CBD for Athletes
Athletes subject their bodies to significant stress based on their physical and physiological load when in competition. This situation can have both positive and negative consequences. While the stress from training encourages adaptation and improved performance, it also contributes to physical pain and prolonged wear and tear, resulting in injuries and pain.
Although current methods of managing pain are effective, they carry inherent risks that have proven fatal. In the quest for safer pain relief and enhanced sports recovery, many individuals are exploring the potential of cannabidiol CBD for athletes.
CBD Basics
It’s important to note that cannabinoids are naturally present in your body. Scientists have identified the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which regulates neuronal activity. Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural phytocannabinoid found in the cannabis plant, distinct from the psychoactive THC also present in cannabis.
Our understanding of how the ECS functions and how CBD affects it is still developing. For example, researchers agree that the endocannabinoid system may modulate sleep problems, explaining why CBD can help promote sleep. Nevertheless, due to CBD’s legal status, research in this field was historically challenging.
Within the nervous system, postsynaptic neurons produce two endocannabinoids (2-AG and EAE) released into the synapse. They bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors on presynaptic neurons, inhibiting the release of specific neurotransmitters.
CB1 receptors are widespread in the brain, spinal cord, and other tissues, while CB2 receptors are more concentrated in immune system tissues. CBD binding to CB1 receptors primarily affects the central nervous system, whereas binding to CB2 receptors significantly reduces swelling.
The ECS seems geared toward maintaining homeostasis by regulating neurotransmitter levels. CBD could be a way to supplement or enhance the activity of your body’s endocannabinoid system.
You subject your body to increased stress as an athlete, resulting in more significant pain and swelling than your endocannabinoid system can manage. Incorporating external CBD may assist this overwhelmed system in regaining control over neurotransmitter levels, aiding athletes in maintaining homeostasis.
CBD vs. THC
Tetracannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two well-known cannabinoids generated from the hemp plant. Each has potential therapeutic benefits and unique properties that affect the body via interactions with the endocannabinoid system.
THC, in particular, is psychoactive and causes the well-known “high” associated with marijuana usage by aggressively attaching to CB1 receptors in the brain. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and lacks the euphoric effects of THC because it does not bind well to CB1 receptors.
Both cannabinoids have therapeutic potential, with THC being commonly used for medicinal features such as pain reduction, muscle relaxation, and hunger stimulation, albeit with euphoric consequences. When it comes to CBD, it is known for its several medical applications, including stress reduction, uncontrolled movement treatment, and swelling, all without the intoxication side effects.
THC is legally restricted because of its psychotropic characteristics, whereas CBD, mainly when produced from hemp, is more commonly accepted and legally available. THC has the potential to cause stress and memory impairment, but CBD is well tolerated, with few known side effects.
THC binds aggressively to CB1 and CB2 receptors, impacting physiological processes, but CBD indirectly influences these receptors, altering the endocannabinoid system more gently. THC and CBD, in essence, have diverse characteristics that cater to different preferences and applications within the world of cannabis-derived substances.
Can CBD benefit athletes?
Products infused with CBD oil have become increasingly popular in the athletic world. This is because of the purported effects of CBD on athletes’ performance. Relevant evidence suggests that CBD can offer various health advantages, from alleviating exercise-induced pain to promoting improved sleep quality. The impact of CBD in the sporting world has led to new commercial or financial relationships between athletes and certain leading CBD companies.
If you’re curious about the science behind CBD for athletes, what follows is a breakdown of the supposed benefits of CBD. This information should help you comprehend how CBD works and the anticipated outcomes for individuals engaged in physical activities.
CBD for a restful sleep.
Sleep quality is critical for athletes, and CBD is gaining widespread popularity as a potential natural aid for restoring balance in the body and promoting overall well-being; these are crucial elements to experiencing a good night’s sleep. CBD influences the peripheral nervous system and can enhance subjective sleep quality among athletes as a potential pain and soreness reliever.
CBD’s capacity to provide sleep-promoting effects lies in its ability to interact with the human endocannabinoid system and the central nervous system.
