Sport and CBD
Why do many athletes take CBD?
Are CBD and sport compatible? More and more athletes (professionals and amateurs) are turning to CBD in order to improve their performance but also to recover more easily from effort by doing without classic molecules ( ibuprofen , non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , etc.). ). The anti-inflammatory and regenerative actions of CBD promote relaxation, relaxation and recovery after physical exercise. CBD , in all its forms, immediately found its way into the diets of professionals practicing very physical sports and particularly endurance sports (MMA, cycling, athletics, etc.)
Legal CBD in professional sport
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has, since January 1, 2018, decided to remove cannabidiol from its list of doping products. ( Find out more) Please note, however, that THC remains prohibited, and this is why all Grin Time products contain less than 0.2% THC to avoid any risk in the event of a doping control.
The World Anti-Doping Agency recently raised the tolerance limit for THC per milliliter of urine. Thus increasing it from 15 nanograms per milliliter to 150 nanograms. A measure that allows athletes to benefit from Cannabidiol products with entourage effect and therefore, minute traces of THC.
CBD, the enemy of inflammation and aches
By putting the body to the test all season long, a high-level athlete has great needs in terms of physical recovery and often resorts to molecules such as ibuprofen or anti-inflammatories. Molecules which they are now increasingly doing without in favor of cannabidiol because it is natural and does not have long-term side effects , unlike anti-inflammatories or painkillers which cause damage to the digestive tract or the kidneys.
CBD also helps improve sleep cycles , an essential point for athletes if they want to achieve their best performance. Roger Federer, for example, tennis star, admits to sleeping 11 to 12 hours per night for the sake of physical recovery. But above all, it is the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD that are praised by great athletes. Indeed, CBD can considerably reduce inflammation in a targeted manner by acting on several mechanisms at the same time. - Learn more - This is the main reason that propels CBD to the forefront, its rapid, effective anti-inflammatory action without notable side effects.
CBD also has proven muscle relaxant effects , that is to say it promotes muscle relaxation and thus prevents cramps and aches due to exercise. Professionals are often led to over-strain a particular muscle depending on the sport, Nadal's left arm, Ronaldo's right foot, etc. CBD is an ally because it promotes muscle relaxation and will allow the athlete to prevent and relieve chronic stress.
A natural alternative, CBD does not have side effects comparable to other muscle relaxants in conventional medicine (stomach pain, drowsiness). Some great athletes in the USA do not hesitate to opt for more radical solutions, such as the use of opioids , and even if they are relatively effective in the short term, they remain extremely dangerous for health and present risks of overdose and addiction.
MMA, an example to follow
The MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) competition, UFC (Ultimate Fighter Championship) in the USA recently signed an eight-year partnership with a Canadian cannabis company listed on the stock exchange in order to jointly conduct clinical tests on the real benefit of CBD in sport in partnership with fighters. In idea, this long study will allow us to better understand the mechanisms and clinically demonstrate the advantages that CBD presents for high-level athletes. The scientific results will be made public at the end and the objective is to democratize CBD in sport.
CBD in what form for athletes?
For athletes, it is obviously not very recommended to consume CBD by smoking CBD flowers , nor by vaping CBD e-liquids for that matter, even if some, like Nate Diaz, do not deprive themselves of it . What is recommended is a healthy way, without risk, and without impact on physical performance. CBD oil , with sublingual intake, is in pole position and constitutes a regular, daily, suitable background intake. The effects last 2 to 3 hours and tend to be felt between 5 and 20 minutes after taking, the oil can just as easily be taken before or after major physical effort.
While for stubborn areas, it is preferable to apply CBD balms or creams directly to the skin for localized action. The transdermal absorption of CBD is indeed very effective; by using a CBD cream for massages, physiotherapists working in sports centers can treat pain quite quickly. As a balm or cream, the effects of CBD are rapid and last up to 4 hours .
To conclude,
Whether you are a high-level athlete, Sunday athlete or somewhere in the middle, CBD is a solid ally for you in terms of physical recovery, inflammation management and muscle relaxation. WADA and the UFC, through their respective actions, are opening the door to a better understanding of the benefits of using CBD in sport. Like them, incorporate CBD into your sporting life.