Legal highs have always been a hot-button issue in the sports environment. The use of drugs by athletes evokes many controversies, and when they are caught red-handed, it’s more than likely that they’ll be disqualified from the competition. But do all drugs have a negative impact on athletes’ organisms? What about CBD, which is getting more and more popular? It’s one of 100 cannabinoids occurring in the cannabis plant. However, in contrast to another component of the plant, THC, it doesn’t have psychoactive effects. Quite the contrary, it’s commonly known for its curative properties. Not only can it help athletes overcome their health problems, but it can significantly improve their general sports performance. And today, it’s widely available. You can find it in many marijuana dispensaries in Nevada, where you are provided with all different possible products, such as edibles, beverages, concentrates, tinctures, topicals, and many others. Although many people still don’t understand why athletes decide to take this substance, here are their chief reasons.
Relieves Pain
First of all, CBD is regarded as a non-psychoactive treatment for pain. Musculoskeletal pain, stiff joints, and muscle soreness are among the most common athletes’ ailments felt during or after an intense workout. The pain can be unbearable. To replace a pile of painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), sportspeople may take CBD products, which are a healthier option. They are a good alternative for opioids, which carry the risk of addiction or even death by overdose. Although CBD may not be as effective as opioids for high-intensity pain, it’ll certainly be beneficial for long-term pain management, while taken alone or with other less risky medications.
Reduces Inflammation
Moreover, CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It’s essential to reduce too much inflammation from athletes’ bodies since it may hinder recovery and negatively affect their performance on the sports field. Cannabinoid interacts with CB2 receptors in the brain, reducing cytokine and reducing the response when your immune system seems to be overexerted after a hard workout.
Helps with Gut Problems
Other problems existing among professional athletes are gut problems. Although CBD can’t deal with your stomach ache caused by dehydration or overheating, it can reduce the symptoms of inflammation issues connected with gut, usually evoked after intense training.
Treats Minor Injuries
But what about minor injuries that athletes receive very often? Among them, there are scratches, bruises, or scars. It turns out that using topical forms of CBD, like balms, can provide the same benefits as other ingestion methods. They work even faster since they are applied directly to the skin and the place of injury. That’s why these products can help you get rid of muscle pain, but also any skin problems, like psoriasis.
Reduces Stress and Improves Sleep Quality
Aside from the physical effects of CBD, there are many mental benefits linked to its usage. It significantly reduces the level of stress an athlete can feel before their performance. Moreover, taking CBD improves their sleep quality, making them more relaxed. It’s caused by CBD inhibiting the reuptake of adenosine, which helps it accumulate more quickly in the brain and makes you feel sleepy sooner. Thanks to that, you are likely to go to bed more quickly and have a more restful sleep. And being fully rested is necessary to perform well both during practice and a sports event.
Can Help Enhance Athletic Performance Overall
All these benefits of CBD are crucial in terms of the final athletic performance. But of course, if you’re a beginner, you should start with a low dose to see how your body reacts after its intake. Also, you shouldn’t take it just before a workout or a competition. When you use it for a longer period of time, and you’re satisfied with its effects, you can start using higher doses and even take it during physical activity. But ideally, always contact your doctor so that you’ll be certain to apply a proper amount of CBD according to your body weight and demand.
If you don’t like swallowing pills or vaporizing, there are also other forms of CBD, more tailored to sportspeople, like CBD coffee, pre-workout drinks, and different types of creams and balms for topical use. So, choose what suits you the best and enjoy the positive effects of CBD.
While certain drugs and medicines may be risky for athletes, who may be excluded from competition for taking them, taking CBD shouldn’t cause them to test positive for THC, especially when they don’t choose full-spectrum products. Although some people point to its side effects, such as fatigue and diarrhea, as well as changes in weight and appetite, its benefits considerably outweigh drawbacks, which are rarely seen.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for information and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to reflect the specific views of the publication.
