeostasis (a physical balance) to the body. However, many times physical or emotional stress becomes too great for the ECS to restore on its own. At such times, a cannabinoid like CBD can be very helpful to the ECS in reducing stress levels.
Research suggests that CBD reduces inflammation and pain, which could be especially useful for athletes participating in intense exercise. The most well-known cannabinoid, THC (which can be intoxicating), is also frequently used to treat pain. However, it may affect athletic performance and result in unwanted side effects.
On the other hand, CBD doesn’t have the potential for dependence or misuse according to the World Health Organization. This is a clear advantage that CBD has over some prescription drugs, such as opioids. In fact, some research suggests CBD could be used to assist in the treatment of opioid dependence and other substances of abuse. Even well-known, over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen are not without health risks.
Improved sleep for better workout recovery
One of the most effective ways for an athlete to achieve greater training gains is to maximize the amount of quality sleep. Anecdotally, athletes who consume CBD often report greater ease of going to sleep plus the ability to achieve more restful sleep. CBD also appears to have a potent anti-anxiety effect. Thus, CBD may primarily improve sleep through its ability to lower stress and anxiety.
How to use CBD
New CBD products are constantly emerging. It can be consumed by mouth, through the lungs, and through the skin. How athletes consume CBD affects how quickly they experience its effects. Capsules and edibles must be digested, so they take a bit longer. Topical creams are believed to be quicker than edibles and drops under the tongue (tinctures) are thought to be the most rapid (besides inhalation).
CBD is available as “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum,” or “isolate.” Full spectrum CBD products contain CBD and all other compounds found in the original plant (including some THC). Broad spectrum CBD products contain CBD and all of the plant’s other compounds minus THC. And isolate CBD products contain only CBD. According to the 2018 Farm Bill, for a CBD product to be legal in most states, it must contain no more than 0.3% THC. Thus, for any athlete subject to zero-tolerance drug tests, a CBD isolate product would be safest.
Some final thoughts
CBD has been legalized by most athletic governing bodies. However, the competitive risk for athletes is if a CBD product also contains THC or other banned substance. For this reason, it is critically important athletes know exactly what CBD product they’re taking.
The emergence of CBD along with additional research could result in it becoming a major factor in how athletes train. Studies show CBD has the ability to lower physical and emotional stress, inflammation, and pain. For these reasons, many experts believe CBD will become an integral part of athletic recovery.
References:
https://www.who.int/medicines/access/controlled-substances/CannabidiolCriticalReview.pdf
Prud’homme M et al; Cannabidiol as an Intervention for Addictive Behaviors: A Systematic Review of the Evidence; Substance Abuse; 2015; 9: 33 – 38.
Costa B et al; The Non-Psychoactive Cannabis Constituent Cannabidiol Is an Orally Effective Therapeutic Agent in Rat Chronic Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain; European Journal of Pharmacology; 2007 Feb; 556(1-3): 75 – 83.
Crippa J et al; Neural Basis of Anxiolytic Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) in Generalized Social Anxiety Disorder: A Preliminary Report; Journal of Psychopharmacology; 2011 Jan; 25(1): 121 – 30.
This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All readers of this content should consult their physician or qualified healthcare professional regarding specific health questions, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications. CannaGlobe, LLC does not take responsibility for possible health consequences of any person reading and/or following this informational content.