One recognized effect of CBD is promoting restful sleep by influencing the circadian clock. The latter is a natural internal process related to the endocannabinoid system. The circadian rhythm regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, helping you stay awake during the day and sound asleep during the night. In its interaction with the endocannabinoid system, CBD balances and modulates the circadian rhythm.
As you go through your day, stress and fatigue may accumulate, disrupting your circadian rhythm and hindering the body’s ability to transition into a resting state. CBD’s balancing effects should come into play because it can alleviate stress and tension. Eventually, these effects give you a conducive environment for a night of restorative sleep.
CBD for soreness.
Due to the extreme effects of strenuous exercise or demanding daily chores, your muscles suffer tension due to soreness. Did you know that continuous running, jumping, hitting, and kicking generate muscle breakdown, leading to muscle and digestive soreness?
Now, a little bit of muscle swelling may be beneficial for athletes. But, of course, too much muscle soreness can cause problems in your digestive and musculoskeletal systems. The good news? According to the latest studies, CBD appears to help.
Located in the central nervous system are the CB2 receptors. Based on therapeutic clinical trials, when CBD influences CB2 receptors, they exhibit an anti-soreness effect. This happens by modulating the production of cytokines, which are cell messengers involved in the soreness response. There are also some mechanisms in which CBD affects skeletal muscle metabolism that may lead to pain relief.
As Cannabidiol CBD binds to these CB2 receptors, it regulates the immune system’s response to intense physical exertion or strenuous workouts. Because CBD reduces oxidative stress, CBD could it could be the next big thing to dial down swelling of muscle fibers.
Cannabidiol CBD for pain.
For athletes struggling with recurring pain, specifically in areas such as the knees. This situation often bears the brunt of intense physical activity. Here, CBD could be an emergent therapeutic strategy as a potential solution to enhance comfort and alleviate stress whenever competition occurs. CBD undergoes metabolism through human drug-metabolizing enzymes in the body known as cytochrome P450 enzymes. In particular, CBD is broken down by the CYP3A4 enzyme.
Specific research studies seem to suggest that to reduce the acute and extreme effects of working out, CBD appears to have pain-reducing properties and help in pain management. Many studies support CBD’s ability to address both central and peripheral neuropathic pain. Some research still indicates that CBD may provide significantly superior pain control compared to placebo.
It is also believed that CBD can influence stress hormone release. Specifically, CBD reduces stress response by controlling the production of stress hormones such as cortisol. Such a function explains why CBD can provide pain management to athletes and reduce oxidative stress inflammation by mitigating collateral tissue inflammation.
CBD for Athlete Recovery
The inflammatory response caused by exercise can lead to extreme pain. Current and future research indicates pain CBD products can promote enhanced athlete recovery. If you’re concerned about enhanced recovery, athlete pain management and recovery allow the physiological mechanisms, behavioral and cardiovascular responses to help the pain cascade reduction needed for athlete recovery.
CBD for gut health.
Successful athletes take a holistic approach to becoming competitive and securing wins. They are not only taking good care of their muscles, they are also concerned about their gastrointestinal well-being. Gut issues can pose significant challenges for athletes, affecting their daily lives and, more importantly, their overall performance.
It’s a good thing that CBD could be athletes’ potential ally in achieving and maintaining a healthy digestive system. This effect of CBD is attributed again to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system.
The ECS plays a pivotal role in regulating various physiological processes, including those associated with control and regulation, such as those of the thyroid gland, pituitary gland, pancreas, and kidneys.
By engaging with the cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, CBD contributes to a more balanced and harmonious functioning of these vital gut organs and systems. This interaction is thought to positively influence digestive health, offering potential benefits for athletes dealing with gastrointestinal challenges.
CBD and the muscle recovery process.
Muscle recovery is a known critical aspect of any athlete’s recovery process. This is especially true for professional athletes who face the demands of high-intensity training and exercise-related muscle damage. The fitness community has turned to CBD as a possible solution for encouraging muscle recovery, with big names endorsing its use to relax and facilitate recovery following intense physical activity.
