CBD for athletes: can cannabidiol benefit their performance?

CBD for athletes can be a key element in boosting sports performance.

After all, most athletes undergo high-impact training and are subject to great physical and emotional strain.

Several doctors have already recognised that CBD helps high-performance professional athletes, before training and competitions, due to its natural benefits in recovery.

Research indicates that cannabidiol may accelerate the regenerative and reconstructive process of muscles, alleviating physical pain and exerting several other therapeutic effects.

So, if you are an athlete and want to know how CBD can benefit you in your sports routine, we are going to show you the main positive effects of this compound. Join us!

Is CBD for athletes banned?

This is still a very common doubt among athletes, especially professionals, who fear falling into famous doping.

But fortunately, the answer is NO. CBD for athletes was removed from the list of banned substances in 2018 by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

However, it is important to be careful, as other cannabinoids, natural or synthetic ones, are still prohibited.

If you are an athlete or compete, be sure that you are using high quality products from trusted brands. 

Top benefits of CBD for athletes

Pain relief and reduction of inflammation associated with injuries.

Both pain and inflammation are part of every athlete’s natural response.

Recent research, published by Sports Medicine, has highlighted CBD properties to relieve inflammatory pain associated with tissue damage, and neuropathic pain due to nerve irritation or damage.

Research also states that cannabinoid receptors present in our body are located in pain pathways. So CBD can specifically interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system.

This shows us that the use of CBD in athletes can reduce inflammation and discomfort caused by nerve and tissue damage. It results in a faster and more comfortable recovery process for athletes.

These findings are a real watershed for athletes in action and endurance sports, who are exposed to high-intensity and impact movements, as well as repetitive and long-distance exercises that can lead to inflammation, irritation, or/and injury.

Healthy and natural substitute for NSAIDs and opioids

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been athletes’ go-to pain relievers for a long time. However, many studies have already shown that its continued use can lead to heart disease and kidney failure.

Despite their effectiveness in reducing pain, opioids can be even more dangerous, as they are highly addictive and can result in lethal overdoses.

In the midst of all this, CBD draws the attention of athletes and specialists due to the realisation of its therapeutic potential against pain.

Thus, they can replace conventional medication and, according to a 2018 report by the World Health Organization, CBD has no addictive potential or compulsive use.

Aid rebuilding muscle fibres

We know that training hard can cause inflammation and damage the muscles.

In this sense, CBD for athletes can provide analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects that can help with muscle relaxation, stretching and general recovery.

CBD for Athletes Relieves Stress and Anxiety

Before a game or an event, many athletes can become nervous or anxious, and stress can impact their performance negatively.

CBD is an all-natural solution to relax the mind and relieve tension, helping athletes in preparation and on game day.

And as you already know, this is because of the endocannabinoid system which regulates mood, helping to keep athletes active and engaged.

How Happy Hemper helps athletes in their performance

Given its potential advantages, CBD for athletes could be a safer alternative for good recovery and performance.

It is often taken sublingually, applied topically in cream or lotion form, or by ingesting the oil. While the topical application can target specific areas, sublingual ingestion can promote the overall health of the body and mind.

You will find a variety of high quality products to help from the inside and out in each of our Hempers, that can be especially beneficial for active people and athletes. Take a look at it here.