CBD in Sports and Fitness: Benefits and Controversies

Have you ever wondered why CBD in sports and fitness is such a hot topic? This article explores the potential benefits of CBD, including improved on-field performance and post-game recuperation. However, it also addresses skepticism and concerns surrounding its use in competitive sports, highlighting the complex nature of CBD’s use.

 

The Role of CBD in Sports and Fitness

Imagine having a natural ally who could support you in going above and beyond. This is where CBD comes in. CBD has been suggested to enhance athletic performance by increasing stamina and enhancing focus for peak performance in key situations.

Understanding CBD’s Impact on Endurance

Pushing yourself to the maximum during a workout or game is nothing new. How can CBD help increase your endurance? The endocannabinoid system in your body, which controls a number of functions like energy balance and stamina, is how CBD interacts with your body. CBD may be able to help you complete an additional set of exercises or prolong your playing time on the field by potentially affecting these processes. It’s like having a natural energy supply that is just waiting to be used.

CBD’s Potential for Improving Focus and Concentration

Every second counts during a game’s intense moments. Concentration and attention can then work together as teammates. You might be surprised to learn that CBD, which is said to have soothing properties, improves your mental clarity. CBD may help you stay composed under pressure by lowering your anxiety and tension. The kind of mental edge CBD might provide is one that allows for a brief period of focused concentration. Therefore, CBD could be your safety net, assisting you to maintain focus and make those split-second choices that swing the game your way.

Managing Pain and Recovery with CBD in Sports

A committed athlete’s battle scars are a testament to their numerous hours of practice and hard-won successes. What if, however, there was a natural approach to reduce those pains and speed up the body’s healing process? CBD’s potential to reduce inflammation could accelerate muscle repair and help the body recover from strenuous exercises or sporting events, allowing for a longer playing duration.

The Anti-Inflammatory Effects on Muscle Recovery

After an intense workout or a challenging match, muscle soreness can feel like a badge of honour. The anti-inflammatory effects of CBD could be the missing piece of the puzzle. By interacting with receptors in your immune system, CBD could potentially reduce the inflammation that often follows strenuous physical activity. This results in less downtime between workouts and more time spent enjoying yourself.

Exploring CBD as a Natural Pain Reliever

Even the most committed athlete might be slowed down by pain. But taking medicine might not always be the best course of action. Considerable alternatives are provided by CBD. CBD may help ease discomfort by interacting with pain receptors, possibly without the risks associated with conventional painkillers. Your ability to function and be prepared for your next challenge may be maintained by CBD’s natural approach to pain management, regardless of whether it’s a minor discomfort or a more serious problem.

Addressing Anxiety and Stress in Athletes 

Athletes face stress during competition, which can affect their mental health. CBD can help manage pre-game jitters and stress-related injuries. It can also help athletes adopt a more focused attitude, promoting a more balanced approach to their performance.

CBD’s Role in Reducing Pre-Game Anxiety

Game-day excitement often comes with a side of nervousness. CBD may help reduce pre-game anxiety by interacting with stress and anxiety receptors, potentially reducing anxiety and promoting a clearer head and steady heartbeat, making it an effective anxiety-relieving supplement.

Using CBD to Alleviate Stress-Related Injuries

Injuries are an unfortunate part of an athlete’s journey. Additionally, the recovery process can be just as mentally taxing as it is physically challenging. CBD’s anti-anxiety properties may provide relief during the healing phase, promoting faster recovery and reduced stress levels, making it a beneficial tool for both body and mind.

The Controversies Surrounding CBD Use in Sports

There is much controversy surrounding CBD use in the world of sports, which is sometimes referred to as the “elephant in the room.” Although CBD may provide some advantages, there are some real worries and myths that need to be cleared up. Here, we’ll examine the legal framework around CBD in professional sports and dispel any concerns about how it will affect performance.

Navigating the Legality of CBD in Professional Sports

CBD’s rise in popularity hasn’t been without its fair share of legal hurdles, especially in the world of professional sports. Different sports leagues and organizations have varying stances on cannabis use.

World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): In 2018, WADA, which is in charge of many international sports organizations’ anti-doping regulations, removed CBD from its list of compounds that are strictly forbidden. This means that athletes who are subject to WADA regulations may typically use CBD.

Major Sports Leagues in the United States: Major professional sports leagues, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL, have varying rules on CBD usage.

With regards to cannabis in major sports leagues:

The NBA declared in 2021 that it would stop randomly testing players for marijuana use.

The NFL amended its marijuana policy for the 2020–2021 season, permitting offseason use but restricting use during the regular season.

MLB delisted marijuana from the list of prohibited substances in the 2019 offseason, allowing recreational use. Players can still be disciplined for use during games, practices, meetings, or workouts.

The NHL does not prohibit cannabis, but players may be offered entry into the Substance Abuse and Behavioural Health program if abnormally high levels are found during a urine test.

State Laws: Athletes should be aware of the laws in their team’s or competition’s state where marijuana or CBD consumption is illegal for recreational or medical purposes.

International Competitions: International athletes must understand the specific rules and regulations for their sport and the nation where the competition is held, as some countries may have stricter laws.

