As CBD grows in popularity, people of different lifestyles, including athletes are using it to relieve discomforts. Research has shown the cannabinoid to have wellness benefits that might help athletes. If you are looking into how athletes use CBD to reduce aches and pain, below is a guide for details, including the legality of CBD for athletes.
Before Using, Is CBD Even Legal for Athletes?
Every athlete knows there are substances they should never consume. CBD is legal for athletes. In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from the list of prohibited substances for sportspeople in and out of competition. You have nothing to worry about with WADA. However, the legality of CBD varies from state to state.
CBD is legal federally, according to the 2018 Farm Bill passed into law. The regulation recognizes as legal hemp with trace levels of THC and its by-products like CBD. Many states have legalized CBD products, and some are yet to do the same. That is why you should check the hemp regulations of your area before using CBD products. As an athlete, you should consult your lawyer on whether you can use CBD even though WADA removed it from the list of prohibited substances.
What Is CBD Anyway?
CBD is the short form for cannabidiol, one of many cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. It has been shown to have various wellness benefits and does not make people high. THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) is the cannabinoid that leaves users stoned. Leading CBD manufacturers use hemp with 0.3% THC to make cannabidiol. The THC levels in such hemp are too low to make one high.
There are three types of CBD isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum. Isolate CBD contains cannabidiol only and nothing else from hemp. On the other hand, full-spectrum CBD contains multiple hemp components, including CBD, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, minerals, and minor cannabinoids like THC, CBG, CBN, and CBC.
These elements are said to work together to provide the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum contains CBD, terpenes, and secondary cannabinoids but does not have any THC. Manufacturers use the three types of CBD to make different formulations.
How Athletes Use Different CBD Products for Aches and Pain
The CBD market offers CBD oil, capsules, gummies, and capsules, among other products for athletes to consider using.
CBD oil provides quick relief when used sublingually. You administer a few drops under the tongue and wait for 30-60 seconds before swallowing. CBD oil moves into your bloodstream to begin offering relief. The formulation will reach different parts of your body to alleviate discomfort.
Athletes also use CBD capsules, which are convenient for on-the-go use. You do not have to measure any servings since each pill carries a specific amount of CBD, such as 15mg, 20mg, or 30mg. Even though their effects last longer than CBD oil’s, it takes longer for them to take effect in your system.
CBD gummies are a fun, mouth-watering way to consume cannabidiol. Each gummy has a pre-measured amount of CBD to give you an easy time with servings. The effects of CBD gummies last longer in the body, but it can take up to an hour for you to feel a change in symptoms.
Athletes also use CBD topicals such as creams, salves, and lotions to ease pain and aches. They come in different potencies to choose from. You apply a generous amount of a CBD topical to the affected area and rub it in to enjoy the benefits of CBD.
Injuries and recovery after workouts are part of an athlete’s life. CBD relieves various symptoms to help athletes heal and recover. For example, preliminary studies show that CBD has pain-reliving properties to help with joint pain and muscle soreness. Besides, it has anti-inflammatory benefits that alleviate swelling, joint tenderness, and muscle aches.
CBD’s antioxidant properties also help with inflammation to enhance comfort. CBD is helpful for recovery after workouts. As a person exercises, muscles can become inflamed, and as they try to repair, they become sore and stiff. CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties come in handy. These wellness benefits help athletes heal faster and enhance their performance.
CBD also has calming benefits that can reduce the anxiety and stress associated with athletes’ competitive lives. Moreover, CBD’s relaxing properties improve sleep quality. By helping athletes rest better, the cannabinoid fosters their overall wellness and supports recovery.
Expert Recommendation
Using CBD cream for pain is the perfect choice for athletes. Many experts recommend using CBD creams for athletes to ease aches and pain. The topical provides relief to the affected body part, promoting the efficiency of CBD.
Instead of targeting the entire Body, the topical attends to the hurting joints or muscles only. Besides, topical CBD does not enter the bloodstream, so you do not have to worry about false positives during drug tests.
CBD cream interacts with endocannabinoid receptors in the skin to alleviate pain and aches for athletes. The human body has an endocannabinoid system that controls functions like pain, immunity responses, mood, appetite, and sleep to ensure balance. CBD stimulates the system, enhancing its performance.
Are There Any Side Effects of Using CBD Products?
There have been no reported adverse side effects from using CBD cream. Unless you are allergic to a given ingredient, high-quality CBD creams are safe. However, cannabidiol, in general, has rare side effects, including fatigue, drowsiness, weight and appetite changes, diarrhea, and dry mouth, especially if used in high amounts. Our bodies react to wellness products differently.
If you are using medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor before using CBD for pain and aches. CBD interacts with some medications, and a physician is the expert to establish whether you can use CBD. If your health is alright, you do not need a prescription to use cannabidiol.
Final Thoughts
CBD is beneficial for athletes. It alleviates pain and aches to help sportspeople recover from injuries and workouts. You can use CBD oil, capsules, gummies, or topicals to ease joint pains, inflammation, and muscle soreness. CBD cream provides relief to the affected area to ensure quick relief and efficiency. The market has a wide range of CBD brands to choose from, and you should settle for a manufacturer that makes high-quality, safe, lab-tested CBD products.