The Effect of CBD on Athletic Performance
CBD already has fervent advocates among high-level athletes. Its daily use has even led the UFC, the world's largest mixed martial arts organization, to launch a study aimed at demonstrating the molecule's usefulness in sports performance.
Aurora Cannabis and the UFC team up for CBD research.
A brand new research initiative is about to be launched: Aurora Cannabis, a company based in Edmonton, Canada, wants to demonstrate whether hemp-derived cannabidiol (CBD) products can play a role in supporting athlete recovery and performance.
"We are seeking tangible and truthful evidence of the usefulness of this action," says Jason Dyck, independent director of the Aurora Cannabis board of directors.
Aurora Cannabis will be able to count on the support of the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), the famous mixed martial arts federation, a true driving force in this research endeavor.
"This is an Aurora-led partnership," Dyck specifies. "As an independent director, I will generally oversee the planned research with the UFC."
Dyck confides that he learned that many UFC athletes were already using CBD products, either orally or topically. This further justifies the need for this research: "The UFC felt they needed a major research component to validate the efficacy of this. They wanted us to collaborate with them and study how hemp-derived CBD helps athletes in various areas."
Dyck and his team will first focus on CBD itself: can it reduce inflammation to improve athletes' performance and training?
Other clinical studies will aim to gather information on pain management and recovery after injury, physical exercise, or mental health.
CBD must be adapted to the athlete.
While the benefits of CBD are the research priority, it will also be important to focus on any potential adverse effects of its use.
Jason Dyck adds on this subject: "Everyone's biology is different, and reactions to all medications will therefore be diverse. We don't anticipate negative side effects, but again, we'll be looking for... maybe it increases anxiety in some people, or maybe it has no effect."
Dyck suggests in this regard that most CBD products should be customized to respect the biology of each athlete.
The research will be conducted at the UFC Performance Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada, by Dyck and his teams. The UFC sports performance team will also be present, in addition to the athletes who volunteer.
If the results prove that CBD offers advantages for athletes, Dyck believes that the potential benefits would extend beyond high-level sports.