Sportspeople using CBD should verify product origin and purity to avoid potential drug tests. As regulations evolve, athletes must stay updated on changes in information and cultural perceptions.

Concerns and Misconceptions about CBD’s Effects on Performance

Sports performance is critical, and concerns about CBD’s effects on attention spans and reflexes are growing. However, it’s important to distinguish fact from myth before making judgments, as athletes and the public increasingly understand CBD’s potential health benefits.

MISCONCEPTIONS:

CBD Gets You High: One of the most significant misconceptions is that CBD can produce a “high” like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), another compound found in cannabis. Since CBD is not psychoactive like THC, it does not have the same high-like effects.

CBD Is a Cure-All: CBD may help with pain, anxiety, and sleep issues, but it’s not a magic cure and individual reactions may vary.

CBD is Always Safe: CBD is generally safe, but some individuals may experience adverse effects like weariness, diarrhea, dry mouth, and appetite changes, requiring careful use and caution at higher doses.

All CBD Products Are the Same: Different types of CBD products, such as isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum, have distinct cannabinoid profiles, making it crucial for athletes to choose the one that suits their needs.

CONCERNS:

Lack of Regulation: CBD product regulation in the US is lax, raising concerns about consistency and quality, potentially leading to athletes accidentally indulging in products with varying CBD or toxin amounts.

Potential for Positive Drug Tests: Sportspeople are concerned about potential positive results from CBD consumption, as some products may contain trace THC, urging caution and independent testing when selecting CBD products.

Interaction with Medications: Athletes should consult medical professionals before using CBD to ensure it doesn’t conflict with existing prescription drugs or treatments.

Lack of Scientific Research: Further research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits and risks of CBD in sports and athletic performance due to its early stages.

Dosing, Delivery, and Safety of CBD for Athletes

Precision is necessary in the world of sports and fitness. The same is true for CBD, but how do you find the right dosage? What is the best way to get CBD into your system? How do you ensure your safety? Understanding distribution options and safety is essential.

Finding the Right Dosage of CBD for Sports Recovery

Determining the perfect CBD dosage is a balancing act, just like mastering your workout routine. While too much could have unforeseen repercussions, too little might not produce the desired results.

However, the following are some considerations that should be taken into account: weight gain or loss, diet, metabolism, degree of tolerance (frequent CBD use might raise the level of tolerance), severity of the sickness, nature of the problem, concentration of CBD in the product, and purpose for taking CBD. Click here to learn more about dosing.)

Different Methods of CBD Delivery

There are various CBD delivery options, including pills, oils, tinctures, and vapes, with benefits and drawbacks. Which method best suits your athletic needs, from pill ease to a quick vaping start?

ORAL CBD PRODUCTS

CBD Oil/Tinctures: These are liquid extracts of CBD that can be taken sublingually (under the tongue) or mixed with food or beverages. They absorb quickly, are easy to dose, and are discreet.

Drawbacks: possibility of unpleasant taste; longer to take effect when mixed with food or beverages.

CBD Capsules/Pills: These are pre-measured doses of CBD in a pill form; precise dosing, easy to add to daily routines.

Drawbacks: Slower onset, may take longer to feel effects.

CBD Edibles: CBD-infused food products like gummies, chocolates, and beverages. They are discreet, easy to dose, long-lasting effects.

Drawbacks: Slower onset (up to 1-2 hours), effects can vary based on metabolism.

INHALATION

CBD Vaping: Inhaling CBD vapour using a vaporizer or vape pen. Takes effect within minutes, has high bioavailability, and precise dosing.

Drawbacks: Potential lung health risks associated with vaping, not suitable for non-smokers, potential for addiction to high-THC products.

TOPICAL CBD PRODUCTS

CBD Creams, Lotions, and Balms: Applied directly to the skin in the form of creams or balms. Provides targeted relief for issues such as pain and inflammation; no psychoactive effects.

Drawbacks:  Limited absorption, may not be effective for some conditions.

TRANSDERMAL CBD PATCHES

Patches are applied to the skin that releases a consistent dose of CBD over time. It’s long-lasting with a steady and controlled release.

Drawbacks: Slower onset, not as widely available as other products.

SUPPOSITORIES

CBD can be administered rectally or vaginally in the form of suppositories. Provides rapid absorption, and high bioavailability, and bypasses the digestive system.

Drawbacks: May be uncomfortable for some, limited availability of products.

NASAL SPRAYS

CBD can be administered through the nasal mucosa with a spray. Works quickly and has high bioavailability.

Drawbacks: Limited availability, the potential for irritation in the nasal passages.

SUBLINQUAL STRIPS

Thin, dissolvable strips placed under the tongue provide fast absorption and are discreet and easy to use.

Drawbacks: Limited availability.

Conclusion

This article examines the effects of CBD on physical activity and sports, emphasizing its potential to improve stamina, concentration, pain management, and stress reduction. It’s critical for athletes to comprehend the complexity of CBD, including dose, delivery options, legality, and potential side effects. The rise of CBD in sports science from the fringes to the fore is evidence of its potential advantages. Making informed decisions that are in line with your objectives and values is made possible by adding CBD to your routine.