Many athletes encounter the so-called delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This is a discomfort that not only affects an athlete’s physicality but also strains mental and emotional resilience. CBD for athletes has gained enough traction as a potential muscle recovery tool that may address post-workout swelling, contributing to faster recovery of muscle fibers.
Types of CBD for Athlete Products
You’ll discover several types of CBD products when you look for CBD online. Each has its way of helping athletes recover.
CBD Oil
CBD oil extracted from a hemp plant has become a valuable ally for athletes seeking natural solutions to enhance their performance and recovery. The widespread use of CBD oil by athletes is grounded in its potential to address different facets of physical well-being. Moreover, taking CBD sublingually (placed under the tongue) is one effective method of CBD administration.
Firstly, CBD oil can help manage pain and soreness, the two common adversaries of athletes due to their intense training and physically demanding matches. Along with its active compounds, CBD interacts with the human endocannabinoid system, modulating pain receptors and reducing muscle soreness.
CBD Gummies
Another famous option for athletes who are into CBD is CBD gummies. The active cannabinoids and terpenes in CBD may provide targeted effects without the psychoactive effects of THC. When taken as edibles, CBD goes to the digestive system, and this could lead to longer-lasting effects as compared to vaping or tinctures.
Some athletes choose CBD gummies because their effects allow them to recover from strenuous workouts and perform at their best. CBD’s ability to reduce soreness explains why it could offer pain relief for overworked muscles and joints. CBD gummies also promote deeper REM cycles, letting muscles rest throughout the night.
CBD Topicals
These CBD products are also gaining attention from many athletes, amateurs, and professionals alike because of their fast-acting effects to ease muscle and joint pain. Many athletes apply CBD topicals such as balms, lotions, and creams to enjoy the soothing effects of CBD on overworked areas.
Because CBD comes with anti-swelling attributes, they are recognized by many to limit post-workout pain, which could lead to next-day soreness and stiffness. Menthol and other cooling ingredients provide a chilling sensation that distracts the mind from pain perception. Frequent use keeps pain from spiraling into injuries that impair athletic movement.
CBD Capsules
These CBD-based products are emerging as a preferred supplement for athletes looking for physical and mental boosts while in training or competition. Capsules deliver precise CBD doses that are meant to be convenient and controlled. Athletes consume CBD capsules due to their calming effects on sore muscles, explaining why they are incorporated into their recovery strategies.
With continued use, CBD helps the endocannabinoid system reduce pain perception, and this could enable athletes to push through obstacles and bounce back faster. Many consumers of CBD capsules testify that these ingestibles produce calming mental effects. Such impact eliminates jitters and nervousness among athletes.
What to Look for Before Buying CBD Products
To ensure you’re getting the right value for your money, you should be aware of the factors to consider before purchasing CBD products for athletes and fitness. Here are the non-negotiables that you should look for:
Third-party Lab Testing and Certification
Reputable CBD manufacturers send every batch of their final product to an objective, accredited analytical chemistry lab to undergo specialized tests. The lab should not have any affiliation with the manufacturer, so there is no bias or conflict of interest. The most common analyses are the following:
- Cannabinoid potency testing
- Residual solvent testing
- Microbial testing
- Heavy metal testing
- Terpene testing
THC Concentration
Selecting CBD products that are THC-free is extremely important among athletes wanting to enjoy CBD’s effects without failing performance-enhancing drug tests. Even trace amounts of THC may lead to positive test results and disciplinary consequences.
Extraction Method
Athletes interested in purchasing CBD for athletes should understand how CBD oil is extracted from the hemp plant. Whatever type of extraction is used, this dramatically impacts purity and safety.
Hemp Sourcing
When evaluating CBD products for use as an athlete, carefully examining where and how the manufacturing company sources their hemp is critical. Hemp’s natural properties and CBD expression predominantly stem from the soil, climate, and growth/harvest conditions.
