CBD’s popularity is gaining more and more traction every day and is not showing signs of stopping anytime soon. In fact, according to market analysts, the cannabidiol industry is expected to hit $2 billion in the next two years.
Hence, it doesn’t come as a surprise that a lot of companies are cashing in on the trend. Today, you can get CBD in many types and forms, such as balms, tinctures, gummies, cocktails–you name it. And since CBD doesn’t have the intoxicating effect of cannabis, it’s popular amongst a wider audience, even people who have never tried marijuana before.
Athletes are getting into the trend as well. Due to CBD’s pain-relief effects, it’s a popular treatment for muscle pain. In comparison with marijuana, which has THC, CBD is safer to use and a lot more acceptable in the sports community.
The Benefits of CBD For Athletes
If you want to go for the original MJ, check out this article on WG. But if you’re an athlete and haven’t tried CBD before, here are the advantages that you may get from using it:
Pain Relief
The primary benefit of CBD is pain relief, which is something that athletes need to help their muscles recover from exercise. A lot of athletes use CBD instead of traditional medication, which can be highly addictive when consumed frequently and in excess amounts. Thus, if you are an athlete looking for a way to soothe your pain without taking pills, you should give CBD a try.
Inflammation
Inflammation is necessary for athletes to adapt to their rigorous training regimens. However, excess inflammation can cause injury and make it hard for the athlete to recover. If you take CBD after a workout or training session, the receptors in the substance will help tone down the immune system’s response to the muscle tears, which will effectively reduce inflammation.
Anxiety
It’s not uncommon for athletes to suffer from anxiety. Pressure, training, and a lot of other factors can wear down on an athlete’s mental health and cause them to feel anxious. Of course, a trip to the psychiatrist should be the first step to treat anxiety. However, if an athlete’s anxiety is not bad enough to warrant a prescription, CBD can be a supplement to treatment or therapy.
Although there is still not enough scientific evidence to support the claim that CBD helps reduce anxiety, the majority of CBD users report that it helps them manage it.
Stress
Just like marijuana, CBD has a relaxing effect on people when used in the right amounts. This makes it an excellent tool for stress-relief. For athletes, especially those who have busy schedules, a little CBD in their routine can help them manage stress better.
Better sleep
Good sleep is essential for athletes. Complete and restful sleep gives the body a chance to recover and repair tissues, helping it prepare for the next day’s training. Unfortunately, not all athletes get good sleep, no matter how tired they are. If you are one of them, try taking CBD and see if it helps you fall asleep (and stay asleep) better than before.
Is CBD Legal to Use For Athletes?
In 2018, both the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) removed CBD on their list of prohibited drugs. So yes, CBD is entirely legal for athletes. However, marijuana is still not.
But even though CBD is legal in the world of sports, check with your local laws if CBD consumption is legal in your state. Additionally, make sure that the league you’re playing in does not prohibit CBD.
How To Use CBD
You can consume CBD in many different forms. You can eat it, drink it, put it on your skin, or inhale it. How you use CBD will depend on your personal preferences, but take note that the effectiveness of CBD will vary from person to person. Thus, it may take a little trial and error to find the best method for you.
Conclusion
If you haven’t jumped in on the CBD trend yet, you may be missing out on something that can improve your life as an athlete. But before you try any CBD products, consult with your doctor and trainers first just to be safe.
SOURCES:
https://www.thestreet.com/markets/cbd-industry-expected-to-hit-2-billion…
https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/wada_2019_english_prohibite…
https://trainright.com/cbd-for-athletes-cannabidiol/
https://cliniciantoday.com/pros-and-cons-for-cbd-oil-in-muscle-recovery/
About the Author:
Alan Wood has been showing strong passion for plants and gardens since he was young. With the help of his son and other assistants who have expertise not only in gardening but also in many different fields, he always tries his best to provide gardeners with latest trends and useful guidelines.