CBD for Sports: The Growing Trend of CBD use in Sports
12 months ago
As professional sports become increasingly competitive, athletes are constantly seeking new ways to improve their performance and enhance their recovery. One all-natural approach that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of CBD, a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant.
Despite its association with marijuana, CBD is legal in most states and is not a banned substance in most professional sports leagues. More and more athletes are turning to CBD for its potential benefits, including pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved sleep.
But how exactly does CBD work, and what should athletes know before incorporating it into their recovery routine? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind CBD and its potential benefits for athletes. We’ll also discuss current trends in CBD use in professional sports and provide practical tips for using CBD for all-natural recovery. So whether you’re a professional athlete or simply curious about the potential benefits of CBD, read on to learn more.
The Science of CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, another compound found in cannabis, CBD is not psychoactive and does not produce a “high” sensation. Instead, CBD is believed to interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate important functions like pain, inflammation, and mood.
Research on the effects of CBD is still ongoing, but early studies have shown promising results. For example, one study published in the Journal of Pain found that CBD could help reduce chronic pain and improve sleep in people with certain conditions, such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Another study published in the European Journal of Pain found that CBD could reduce inflammation and pain in rats with arthritis.
CBD’s potential benefits for athletes are particularly intriguing. One study published in the European Journal of Sport Science found that CBD could reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in athletes after a bout of intense exercise. Other studies have suggested that CBD could help improve sleep quality, reduce anxiety, and even promote bone healing.
Of course, much more research is needed before we can fully understand the potential benefits of CBD for athletes. But as more and more athletes turn to CBD for its potential all-natural benefits, it’s clear that this compound is worth exploring further. In the next section, we’ll explore the current state of CBD use in professional sports and highlight some of the athletes who are using CBD for all-natural recovery.
CBD Use in Professional Sports
While CBD is legal in most states and not a banned substance in most professional sports leagues, its use among athletes is still a controversial topic. Some athletes have reported using CBD to manage pain and inflammation, while others have praised its potential to help with recovery and sleep.
In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of banned substances, allowing athletes to use it during competition. However, THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis, is still prohibited. Despite this, some athletes have reported positive drug tests after using CBD products that contained trace amounts of THC.
Several high-profile athletes have publicly endorsed CBD, including NFL player Rob Gronkowski and UFC fighter Nate Diaz.
Retired NBA Hall of Famer and current pickleball champion, Rick Barry is a well-known advocate for the use of CBD among athletes. In fact, he has been using CBD for several years to help manage the pain and inflammation associated with his athletic pursuits. Barry has spoken publicly about the benefits of CBD for athletes, and has even endorsed specific CBD brands such as Medicileaf.
He has noted that CBD has helped him recover more quickly from injuries and soreness, allowing him to perform at a higher level for longer periods of time. Additionally, Barry has praised the natural and non-addictive properties of CBD, stating that it is a safer alternative to traditional painkillers and other pharmaceuticals. As a prominent figure in the sports world, Barry’s endorsement of CBD has helped to raise awareness of the potential benefits of this natural remedy among athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
In addition, many sports teams have partnered with CBD companies to provide their athletes with all-natural recovery options.
One example is the Big3 basketball league, which partnered with cbdMD in 2018 to become the first professional sports league to allow CBD use by its players. cbdMD provides Big3 players with various CBD products, including tinctures and topicals, to aid in their post-game recovery.
Another example is the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), which partnered with Aurora Cannabis in 2019 to study the effects of CBD on athlete recovery. Aurora Cannabis provided the UFC Performance Institute with CBD products for use in their clinical studies. The studies aim to determine how CBD can help athletes with issues such as pain, inflammation, and anxiety.
The National Hockey League (NHL) has also expressed interest in partnering with CBD companies for player recovery. In 2020, the NHL Alumni Association announced a partnership with Canopy Growth to provide CBD products to former NHL players to help manage pain, sleep issues, and other conditions related to playing professional hockey.
Similarly, Medicileaf too has collaborated with Major League Pickleball, The Professional Pickleball Association and other regional pickleball leagues to bring the all-natural benefits of their multi-cannabinoid products to America’s fastest growing sport of Pickleball.
These partnerships demonstrate a growing acceptance and recognition of the potential benefits of CBD for athlete recovery in the professional sports industry.
How Professional Athletes Use CBD for Recovery
So how exactly do professional athletes incorporate CBD into their recovery routines? For starters, many athletes use CBD products like tinctures, capsules, and creams to help manage pain and inflammation. Others use CBD to help with sleep and relaxation, particularly after a long game or intense training session.
Athletes also use CBD in conjunction with other recovery techniques, such as stretching, massage, and cold therapy. Some experts believe that CBD may enhance the effects of these other recovery methods, helping athletes recover faster and more effectively.
Practical Tips for Using CBD for All-Natural Recovery
If you’re considering incorporating CBD into your own recovery routine, it’s important to do so carefully and responsibly. Here are some practical tips for using CBD for all-natural recovery:
- Start with a low dose and gradually increase as needed
- Look for high-quality CBD products from reputable sources
- Be aware of the potential side effects of CBD, such as drowsiness and dry mouth
- Talk to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional before using CBD, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
By following these tips, you can safely and effectively incorporate CBD into your recovery routine and potentially reap the all-natural benefits that so many athletes have discovered.
In conclusion, CBD is proving to be a game-changer for athletes seeking natural and effective ways to recover and manage pain. As more research is conducted on the use of cannabinoids in sports, we can expect to see more exciting developments and groundbreaking discoveries. Currently, cutting-edge research is being done on the use of CBD to manage symptoms of traumatic brain injury and concussions, which could revolutionize how we approach head injuries in sports. With the support of companies like Medicileaf, professional athletes and weekend warriors alike can benefit from the healing powers of CBD. As the world of sports continues to evolve, we can look forward to a future where cannabinoid-based therapies play a vital role in keeping athletes healthy and performing at their best.
CBD for Athletes FAQs
Is CBD legal for athletes to use?
Yes, CBD is legal for athletes to use as long as it contains less than 0.3% THC.
Will CBD get me high?
No, CBD is non-intoxicating and will not get you high.
How does CBD work for recovery?
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates a variety of bodily functions including inflammation, pain, and mood. This can help reduce inflammation and pain, as well as improve sleep and relaxation, which are all important for recovery.
How long does it take for CBD to work?
The effects of CBD can vary depending on factors such as dosage and method of consumption, but typically it can take anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours to feel the effects.
Is it safe to use CBD?
CBD is generally considered safe to use, but it’s important to talk to your doctor before using any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.
Can I take CBD with other supplements or medications?
It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking CBD with other supplements or medications, as it can interact with certain medications.
How do I know if a CBD product is high quality?
Look for products that are third-party tested, made with organic hemp, and free from contaminants such as pesticides and heavy metals.
What’s the best way to take CBD?
The best way to take CBD can vary depending on your individual needs and preferences, but popular methods include tinctures, capsules, and topicals.
Will I fail a drug test if I use CBD?
If a CBD product contains less than 0.3% THC, it should not cause a positive drug test. However, it’s important to be aware that some CBD products may contain higher levels of THC, so it’s always best to choose products from a reputable source and to be transparent with your employer or sports organization about your CBD use.
What are some of the best Medicileaf products for athletes?
Platinum Pro Sports Salve – 5500 mg CBD + CBG