Domestically grown hemp from reputable U.S. farms operating under pilot Industrial Hemp Research programs per section 7606 of the 2014 Farm Bill must abide by strict state-governed cultivation protocols. This ensures regulated, verifiable seed, proper crop rotation techniques, allowable pesticide/fertilizer use, and frequent compliance testing nationwide. Domestic programs focus on risk prevention, transparency, and quality control from start to finish.
Ingredient Quality and Transparency
Assessing ingredient quality and label transparency is paramount yet often overlooked. Beyond verifying the CBD source, athletes must consider what other ingredients make up the product.
Transparency empowers athletes to scrutinize how honestly and completely the Supplement Facts panel presents all ingredients. Look for clinical dose ranges of supporting ingredients proven to aid athletic goals. Beware overly vague “propriety blends” masking quantities or listings of “other ingredients.” For peace of mind, contact manufacturers with COAs detailing any potential traces from processing aids and solvents well below danger levels. blindly trusting sketchy labels jeopardize unforeseen banned substances showing up on drug tests.
Customer Reviews
When researching CBD products as an athlete, seeking out genuine customer reviews specific to sports performance goals provides invaluable insight. Beyond physician guidance, learning from peers enduring similar training demands gives you an essential frame of reference while evaluating your options. Comparing ratings and commentary across multiple websites helps identify where superior CBD potency and ingredients shine versus when overhyped products fall short in real-world cases.
What Stirling CBD Offers
CBD Workout Recovery Capsules
Stirling is ready to set their athlete customers on fire with their CBD Workout Recovery Capsules. This premium formula harnesses 25mg of biodynamic full-spectrum hemp extract. The helpful phytocannabinoid matrix targets receptors in the muscle tissue to promote blood circulation.
CBD Energy Gummies
These gummies could be the game-changing CBD edibles athletes need. Stirling formulated their energy gummies to help athletes replace dragging morning fatigue and midday energy crashes. The hydrating sweetness of these gummies comes from the healthy tapioca syrup, replacing tooth-decaying sugar that can impair immunity. Instead of just spiking neurotransmitters, Stirling’s nootropic terpene blend reinforces neural connections for lasting productivity.
CBD Magnesium Cream
Athletes strike gold with the help of Stirling’s CBD Magnesium Cream. This product takes advantage of the beneficial effect of CBD isolate and elemental magnesium. Such a revolutionary formula optimizes 2000mg of CBD and magnesium in a fast-acting CBD topical. Unlike broad or full-spectrum CBD topicals, Stirling’s purity guarantees non-detectable THC with no other cannabinoids that risk failed drug screenings.
CBD Muscle Gel
Stirling’s CBD Muscle Gel delivers 2000mg of commercial-grade CBD isolate in a lightweight, mess-free gel. As testified by our customers, this CBD gel rapidly targets sore, swollen muscles from the most intense training. The cooling menthol and warming capsicum further alleviate spasms for immediate relief, while anti-swelling properties provide lasting mobility to jarred joints.
CBD Cream with Menthol
Soothe sore, inflamed joints and muscles with the cooling relief of Stirling’s CBD Cream with Menthol. Each application harnesses 2000mg of pure CBD isolate and menthol’s icy analgesic touch coursing through aches below the skin’s surface. The fast-absorbing formula leverages hydrating coconut oil, vitamin E-rich sunflower, and ultra-nourishing shea butter for non-greasy skin conditioning, contrasting menthol’s brisk chill.
