If you're an athlete, a personal trainer, or simply keen on staying in shape, you might have wondered what CBD can do for you. Athletes take CBD for two big reasons: to ease the physical stress and aches of overworked muscles, and to raise their overall wellness game.
Here we look at the goals supported by CBD for athletes, and how CBD benefits exercise and fitness plans.
First, What Is CBD—And Is It Legal to Bring to the Gym?
You already know CBD is very popular today. You know it comes from the famous Cannabis sativa plant. But there's a lot more going on with pure CBD oil.
As of the current Farm Bill covering U.S. agriculture, "industrial hemp" is separated from Schedule I restricted drugs. Basically, CBD (cannabidiol) taken from the hemp plant, with a THC content of 0.3% or lower, is perfectly legal to buy, in stores or online, anywhere in the United States. In contrast to THC, CBD is a non-psychoactive component of cannabis. In other words, CBD won't get you high or cause any kind of impairment.
Some people seek out CBD oil for easing pain, inflammation, and stress. Others look to CBD to support them with anxiety and sleep issues.
For athletes, CBD is not a chemical performance enhancer. It is a totally natural, plant-based compound that connects with your body's own network of receptors—your endocannabinoid system. It does one job really, really well. If one or more of your systems are out of balance and therefore not working at their best, CBD connects with them and works on restoring homeostasis—balance.
Pro Sports and Praise for CBD
Injuries sideline athletes. After back, ankle, and leg injuries and surgeries drove Patriots' tight end Rob Gronkowski into early retirement, the player entered the CBD retail sphere to produce topical pain relief. Gronkowski thinks CBD would have changed the course of his NFL career, had it been available.
Today, pro athletes' endorsements are driving interest in CBD across the continent. Athletes are using CBD to calm their stress before competing and relieve pain and swelling later.
NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana, who supports education and research surrounding legal cannabis, says "now is the time to spread information about the curing capabilities of this plant.”
Mtiva is here to support that quest.
Pros and Cons of Using CBD in Athletics
It's been observed that some sports teams still bar the use of CBD, which could present issues for some athletes.
Yet the conversation about CBD oil for athletes is changing as the scientific body of research grows. In 2018, enough research existed to convince the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) to take CBD off the list of banned substances for athletes. And the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) allows athletes to use CBD oil from reputable sources.
We can say this. As scientific studies continue to pull the rug out from under negative stereotypes, and as the body of research grows and gels, we expect CBD to become a mainstream form of relief and support for athletes.
We also expect growing interest among regular folks who are coping with the aches and pains of exertion.
A Natural, Plant-Based Alternative to Opioids
As noted by Forbes, CBD is a more healthful long-term approach than heavy dosing of pharmaceutical pain relief, many forms of which are among the addictive class of opiate drugs. Athletes also look for anti-inflammatory benefits.
Consider the professional cyclist Floyd Landis, who faced a hip replacement procedure. Landis became dependent on WADA-approved painkillers in the class of opiates.
Landis ultimately found CBD, which eased a transition away from opioid dependence and over to a natural support system. And it wasn't only pain management benefits that Landis sought out. Studies have also indicated that CBD can, in specific situations:
- Reduce inflammation and help regulate the immune system. See a representative study in the journal Future Medicinal Chemistry.
- Manage hard-to-treat pain and ease muscle spasms. See a representative study in the journal Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.
- Promote more restful sleep patterns, and ease anxiety. See a representative study in the Permanente Journal.
Important note: These references are for your general information only. We do not claim, and we are not permitted by law to claim, that CBD cures any condition. See your doctor for case-specific concerns and diagnoses.
A Brief Note on How to Take CBD
How much CBD should you take? There's no set rule. Generally, higher doses suit hard-to-treat pain and inflammation, or high levels of stress or anxiety. Milder discomfort typically responds to regular care in a lower dose range.
Your body mass also goes into the equation. A 150 lb. person might start at 15 to 25mg of CBD, then adjust as needed. Our customers find that their personal CBD response is unique to each person.
New to CBD? Start off light and gradually raise your daily dose. While increasing the dose over time may help to achieve the desired results for most people, CBD does not cause dependence. This comes from the World Health Organization, which assures us that CBD has no abuse potential. It's safe.
So, embark on personal fine-tuning! And do feel free to contact us at Mtiva if you have any questions about the use or integrity of our products.
