CBD: an alternative to cannabis in elite sports?
The multiple benefits of CBD in sports
While CBD was removed from the list of prohibited substances compiled by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) three years ago, the molecule had already won over professional athletes. Including some iconic ones: Eugene Cullen (American football), Bas Rutten and Nate Diaz (MMA), and Floyd Landis (cycling). All these champions have declared using CBD and seeing its benefits.
In this specific case, two types of benefits can be distinguished: before and after exercise. Before exercise, high-level athletes have reported observing improved concentration and a better ability to anticipate and take risks. Reduced stress and increased energy, without increasing the "nervousness" factor, have also been mentioned.
Regarding post-exercise, benefits reported by users include reduced muscle cramps and soreness, accelerated recovery, reduced inflammation, better pain tolerance, higher sleep quality, and faster healing after injuries. Taking CBD before and/or after exercise seems to promote a reduction or even a substitution for generic painkillers (like ibuprofen), as well as those with potentially addictive opioid concentrations.
CBD products tailored to athletes' needs
Whether CBD is taken before or after exercise, there are different types of products adapted to the tastes, challenges, and goals of all high-level athletes. Some of them claim to include CBD daily in their routine, as a dietary supplement. In this specific case, infusions are preferred.
In other cases, it is used for a given situation. Example: an intense training session that will generate inflammation, soreness, and general muscle fatigue. High-level athletes know their bodies; they can anticipate dysfunctions and understand the impact of training. Here, some of them apply oil to their muscles as a massage after a session. This is a preventive and anticipatory approach aimed at preserving training cycles and the ability to repeat efforts.
While CBD is a component of recovery protocols and routines for some high-level athletes... it is now attracting the interest of experienced and amateur athletes, whose workloads are less intense and recurrent. The beginning of a new trend?