CBD Muscle and Joint Support Capsules
The Stirling CBD Muscle and Joint Support Capsules are here, ready to become athletes’ ultimate companions for rapid muscle and joint recovery after an intense workout or a taxing day. Stirling understands the need for a swift recovery to maintain peak performance at 100%, and these CBD capsules are up for the job. Our organic ingredients are meticulously selected to address prolonged periods of muscle and joint pain, ensuring you can have the relief you need to keep going.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 1500mg
Stirling THC Free Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 1500mg is the perfect solution for those seeking the remarkable benefits of CBD without traces of THC. With a potency of 1500mg of natural CBD, this vegan-friendly oil will satisfy athletes seeking natural support for their active lifestyles. This CBD oil could be your trusted companion on your athletic journey towards peak performance and vitality.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil 3000mg
This CBD oil is attentively prepared to help athletes address specific issues affecting their performance. Stirling’s Broad Spectrum Oil 3000mg could effectively address post-workout recovery, manage discomfort, and promote overall wellness. This fast-acting CBD tincture has an active blend of ingredients from US-grown hemp plants; it could become your fast-acting, THC-free ally for muscle recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can athletes use CBD products for their performance?
Yes, athletes may use CBD-infused products for their performance without violating anti-doping guidelines set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). For now, CBD is not listed on WADA’s list of prohibited substances, making it permissible for use in sports.
Now, the distinction between CBD with other cannabinoids is crucial because they are not allowed during in-competition periods. WADA prohibits the consumption of THC because it leads to some psychoactive effects, and this might influence cognitive function and performance.
Can CBD make me fail a drug test?
In most cases, pure CBD products should not lead to a positive drug test result on a standard drug test. Such a test is designed to detect the presence of THC, not CBD.
However, some CBD products contain trace amounts of less than 0.3% THC (especially those we classify as full-spectrum CBD). These CBD goods could potentially trigger a positive drug test outcome, especially if there is frequent and high-dosage use.
How much CBD should I consume?
The proper CBD dosage for athletes requires considering certain variables.
CBD Type and Quality: Athletes who prefer pain-relief benefits would typically require high-potency CBD isolates or THC-free CBD oils. Their CBD content should be from 1500mg to 5000mg range.
Athlete’s Weight: Based on research, steady-state blood levels would generally require 1 – 6 milligrams of CBD per 10 pounds of body weight. This may be scaled up or down correctly. For example, a 200-lb athlete may benefit from ingesting 40mg CBD serving sizes. Precision dosing leads to optimal results.
Timing: Athletes may take their CBD supplements daily, depending on the product type (sublingual, oral, or topical). Taking CBD 30-60 minutes before intense physical activities prepares muscle tissues for pre-workout dosing. If you are taking your CBD post-workout, the optimal window for you is to consume or apply CBD within the hour following rigorous training.
Consistent usage over 2-8 weeks enables proper buildup in the body’s endocannabinoid system to realize CBD’s sports performance enhancement benefits. Monitor effects closely and titrate dosing according to your individual therapeutic needs as an athlete.
Is CBD legal?
CBD’s legal status is quite complicated, but it is rapidly evolving. Here are some key points for your reference:
Federally speaking, in the United States, CBD that comes from the hemp plant is legal as long as it contains less than 0.3% of THC. This is following the 2018 Farm Bill.
Many, not all, states allow CBD products just as these have less than 0.3% THC. Broad-spectrum CBD and isolate products with non-detectable levels of THC are legal in most states and allowable under most sports league rules. Full-spectrum products could still cause THC positives.
So, in summary – hemp-derived CBD containing little to no THC tends to fall into a legal grey area on a state-by-state basis. On the one hand, cannabis-derived CBD remains federally illegal.
Your next course of action is to check your state CBD laws and the rules of any relevant athletic commissions. Regulations continue to progress, allowing greater access to CBD.
What are the side effects of CBD?
CBD products that are federally legal are generally safe for athletes to consume. Because CBD is recognized as an emergent therapeutic strategy, many users testify to its effectiveness.
However, certain adverse reactions might still occur for various reasons. Here are the known side effects of CBD:
- Irregular bowel movements
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Interactions with other current medications
- Dizziness
As such, if these symptoms worsen, seek help from a medical professional immediately.
What does the World anti-doping agency say about CBD for athletes?
The World Anti-Doping Agency has approved pure CBD for its athletes. CBD improves behavioral and cardiovascular responses caused by novel therapeutic agents – like serotonin and opioid interactions to minimize your body’s immune responses regulated by the ECS.
