7 Benefits of CBD
Charlie White explains some of the benefits of CBD for sports.
Anyone who has interacted closely with sports should know that cannabis is an unspeakable taboo in this field; at least, it has been for a long time. So when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) decided to remove CBD from the list of prohibited substances in 2018, the whole world was taken aback. What is happening here? In case you are still coming to terms with this drastic move, this article will shed light on why WADA and the whole sports fraternity are taking a whole new approach to this cannabis-derived compound, cannabidiol.
What is CBD?
The UK anti-doping agency defines CBD as one of around 110 known cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant.
CBD is different from Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive compound that causes the typical “marijuana high.” THC is prohibited by WADA and other sports supervisory bodies.
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD mimic the action of the body’s internal cannabinoids, which form part of a signalling system known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Several studies have revealed that this system modulates pain, inflammation, hunger, immunity, reproduction, memory, sleep, and mood. This system also forms a basis for the pharmacologic effects of cannabis.
Is CBD legal for athletes?
CBD is legal for athletes, at least starting in 2019 when the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances. Since then, other sports agencies and those who have not been warming up to the idea have followed suit.
The UK anti-doping agency allows athletes to use CBD; this is following the move by WADA to de-list CBD. According to their website, “the use of any CBD product is at the athlete’s own risk. As a result, CBD products should be considered in the same way as all other dietary supplements.”
Reduce Performance Anxiety
Athletes are no strangers to anxiety attacks, especially before a major performance. It commonly manifests as a rush of adrenalin accompanied by panic, fear of being unable to perform, and other negative thoughts. What do you do when this happens? You may need to take something to calm you down immediately.
A small 2010 Brazillian study revealed that CBD is effective in relieving social anxiety. The study showed that CBD increases blood flow to areas of the brain that control anxiety. A subsequent study conducted in 2015 by New York University showed similar results; CBD is a potential treatment for anxiety disorders.
Many athletes have used CBD to help them calm down before a significant performance. CBD comes from oils, tinctures, gummies, capsules, lotions, and creams. For anxiety, taking a few drops of CBD tinctures will increase the speed of absorption and help you calm down before the game.
If you want to buy CBD oil in the UK for sports use, we recommend looking at the EcoWatch article, where to find the best CBD oil in the UK. They have researched over 100 CBD oil brands in the UK to bring you the best.
Relieve Pain
When it comes to opioid addiction, athletes are among the worst hit. It is because, by the very nature of sports, injuries are prone to happen. It is not rare to find athletes being on prescription opioids for one reason or another. But what happens over time is that the athletes get hooked on the opioids, and then they have to resort to sourcing opioids from unverified sources.
Cannabidiol may not be as effective in relieving intense acute pain. However, preclinical studies have shown that CBD is effective in treating chronic pain. Also, CBD has a good safety margin and no chance of causing addiction.
Relieve Post-Workout Inflammation
Post-workout inflammation, also known as delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), occurs after an intense workout or performance due to microscopic damage to the muscle fibres.
A study published in Frontiers in Neurology showed that CBD could reduce inflammation and improve mobility in patients with multiple sclerosis. Topical CBD applications can be rubbed directly onto inflamed skin areas loaded with endocannabinoid receptors. It should be done immediately after a workout or performance to initiate a pain-free healing process.
Usually, athletes turn to NSAIDs to get relief from inflammation. NSAIDs are convenient because they do not require a prescription. Unfortunately, long-term use of NSAIDs is associated with GI bleeding. Athletes are thus advised against using them for extended durations of time.
Increase Endurance
Competitive sports have four dimensions: skill, strength, endurance, and recovery. Success in sports requires a blend of all dimensions.
Endurance is the ability to maintain an activity level for a given time. CBD helps boost endurance by relieving anxiety, pain, and inflammation.
CBD also stimulates the release of anandamide, which in turn triggers the runners' high. It causes a heightened focus and increased motivation to succeed in the sport. However, this effect should not be mistaken for euphoria, as CBD is not psychoactive.
Lastly, CBD helps to balance dopamine levels, resulting in more relaxed exercise. These factors combine to boost endurance.
Maintaining Low Weight
Most athletes will prefer to maintain a steady weight, as this impacts their agility and cardiovascular function. Again, keeping a low weight has numerous other health benefits aside from those directly linked to sports.
CBD for weight loss may seem controversial because CBD is known for its anti-emetic effects. As much as CBD may help to reduce nausea, it does not increase feeding.
Research has shown that CBD stimulates the burning of calories and reduces the risk of obesity.
Increasing Muscle Mass
Muscle mass translates to a high-performance body, and isn't that what all athletes covet? Unfortunately, this is not easy to come by. It is the product of hard work, commitment, discipline, and effort. Unsurprisingly, some athletes opt for shortcuts to gaining muscle mass without exerting any effort.
CBD limits the production of cortisol, a catabolic hormone. Note that cortisol serves a vital function in the body. However, some factors, such as stress or high-intensity workouts, may trigger the production of excessive cortisol. When this happens, the body starts breaking down muscle mass. Cortisol also increases the accumulation of body fat and spikes blood pressure. Lastly, cortisol reduces bone density, something that an athlete will not wish for.
CBD has anti-catabolic activity and helps to limit the adverse effects associated with cortisol. Limiting the secretion of cortisol will help athletes achieve that six-pack quickly.
Improve Sleep Quality
After intense workouts, sleep is vital to facilitate full muscle recovery. A study published in 2019 by the University of Colorado showed that CBD was effective in reducing anxiety and initiating sleep. CBD also reduces the active phase (REM) of sleep to ensure you fall asleep soundly. CBD takes a wholesome approach to sleep; it numbs pain, reduces tension and anxiety, relaxes muscles, and eventually induces sleep.
Many athletes struggle with insomnia, especially before a high-pressure performance or immediately after. It explains why addiction to sleeping pills is common among athletes. CBD may provide a safer alternative for athletes struggling with sleep issues.
Does CBD Prevent Sports-Related Concussions
It is an interesting discussion, albeit one that can be a deal-breaker in the industry.
Almost 5 million sports-related concussions are reported each year, up to date, there is no definite cure for concussions. While some concussions may be mild, others may cause structural changes in the brain that may be severe or even fatal. Repeated concussions have been linked to the development of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).
One study conducted by Virginia Commonwealth University has given hope in this area: cannabinoids have a promising impact on traumatic brain injury.
For now, it is just that we are hanging onto the hope that CBD will provide a suitable relief for sports-related concussions. An article published in Vancouver Sun this year gives us more reason to remain optimistic.
Page Reference
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- WHITE, C. (2019) 7 Benefits of CBD [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article487.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Charlie White is a freelance journalist.