In recent years we have seen how some of the countries around the world timidly pass laws that allow the consumption of CBD, one of the cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. The consumption of treatments with CBD compounds, however, still continues to be a taboo in the area of ​​high-performance sports.

But what is the relationship between CBD and high-performance sports? Is it possible to consume CBD if you practice some professional discipline? How does consuming CBD affect your sports performance?

WHAT IS CBD?

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is one of the main cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. CBD, unlike THC, does not produce any type of psychoactive effect and does not cause alteration of consciousness. Various scientific studies have shown positive results in the use of CBD as a natural treatment in the control of serious degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s or epilepsy. Likewise, CBD is currently used as a muscle relaxant, applied topically through oils and ointments or orally through edible capsules and oils. As products rich in CBD do not have psychoactive effects, their use is quite widespread around the planet, and its commercialization is legal in most countries of the world. But what does CBD have to do with high-performance sport?

POTENTIALS OF CBD IN HIGH-PERFORMANCE SPORT

Being an effective muscle relaxant, CBD is used as the main component of many products today. Its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties make it a perfect ally for people who carry out intense sports activities.

If we consider that the practice of high-performance sports implies an extraordinary physical condition, forged with hours and hours of strenuous physical training, CBD could be an efficient alternative and a companion for high-performance athletes. However, the best thing is that CBD does not increase performance artificially. Cannabidiol, unlike many drugs in common use, is not considered a doping substance, making it ideal for sports.

CBD HAS BEEN LEGAL IN THE SPORTS WORLD SINCE 2018

Since 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency decided to exclude CBD from the list of prohibited substances. This means that any high-performance athlete could use CBD as an effective supplement in the exercise routine of their profession without fear of being sanctioned or expelled from their discipline, either by ingesting it directly or through its dermatological application.

Currently, some athletes publicly admit the consumption of CBD as part of their exercise routine, using it as an effective supplement to reduce muscle inflation and pain after training routines. Despite this, the existing taboo around this plant means that many others do not recognize its consumption.

DOES CBD HAVE NEGATIVE SIDE EFFECTS IN ATHLETES?

Scientific studies on the properties of cannabinoids have been going on for decades. But it has been very recently that the progressive advances in the different legislations worldwide have made it possible to study more broadly the benefits of these substances. It can be affirmed that CBD consumption is safe in all types of users without any psychoactive or negative effects. Recently, also the World Health Organization has issued a report that ensures that CBD is a safe substance and that it does not create any type of addiction.

CANNABIDIOL AND AMATEUR SPORTS

Until now we have focused on the use of CBD in high-performance sport, mainly in collegiate disciplines that carry out exhaustive controls on athletes in search of abuse of prohibited substances, but what is the potential of CBD in amateur sport?

If you are an amateur athlete, you can use CBD products in all its presentations: edible capsules, CBD crystals, vaporizers or topical ointments rich in Cannabidiol. The use of CBD after sports reduces the sensation of pain and muscle inflation instantly. Besides, these types of products can help you reduce anxiety and optimize your appetite.

The best thing is that in most countries of the world, products with isolated CBD are completely legal, so you will not have to worry about anything when purchasing and consuming this type of supplement as part of your daily routine of training.

CONCLUSION

If you want to incorporate this natural remedy without negative side effects to your exercise routine, do not doubt that the different products available based on CBD can be an excellent alternative for both high-performance athletes and amateur athletes.

Of course, always remember to make responsible use of CBD. Make an exercise routine according to your physical abilities, with an adequate diet and efficient hydration. Resting eight hours a day is also vital to ensure that your body recovers energy naturally without overloading the muscles and mental activity.