CBD in sport: benefits and legality

How CBD can improve the physical performance of high-level athletes

Clinical studies on the subject are inconclusive regarding performance enhancement in athletes. The consequence does not appear to be direct or obvious. However, CBD has already shown its benefits, and here's how they impact athletes' lives.

CBD acts on the human body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, sleep, and stress.

One of the main advantages of CBD for athletes is its potential to reduce anxiety and stress before a competition. By helping to calm the mind, CBD can promote increased concentration and better management of pre-competition stress.

Improved sleep stems from this first benefit!

With relaxation, CBD promotes falling asleep and improves sleep quality. This phase is important when preparing for a competition.

Used after sports, CBD shows very good results in sports recovery. It helps combat muscle tissue inflammation and relieves muscle or joint pain.

Results: fewer cramps, less soreness, less pain, and restful sleep for better recovery. All this to be in top shape for every training session.

How to consume CBD in a sports context?

CBD is an organic and natural alternative for athletes! You can introduce it into your sports routine, or use it on certain occasions.

Before training or a competition. CBD acts as an anxiolytic, reducing stress and anxiety. This enhances confidence and concentration, thus improving athletic performance. It promotes falling asleep and helps improve sleep quality.

After training. CBD relieves pain and reduces muscle inflammation, promoting faster recovery. It offers mental and physiological relief. It helps better manage and alleviate pain. This allows athletes to confidently look forward to their next activities and training sessions.

CBD: uses and practical advice

Integrating CBD into your sports practice

To optimize performance and promote optimal recovery, you can integrate CBD into your sports practice. Here are some tips for using it effectively:

• CBD dosage and quality:
• Start with a low dosage of CBD oil, then gradually increase if necessary. You can start with a dose of 10 mg/day. Take your first dose in the evening and observe the effects and reaction time. Then follow the usual dosage advice.
• Forms and methods of consumption:
• CBD oil. The most popular form! Taken sublingually, its effect is rapid. It has the advantage of being versatile and the dosage is easily adjustable. Athletes can also add it to foods (yogurt) or drinks (infusions). Note that CBD oil is fat-soluble, hence the need to add a fatty substance to swallow and absorb it more effectively.

• CBD balm or cream
• Applied topically, CBD balm relieves muscle or joint pain after training.
• CBD capsules
• Pre-dosed, CBD capsules or softgels are practical, discreet, and easy to consume.
• CBD drinks
• There are many CBD drinks for athletes, some American brands have made them their business. We prefer to recommend CBD herbal teas and infusions. This approach is more in line with the desire to find a natural solution with CBD.
• Transdermal patches
• There are hemp patches that are used topically to relieve pain. These patches are usually for single use.

The legal status of CBD in sports

It is important to note that the legal status of CBD can vary from country to country. The French Anti-Doping Agency specifies that the use of cannabis is strictly prohibited in competition. It specifies that all natural and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited with the exception of cannabidiol!

It is important to note that products such as flowers, or even full-spectrum oils, contain THC. Even if the level is below 0.3%, the presence of THC, even in small quantities, can lead to positive tests. And this, even several days after ingestion.

It is therefore recommended to use THC-free CBD products, such as broad-spectrum balms or oils.

Athlete testimonials on CBD use

Cannabidiol is attracting more and more athletes and is of great interest to athletes in competition. Why?

Firstly, because it is a natural solution, and unlike opioids, CBD does not cause any dependence.

Secondly, for the many benefits we have just seen (preparation, recovery, relief).

We have several testimonials from high-level athletes, such as Nicolas Boulay, former Montreal Alouettes player, who states that his CBD consumption helps him fall asleep more easily. This helps him recover more easily.

Other Canadian athletes, such as Mike Cammalleri, former Montreal Canadiens forward, admit that CBD consumption is commonplace. According to him, "it's a healthy option that is popular in locker rooms."

Finally, amateur athletes use it to reduce stress and sleep better. For races like an ultra trail, rest and concentration are essential.

If you want to introduce cannabidiol into your sports preparation, take a few precautions:

• Be careful with the THC level! For competitions, the regulation is a concentration below 150 nanograms per milliliter of urine.
• Consult a health professional, especially if you are already taking other medications or supplements. You can also establish an adapted dosage with them!
• Choose quality products from reputable sources and made from organically grown plants.