Rob Gronkowski, Megan Rapinoe, Lamar Odom, and other current and former professional athletes in various sports have endorsed cannabidiol, commonly known as CBD.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of more than 100 distinct cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Although CBD research is limited, it appears to be effective in treating several ailments related to sports performance, such as joint discomfort and inflammation.
CBD does not have the same side effects as THC, and athletes may use it to treat various medical problems. CBD has many of the same efficacy benefits as THC but without the mind-altering properties.
Here’s why athletes from all over the world are using CBD and what you should know about it.
Table of Contents
CBD is a non-psychoactive therapy for pain
CBD appears to have the potential to relieve pain and inflammation, which might be beneficial to athletes who engage in intense activity. THC has been shown to relieve pain, but it can also induce undesirable side effects and impact athletic performance.
According to a 2004 study of lab rats, THC may impair short-term memory, whereas CBD does not. And according to 2018 research from a World Health Organization’s trusted source, CBD does not appear to have the potential for misuse or addiction, unlike other pain relievers like opioids and THC.
Conversely, CBD may be used as a treatment for drug addiction and other compulsive behaviours with addiction potential.
According to some medical authorities, there is debate about CBD’s “non-psychoactive” designation since it does, in fact, bind to the same type of cannabinoid receptor (CB1) as THC.
Because CBD activates those receptors differently, the effects are varied, and it won’t make you high.
Side effects
Some people encounter CBD side effects, although the incidence is minor. The most frequent CBD side effects, according to a 2017 study, are:
- changes in weight
- fatigue
- diarrhea
- changes in appetite
Is CBD legal in athletic events?
The World Anti-Doping Agency banned CBD in 2018. However, the majority of major sports leagues and athletic organizations, except for Major League Baseball, continue to prohibit cannabis extracts.
CBD shouldn’t cause you to test positive for THC, even if you take CBD isolate rather than full-spectrum products.
However, depending on the type of test used, there have been reports of people testing positive for THC after taking CBD. The danger rises if you consume CBD from an unreliable source because it may be contaminated or mislabeled.
If you’re a sportsperson who has to undergo drug testing, CBD is probably not the best option for you. If you do decide to consume it, read product labels and research your options to ensure you’re getting a high-quality supplement.
What else should athletes know before trying CBD?
Despite CBD’s relatively minor symptoms and natural origins, you should consult a doctor before using it. This is especially true if you have a medical problem or are taking other medications.
CBD may react with some drugs, altering the body’s metabolism of these medicines. This is especially true for medications that are broken down by the liver.
If you’re new to CBD, begin with a small amount and don’t use it before an athletic event or exercise. You can gradually increase your dose as you become more comfortable with its effects.
You may also experiment with various methods of taking and applying CBD. Besides the usual tinctures and capsules, there are pre-workout drinks, CBD coffees, and muscle balms, like MojaveRX, to try as well.
Topical CBD is believed to have the same effects as other oral administration techniques. According to recent research published in an Italian medical journal, CBD balms may also treat scars and psoriasis.
Conclusion
There are still many unanswered questions about CBD and its effects on athletes, but preliminary research suggests that it is at the very least worth further study. Athletes may find CBD to be beneficial for pain.
If you want to try CBD:
- Talk to your doctor first.
- Especially if you’re taking any medicines, contact your doctor before using them.
- Begin with a small amount and observe how your body responds before increasing the amount.
Remember, when looking for CBD oils, there are a few things you should always check for to ensure you’re receiving a high-quality product.
- First, make sure an independent, third-party lab tests the oil. This will ensure that the oil meets strict quality and safety standards.
- Second, look for an oil that is CO2-extracted. This extraction method preserves more of the beneficial compounds found in the hemp plant, resulting in a more potent oil.
- Finally, choose an oil that is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum. These oils contain a more comprehensive range of beneficial compounds than CBD isolate oils, providing more significant health benefits.
