By: Mitch Earleywine, Ph.D.
Everyone can use CBD safely and effectively; from the daily walker, to the occasional runner, to the true weekend warrior, to the pro-athlete. Sports leagues are starting to consider cannabis because cannabidiol (CBD), one of the prevalent cannabinoids in cannabis, can help athletic performance, as well as recovery from training. For both the office worker and pro-athlete, CBD, unlike its cousin molecule THC, will not trigger a failed drug test.
The chance to improve performance stems from CBD’s intriguing ability to decrease anxiety without creating any subjective high or alteration in thinking. Laboratory research with humans confirms that CBD decreases anxiety, even in tough situations. Many athletes emphasize that CBD helps them approach big contests without fretting, while their minds remain sharp for strategy and split-second decisions.
Signup for product updates & the latest news.
CBD should also speed workout recovery. Unlike other anti-inflammatories, CBD does not harm the stomach lining or increase the rates of certain strokes. Research confirms that CBD suppresses the main contributors to inflammation, swelling, and soreness potentially protecting muscle cells for growth. The molecule’s delightful enhancement of sleep also should make recovery fast and efficient. New data on CBD’s ability to balance immune function suggest that it could prevent the annoying colds that often make training less than optimal, too.
In addition, CBD’s legendary role as an anti-inflammatory make it an ideal aid to recovery from injury or training. Animal research confirms that the unfortunate traumatic effects of brain injury decrease in the presence of CBD, so everyone playing a rough-and-tumble game should have a source of CBD on the sidelines. A 60 mg dose immediately after a bump to the head should become a standard addition to the concussion protocol. There are no intoxicating effects and the anti-oxidant properties literally prevent the death of cells.
Drug testing in sports can be a moving target. Currently, cannabinoids are listed as banned substances but the test employed focuses on metabolites of THC. CBD will not appear on a drug screen currently, so athletes can rest assured that they are not violating the rules of the game. The spirit of drug testing in sports concerns unfair advantage. CBD is a gentle molecule with no potential for intoxication, addiction, or stimulation. It’s keen ability to enhance performance and recovery should make it a superb addition to any athlete’s training regimen. Unfortunately, a handful of prohibitionists want to add CBD to the list of banned substances in a knee-jerk reaction to its link to cannabis. A bit of education should ensure that the International Olympic Committee won’t sacrifice the brains and recovery of athletes to political correctness.
Case reports reveal that experienced athletes using 30 mg (or more) of CBD per day notice less angst before big games, quicker recovery, and easier sleep in as little as five days. Sometimes, however, the most convincing research stems from the data you gather yourself. Give it a try!