The world of sports can be a fast and furious one; prime specimens of strength and stamina, optimal individuals in their chosen field, keen to keep their machine-like bodies fit and ready for competitive action. With knocks and in some cases long-term injuries to endure, let’s look at how CBD in sports works, its legality and which athletes are advocating this popular cannabis extract currently classed as a food supplement.
In case you didn’t know, CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found within the cannabis and hemp plants that interact with our very own cannabinoid receptors within our endocannabinoid system. Responsible for regulating our homeostasis, it is believed that the endocannabinoid system acts on our functional systems such as mood, appetite, and immunity. Non-psycho-active – which means you won’t get high – CBD can be ingested orally via tongue drops, vaped as an e-liquid or available as balms, body salves, and edible products.
Is CBD Legally Allowed in Competitive Sports?
As we know, CBD only contains a very small amount of THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient from cannabis that is heavily involved in recreational marijuana. Too much of that does cause the high associated with narcotic drugs, which are illegal in the UK and many countries worldwide.
The same goes for competitive sports, as stated by the UK Anti-Doping organisation which is responsible for monitoring and maintaining sports such as football, rugby and cricket. Because as they state ‘CBD is not currently listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Prohibited List’, it’s allowed by athletes as it does not enhance an individuals performance, giving them any advantage over a competitor. So what’s the point of taking CBD in sport?
CBD to Aid Recovery and Pain
Whether you’re a sports star from San Francisco or Steve from Scarborough, people use CBD for a variety of reasons with many reporting various alleviations with regards to pain or inflammation. Some reasons for athletes using CBD include helping to get a better nights sleep before a big match or event, potentially ease anxiety and create a calm state plus assist with pain management.
One CBD customer said, “I’ve got Rheumatoid Arthritis and I use this to make my days more comfortable. In addition to giving some pain relief, I also find it supplies a calming effect. I would recommend that you try it.”
Another customer commented, “I vape CBD for my arthritis…Over a couple of weeks, I have found a definite improvement. I would recommend this. I also use the CBD drops every day.”
Athletes Who Use CBD
Conditions such as arthritis and the pain presented to an individual suffering from it are not dissimilar to some of the injuries that occur from athletes playing heavy-hitting contact sports. Let’s look at a few athletes across the globe who are using CBD as part of their recovery routine.
Derrick Morgan – NFL Linebacker
Tennessee Titan linebacker Derick Morgan is well known for voicing his support for CBD and using CBD products as part of his training regime, even encouraging fellow professionals to follow suit.
Gina Mazany – MMA Fighter
MMA Fighter Mazany uses CBD to alleviate her anxiety before competing and believes that CBD can help an individual for a variety of reasons and is quoted as saying, “There are so many ways that CBD can benefit everyone in one way or another.”
Nate Diaz – UFC Fighter
A proponent who packs a punch for CBD is UFC fighter, Nate Diaz. The American athlete claims that CBD oil has increased his recovery time between training sessions. He famously vaped CBD oil during a press conference following his defeat to Connor MacGregor.
Sports Organisations Understand Need for CBD
In addition to athletes far and wide using CBD as part of their training regimes, professional sports bodies alike are beginning to accept the benefits of CBD with basketball’s BIG3 league becoming the first professional sports league in the United States to allow its athletes and members to use CBD products, without penal repercussions.
Currently, no palliative or remedial benefits are recognised by the EU and the UK in regards to the medicinal benefits of CBD, however, there is a vast amount of first-hand anecdotal accounts of people being helped by CBD for various conditions. We encourage you to browse the thousands of reputable studies regarding CBD published online and talk with your doctor to see if a CBD supplement is right for you.
