What is CBD?
CBD also known as Cannabidiol is one of many active ingredients that are derived from the Cannabis plant. Many people do not know that the Cannabis plant has both male and female parts. The male version of the plant is well known as hemp, the hemp plant contains high amounts of CBD combined with low amounts of THC amongst many other active ingredients. Contrarily, the marijuana plant contains high amounts of THC coupled with low amounts of CBD. While the chemical makeup of both plants are similar the effects on the body are very different.
CBD is a naturally produced compound by the human body. The endocannabinoid system is responsible for modulating the activity of neurons. While both CBD and THC interact with the endocannabinoid system, the two molecules impact the central nervous in different ways.
The primary function of the endocannabinoid system is to maintain homeostasis (balance) in other words monitor neurotransmitter activity. CBD is considered to be a supplement that leverages CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain. When CBD binds to CB1 receptors, it impacts the central nervous system, while the CB2 receptor directly impacts inflammation. This information suggests that CBD could potentially supplement endocannabinoid system activity.
CBD oil can be extracted from both the hemp and marijuana plant. When sourcing CBD it is important to investigate where the CBD is being sourced and extracted. This information will help you determine whether or not the CBD you are interested in purchasing will yield the results that you are expecting.
Is CBD legal for Athletes?
To answer your question, CBD for Athletes is legal. At the beginning of 2018 CBD, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed from the prohibited list of substances while THC amongst other synthetic cannabinoids remained banned. It is important to note that legality within and outside of sports differs. It is important to check the cannabis laws in your area for clarity.
It is very important to understand the chemical make-up of the product being considered. CBD oil can be created from both the hemp and cannabis plants. In order to avoid any psychoactive effects it is important to seek hemp-derived CBD in its pure isolate form. This process typically involves CO2 extraction, then formed into a crystalline at 99% purity. CBD is then typically added to a carrier oil to increase its bioavailability. Athletes who use CBD are recommended to ensure that they are using CBD oil in its pure isolate form.
Benefits of CBD for Athletes
Pain Relief
Studies have shown that CBD for athletes can be effective in providing pain relief particularly musculoskeletal pain from exercise, as well as stiff joints.
Unlike OTC pain killers that mask most pain completely while giving athletes a false sense of ability when having serious injuries. CBD is a much clearer way to combat the pain, without masking it, but rather truly relieving pain long term.
Moreover, according to the CDC, in 2016 opioids were involved in more than 42,000 deaths in the US. Although opioids are highly effective for pain management, they come with a significant risk for addiction and death by overdose. CBD for pain is a great alternative for individuals that are seeking a long term pain management solution that does not yield negative long term side effects.
Research explains that Athletes who use CBD workout recovery may potentially heal from intense body pain and muscle soreness at a faster rate with improved long term pain management ability.
Game Day Stress or Anxiety
Prior to an important game, it is common for Athletes to experience increased feelings of stress or anxiety. This stress and anxiety could potentially influence their performance. CBD is well known for its anti-depressant/anxiolytic properties, unlike habit-forming anti-depressants like Zoloft, Xanax, and Prozac many patients who struggle with depression and anxiety have turned to the non-habit forming and all-natural CBD oil as an alternative. CBD leverages CB1 and CB2 receptors to encourage homeostasis in the brain, hence decreasing stress and anxiety levels.
Neuroprotection and Head Injuries
CBD can act as a neuroprotector, while also decreasing head injury recovery time. A study in 2014, “out of 446 patients who had suffered from Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) about 97% of those who had previously used cannabis prior to the event survived the TBI”. Contrarily 88% of those who did not take any cannabis products also survived the TBI. This research suggests that cannabis decreases the likelihood of patients suffering from life-threatening brain injuries.
Enhances Quality of Sleep
CBD can potentially help with inducing a more restful sleep cycle. CBD is responsible for inhibiting the reuptake of Adenosine triphosphate. Adenosine breaks down as your brain burns carbohydrates for energy, and adenosine gradually accumulates in the brain. More adenosine in the system helps brain activity slow down, helping you feel calmer, and inducing a fluid sleep cycle. As Adenosine levels go down, this triggers our brain to wake up when we feel rested. In addition to this, CBD can potentially help with reduces feelings of anxiety and stress; two variables that are directly related to insomnia/sleep challenges.
How much CBD should I use?
There is no hard guideline to how much CBD you should take. The good news is, it is virtually impossible to overdose on CBD. With that being said, there are a few variables that can help you gauge how much CBD you may want to take. Take a look at our CBD dosing chart for more details.
Concentration
The concentration of the CBD oil will help you determine how much millilitres you would like to absorb. An oil tincture with 1000mg versus an oil tincture with 250mg will yield different results when consuming 1ml.
Body Weight
An individual with a bodyweight of 230lbs versus an individual with a bodyweight of 130lbs will process CBD differently. Someone with a higher body weight will require more CBD than someone with low body weight.
Tolerance
An individual who has taken CBD or THC before will process CBD differently than a person that has never taken CBD in the past. If you have a history with marijuana or cannabis products it is possible that you may need to
Conclusion
CBD for athletes can potentially yield several health benefits. The emergence of new CBD research suggests that by leveraging the endocannabinoid system it is possible that patients can experience improved sleep cycles, pain relief, and decreased stress/anxiety levels. CBD is a great option for individuals who are seeking a holistic approach to long term health issues. Health experts are beginning to recommend CBD for Athletes.