With the numerous benefits CBD can provide to users, it is no wonder that athletes and exercise enthusiasts are beginning to include this cannabinoid in their regimen. As the days go by, more famous and well-established athletes, coaches, and fitness gurus are coming forward about how they use CBD products to enhance their performance.
The results of scientific research have been instrumental in making CBD a broadly considered supplement and alternative drug for sportspeople. With studies that point out Cannabidiol’s effectiveness in managing pain, inflammation, anxiety, and sleep, athletes have credible reasons to consider using CBD-based products.
This article will address any concerns you might have about CBD, Where to buy CBD oil in Australia, and some of the legal implications and safety issues. We would also discuss tips and strategies for including CBD oil in your daily activities.
But First, What Is CBD?
Cannabidiol, commonly shortened to CBD, is one of many cannabinoids that can be found in the Cannabis plant. It is a compound that produces effects similar to that of THC, albeit on a reduced scale but with the exception of psychedelic or euphoric response.
The compound can be extracted from the hemp or marijuana plant and commonly comes in oil form. Cannabidiol extracted from industrial hemp usually contains less than 0.3% of THC as opposed to marijuana-derived CBD, which can have up to 20% or more of THC.
Is CBD Safe For Athletes?
A review conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO), and similarly described by the TGA, has suggested that CBD is safe for human consumption with little to no side effects. The agency further stated, “Reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications.”
Can You Get Sanctioned For Using CBD Oil?
In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances for professional sports competitors. Other countries such as the USA and the UK have since followed suit by allowing athletes to use CBD before and during competitions.
However, it should be noted that while CBD can now be used legally, THC is still prohibited worldwide for professional sportspeople.
Tips For Using CBD Oil
Even though you might have heard one or two famous people in the sports world promoting CBD and its advantages, you might still be clueless about how best to fit CBD into your workout regimen. Listed below are ways you can use CBD products and get the best out of them;
For Managing Inflammation
Anybody who has an intense workout regimen is no stranger to inflammation and the limitations it can place on the body. When we do deadlifts, squats, and other forms of exercise, the muscles are put through trauma, and they experience slight tears. These tears are then repaired, leading to a significant increase in muscle mass and density.
The body’s natural response to injury of any severity is to carry rapid healing and repairs. Inflammation is the first course of action that usually results in cell repair. While some form of inflammation is beneficial, the chronic condition can be an obstacle to achieving your fitness goals.
CBD oil works by enhancing the effects of the cannabinoids that are under the control of the Endocannabinoid system (ECS). They bind with the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the ECS to slow down inflammation.
CBD also regulates the release of the stress hormone cortisol, thereby promoting the healing of injuries without the resulting inflammatory response.
For Muscle Recovery
Most times, people who follow intense exercise regimens are usually advised to push through the pain in order to improve their performance. However, their exercise routines typically leave little time for adequate muscle recovery.
CBD oil has shown a lot of potential in aiding the fast relief of muscle soreness, both acute and delayed. Many famous athletes have reported using CBD oils or topicals after a particularly strenuous session, only to wake up the next day to almost complete muscle recovery.
For Pain Relief
For most fitness enthusiasts, pain in all severity has become a regular companion in their daily lives. Most people have to take over-the-counter pain-relieving drugs, with some even resorting to opioids to combat chronic pain.
The pain-relieving effects of Cannabidiol have been proven through studies on mice and anecdotal testimonies. CBD also has no risk of addiction or dependence compared to opioid-based pain relievers.
For Better Sleep
Adequate sleep is one of the most effective forms of therapy for healing all pains and aches that result from strenuous workout sessions. However, you might find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep, even after a hard day at the gym, due to several factors.
One of the effects of CBD oil is the ability to reduce stress and induce calmness that can facilitate sleep. CBD can help you achieve a state of relaxation that helps to enhance your body’s repair efforts as you sleep. A few drops of CBD oil beneath the tongue before bed can work wonders.
For Anxiety Control
For athletes who perform in international or high-profile sports competitions, performance-related anxiety can be a setback to achieving a winning mindset and can affect your output.
As studies have shown, CBD oil has potent anxiolytic properties and can, therefore, help reduce anxiety. Using CBD oil before a game can help you focus more on your actions and block out any surrounding noise or distractions.
In conclusion, CBD can make a significant difference in your performance and fitness ability. With consistent use, you can bid goodbye to inflammation, pain, anxiety, and muscle soreness which can hinder your growth.
As there are currently no regulations in place for CBD production, you need to exercise caution when purchasing CBD products. There can be risks of products containing more THC than is legal, which can affect the results of drug tests.
To err on the side of caution, only purchase broad-spectrum or isolate CBD oils as these do not contain THC. Patronize companies that provide certificates of analysis from credible testing laboratories for each batch of their products.