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Whether you are a weekend warrior, frequently at the gym, or a competitive athlete, we are all looking for ways to speed recovery, reduce muscle & joint soreness (pain), reduce inflammation, increase focus and energy, and optimize performance.  And, if you are a competitive athlete, you may need to stay within specific testing guidelines to remain eligible for a competition that limits what medications and supplements you can use.  Many professional (and non-professional) athletes are turning to CBD as a natural, safe, effective option to support their athletic training regimen and daily diet.

We have seen athletes run into trouble with marijuana use because it is still federally illegal and unregulated by the FDA, mainly because of the chemical compound THC (that causes you to feel high) found in the marijuana plant. CBD is different, being derived from the hemp plant containing minute traces of THC (legal amount 0.3%) and does not cause any psychoactive effects.

Does CBD Support a Healthy & Active Lifestyle

The first thing to address is whether CBD helps support a healthy and active lifestyle while making a recovery, pain relief, increased focus & energy, and quality rest possible in athletics. The short answer – is yes. But it is essential to note that not all CBD products are created equal. When choosing a CBD company, ensure they provide full panel lab reports showing the potency and label accuracy and are safe from toxins.

There are three types of CBD hemp-derived products.

  1. Full spectrum products contain all the naturally occurring plant compounds, cannabinoids, terpenes, and trace amounts of THC (legal limit of 0.3%), which could appear on a urinalysis.
  2. Broad Spectrum products have a spectrum of plant compounds, cannabinoids, and terpenes without any trace of THC. *This would be a great option as it contains 0% THC.
  3. Isolate products only have one cannabinoid/compound, CBD, and zero % THC.

*Good option with 0% THC; however, you lose the other beneficial plant compounds found in a broad spectrum product containing 0% THC.

Topicals offer a great way to help with localized pain-soreness-inflammation in the muscle and joints. Look for topicals with proven pain-relieving properties, like Arnica, Capsaicin, Lemongrass, Turmeric, Camphor & Menthol, that will give a cooling-warming sensation while helping to numb the pain away.

How Does Professional Sports Feel About CBD?

The NFL, NBA, and MLB do not mention CBD in their list of substances, but THC is, so by default CBD is Highly recommended not to use. However, the NFL & NBA are currently doing their own studies on the best way to allow their athletes to use CBD.

The World Anti-Doping Agency has removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances allowing the sports organizations like FIFA, NHL, and MMA to use CBD.

Research suggests that CBD is a viable option for treating pain and inflammation naturally without using heavier painkillers or other medications that may have a host of short-term and long-term side effects. A study published in Sports Medicine reported positive findings in their research for the use of CBD as a tool to support sports performance, “CBD has been reported to exert several physiological, biochemical, and psychological effects that have the potential to benefit athletes. For instance, there is preliminary supportive evidence for CBD’s anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, analgesic, and anxiolytic actions and the possibility it may protect against GI damage associated with inflammation and promote the healing of traumatic skeletal injuries.” While more studies are needed, initial research and significant anecdotal evidence point to CBD as a useful tool for athletes in recovery, pain management, and general well-being.

Additionally, consulting your physician and your specific athletic organization or agency is essential to ensure CBD is not prohibited. Before making any changes to your health and wellness regimen, it is essential to consult your physician first if you have any medical conditions or taking any medications to ensure safety and prevent any potential drug interactions.

The FDA has not evaluated these products and statements. These products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please consult your physician before making any changes to your health and wellness regimen; it is essential if you have any medical conditions or taking any medications to ensure safety and prevent any potential drug interactions. Nature’s Therapy provides resources and links for information purposes only and is not intended to persuade, promote false hope, mislead, or make unsubstantiated health claims.

Resoures & Links:

https://sportsmedicine-open.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0