29 April 2023

CBD and Athletes: How It’s Changing the Game



CBD and Athletes: How It’s Changing the Game

CBD, or Cannabidiol, is becoming increasingly popular among athletes as a natural alternative to prescription pain medication. Known for its pain-relieving properties, CBD has the potential to help athletes recover faster and perform better without the dangerous side effects of traditional drugs.

What is CBD?

CBD is one of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant. However, unlike THC, another common compound found in cannabis, CBD does not have psychoactive properties. This means that it does not produce the high associated with marijuana use. Instead, CBD promotes a feeling of relaxation and calmness.

How can CBD help athletes?

Athletes put a lot of strain on their bodies, which can lead to injuries and chronic pain. While prescription pain medication can be effective, it also comes with a host of side effects, including addiction and withdrawal symptoms. CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help alleviate pain without the risk of addiction.

Additionally, CBD can help athletes recover faster by reducing inflammation and promoting restful sleep. Inflammation is a common cause of soreness and pain, and CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation in a variety of contexts. Restful sleep is essential for recovery, and CBD has been shown to improve sleep quality, making it easier for athletes to recover from injuries.

Is CBD legal for athletes?

Despite being derived from the cannabis plant, CBD is legal for use by athletes, so long as it contains less than 0.3% THC. The World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of banned substances in 2018, meaning that athletes are free to use CBD without fear of penalty.

How are athletes using CBD?

Athletes are using CBD in a variety of forms, including oils, creams, and capsules. Many athletes are choosing to use CBD before and after workouts to help reduce pain and inflammation. Additionally, some athletes are using CBD to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact athletic performance.

Conclusion

As more and more athletes turn to CBD as a natural alternative to prescription pain medication, the stigma around cannabis use in athletics is beginning to dissipate. CBD has the potential to improve athletic performance by reducing pain and inflammation, promoting restful sleep, and reducing anxiety and stress. With its legal status and lack of dangerous side effects, CBD is poised to change the game for athletes around the world.

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