Firstly, is it Legal?
Yes!
The increasing popularity of CBD among athletes has forced regulatory bodies to reconsider their classification of CBD. Until recently, athletes had to choose dangerous prescription drugs over CBD oil due to potential sanctions from their sports associations.
The tides began to change when the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) updated their schedule of prohibited substances by removing CBD from the list. CBD oil is now legal for athletes, including those participating in the Olympics, as long as it contains 0.3% THC or less.
Recovery
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but when it comes to athletes, it becomes of paramount importance. Athletes are exposed to sleep deficiencies due to the extreme stress they put themselves into during competition and while preparing themselves for the season. Those trying to relieve their sleep issues often turn to OTC or prescription sleeping pills, which can have a devastating effect on their sleep cycle in the long run.
CBD has the ability to regulate the body’s sleep cycle by reducing stress, anxiety, and pain. These three factors contribute to sleep deprivation, so the next time you have trouble falling asleep before an upcoming game or you’re crippled by back pain, consider adding CBD to your routine.
Inflammation
Acute inflammation is a natural physical response to stress or injuries; it’s also an essential part of recovery. However, chronic inflammation is anything but good for your health and can significantly compromise your ability to engage in exercises. A study conducted by the Laboratory of Integrative Neuroscience at the National Institute of Health (NIH) showed that CBD has potent anti-inflammatory effects on the body and can suppress inflammatory responses by interacting with cannabinoid receptors located in the immune cells.
Pain Management
CBD offers a much safer way to fight pain. Not only does it reduce inflammation, but it also acts on vanilloid TRPV1 receptors and opioid receptors to alter pain signaling in the brain. As a result, the pain becomes manageable.
Reduce Anxiety
There is a large body of research, including human clinical trials, suggesting CBD’s efficacy for anxiety-related disorders. Athletes, just like other people put under regular stress, suffer from recurring periods of anxiety, perhaps caused by peer pressure, pre-game concerns, and injuries.
The scientific literature shows how CBD oil can help reduce anxiety in patients with a social anxiety disorder. Furthermore, CBD can reduce the severity of traumatic memories, a signature symptom of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).