CBD and the Athlete: Recovery, Pain Management, and Performance Enhancement

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a small yet therapeutic compound derived from the hemp plant. It is attracting significant attention from scientists worldwide for its potential health benefits. Its usage is growing for chronic conditions as well as everyday health issues, such as stress and pain.

One potential aspect under discussion is the role of CBD gummies, oils, or tinctures in athletic performance. By addressing common challenges faced by athletes, such as muscle cramps, fatigue, and inflammation, CBD products are in the spotlight. 

Can CBD gain the status of an FDA-approved supplement in the near future? Let’s explore its science-backed effects and how it may support sports training and recovery.

Potential Therapeutic Role of CBD for Athletes

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) approved CBD as a safe substance in 2018. Its removal from the list of prohibited substances opened the door for athletes to explore its therapeutic uses.

Have a look at the following science-backed advantages of CBD products for sports:

Speedy Recovery

Exercise-induced muscle damage is quite common among athletes, as they regularly undergo high-impact training sessions. This type of muscle damage can also lead to other harmful health markers, such as reduced insulin sensitivity, increased inflammation, muscle soreness, and decreased performance.

Various natural therapies, including active and passive rest, help athletes recover from muscle damage by speeding up the natural healing process. Recently, cannabinoid-based products have gained recognition as another potentially effective and natural therapy for managing exercise-induced muscle damage.

According to a study, CBD has shown potential as a supplement for athletes following resistance training. CBD supplementation was found to be effective in reducing muscle damage and showed improvements in performance after 72 hours.

Pain Management

Strength training, particularly eccentric exercises, is an essential part of athletic training for building physical strength and improving control over body movement. However, such exercises often lead to muscle inflammation and damage, causing pain and discomfort.

Using painkillers to relieve pain or discomfort may provide only short-term relief. Long-term use is also associated with several side effects, including liver and kidney damage and cardiovascular issues. Therefore, a safer alternative is essential for athletes to cope with routine muscle soreness and pain.

CBD has been found to be effective in reducing pain due to its anti-inflammatory properties. In a study, CBD was used for pain relief, without the involvement of THC, the psychoactive compound. As CBD is free from intoxicating effects, it has been gaining recognition as a safe pain management method.

Athletic Performance

In professional sports, sustainable performance is the primary objective, with the aim of maximizing the body’s full potential without injury. That’s why training sessions come with recovery intervals to allow healing and restoration.

The role of CBD in athletic performance is still under discussion, and more evidence is required to establish a direct link between CBD and sustainable sports performance. However, there is enough evidence to confirm the supportive role of CBD for athletes in terms of speeding up healing, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain. All these aspects help athletes maintain performance and make recovery intervals more therapeutic for overall wellness.

The world is waiting for more clinical trials involving larger sample sizes to obtain more accurate results regarding its effectiveness.

Types of CBD Products for Athletes

Athletes can benefit from CBD either through oral consumption or topical application.

CBD Orals

CBD orals are available in various forms, such as tinctures and gummies. Those looking for quick results often prefer tinctures, as they are administered sublingually and enter the bloodstream rapidly. For flavor and ease of administration, gummies are the best choice.

CBD Topicals

Apart from gummies and tinctures, CBD oil for topical application is an effective way to reduce pain and discomfort in specific body areas. If you experience muscle cramps, massaging the oil into the affected region can provide faster relief, as CBD penetrates the skin tissues.

Possible Side Effect of CBD

Generally, CBD products are considered safe, and no serious side effects have been reported to date. However, users may experience minor issues such as:

• Tiredness

• Diarrhea

• Nausea 

• Dry Mouth

• Digestion issues

• Weight gain or loss

• Sudden increase or decrease in appetite

Pregnant and breastfeeding women must refrain from using such products, as there is no clear evidence regarding their safety yet. Moreover, if you are on certain medication, use these products only after consulting a qualified healthcare provider.

Legal Status of CBD Products Globally

To date, Epidiolex is the only FDA-approved drug containing CBD. However, a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider is a must for its sale. This medication is specifically designed for the treatment of Lennox–Gastaut syndrome and has been found effective in controlling seizures.

So, what about other CBD-based edibles, including gummies, oils, and tinctures?  According to Section 201, the FD&C Act, CBD products cannot be marketed or sold as dietary supplements. However, the 2018 Farm Bill gave an edge to hemp-derived CBD products. 

Under this legislation, hemp was removed from the list of controlled substances under federal law. As a result, hemp products containing CBD with no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight gained legal status at the federal level.

However, laws and regulations governing CBD products vary by state. So, it is important to follow local regulations and remain cautious, especially when traveling between states while carrying these products.

Bottom Line 

After the Farm Bill, CBD products have increasingly been used as complementary therapies for athletes. Without relying on pharmaceutical options like painkillers, users may experience pain relief and support for the natural healing process.

From CBD gummies and tinctures to topicals such as oils, creams, and gels, these products are helping athletes achieve sustained performance. However, choosing a reliable supplier is essential to ensure you get high-quality CBD derived from hemp. 

Many manufacturers mislabel their products as pure CBD, while they may contain THC levels exceeding 0.3%. Such products can cause psychoactive effects or dependency. Always choose products that are tested by third-party laboratories for surety.