The world of sports is constantly evolving, and athletes are always looking for new ways to optimise their performance and recovery. One emerging trend in this pursuit is the use of CBD, a non-intoxicating compound found in hemp plants.
CBD has gained popularity for its potential benefits in aiding recovery, managing pain, reducing stress and anxiety, and enhancing athletic performance. As an athlete, the potential benefits of CBD may have piqued your interest. However, the thought may remain: what is the legality of using CBD to possibly enhance your performance?
In this article, we’ll dive into the world of CBD and its uses from an athletic perspective, so you can better understand the benefits, dosage, and legality behind it all. Let’s jump in!
Benefits for Athletes
CBD offers a range of potential benefits that can positively impact an athlete’s training and performance. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of CBD is a topic that is still being researched, and individuals may have different experiences with the compound. With that said the research that does exist claims promising benefits. When coupled with widespread anecdotal evidence from CBD enthusiasts, you get products that are well-liked for potentially offering:
- Recovery Enhancement: CBD shows promise in reducing inflammation, alleviating muscle soreness, and promoting healing. This makes it an excellent aid in post-training or post-competition recovery.
- Pain Management: Athletes often face pain from injuries, chronic conditions, or intense physical exertion. CBD can be a valuable tool in managing pain, as it can potentially limit the reliance on traditional painkillers.
- Stress and Anxiety Relief: CBD’s anxiolytic properties may help athletes manage stress and performance anxiety. This promotes mental well-being and supports overall athletic performance.
- Sleep Optimisation: Restorative sleep is crucial for recovery, and CBD’s potential sleep-enhancing properties can assist athletes in achieving better quality sleep, which aids in their overall performance.
- Focus and Concentration: CBD may support athletes in achieving enhanced focus, concentration, and mental clarity during training or competitions, thus helping them to perform at their best.
- Training Adaptation: CBD’s interaction with the endocannabinoid system may assist in adapting to physical stress. As such, there’s the potential to improve training adaptations and overall performance.
Types of CBD Products
CBD is available in multiple forms, allowing athletes to choose the most suitable option for their needs:
- CBD Oils and Tinctures: Sublingual administration of CBD oils and tinctures allows for quick absorption and easy dosage control, making it a popular choice amongst athletes.
- CBD Topicals: Athletes can apply CBD-infused creams, balms, or lotions directly to specific areas of the body for the potential of localised relief and recovery. Many athletes use CBD topicals as part of their post-workout routine for this reason.
- CBD Capsules: CBD capsules offer a convenient and precise way to incorporate CBD into an athlete’s routine, thanks to their controlled dosage.
Dosage and Timing
When using CBD for the first time, athletes are encouraged to start with a low CBD dosage and gradually increase as needed. This should be done while taking into account factors such as body weight, tolerance, and desired effects. Consulting a healthcare professional can provide valuable guidance as you determine the right dosage for you.
CBD can be taken before, during, or after training sessions or competitions, depending on the desired effects and individual preferences. Experiment with different timing strategies to find what works best for each athlete.
Legality and Anti-Doping Considerations
While CBD is legal in the UK, athletes must be aware of the regulations in place. This will ensure compliance and help you avoid any potential penalties. For example, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) no longer prohibits CBD usage, but all other cannabinoids are not allowed.
This means that athletes would benefit far greater from CBD isolate products than full-spectrum CBD, even those that contain the legal amounts of THC. This is crucial; it will help to avoid unintended positive drug tests, as THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the high that’s associated with marijuana.
With that said, you should always consider the rules for each competition and event you participate in. Each organization has their own rules and restrictions, which is why keeping up-to-date with the protocols is so important for a competing athlete.
Consultation with Professionals
To maximise the benefits of CBD usage, athletes should seek guidance from healthcare professionals, such as sports physicians or sports nutritionists. Professionals can determine the appropriate CBD usage for your specific needs, if it’s ideal for you at all, and offer personalised recommendations based on individual circumstances.
Conclusion
The world of sports and CBD offers promising possibilities for athletes seeking enhanced performance, improved recovery, and overall well-being. CBD’s potential benefits in these areas make it an attractive option for athletes.
However, it is crucial for athletes to consider the types of CBD products, administration methods, dosage and timing, as well as the legality and anti-doping considerations associated with CBD usage. Staying informed about applicable regulations and learning more about CBD can help athletes safely explore the potential benefits of it and optimise their performance.
If you want to learn more about how athletes incorporate CBD into their routine, read about how one of MMA’s finest, Israel Adesanya, uses our CBD products.
