Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most popular non-psychoactive compound obtained from the cannabis plant, famous for its powerful analgesic properties. As an analgesic drug, cannabidiol is often recommended for the treatment of both nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
And if recent findings are anything to go by, CBD might carry additional therapeutic benefits besides pain relief. The substance can help to treat or manage a wide spectrum of other medical conditions, including anxiety, nausea, epileptic seizures, to mention but a few.
Now, the past few years have seen a growing number of fitness buffs experimenting with CBD. But is CBD effective for workouts??
Lets find out.
First, lets clear the doubt if CBD for athletes is legal?
CBD has many benefits for athletes, yet some are still hesitant to try it. The most common concern is that it could show up in a drug test and lead to a fine or even a ban from professional sports.
In essence, these concerns comes down to one question: Is CBD legal for athletes?
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is an international and independent agency that harmonizes anti-doping policies across all sports and all countries. Each sporting body determines its own rules, but they are all guided by WADA.
In 2017, WADA removed CBD from its prohibited substances list. This means that athletes across almost every sport can now freely use CBD for athletic performance and to help recovery during both training and competitions.
However, while CBD is legal for athletes, THC is still prohibited. This is because THC is classified as a Class B controlled substance in the UK and is on WADA’s list of banned substances.
It’s important to note that some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, but there are legal limits on how much THC can be in a product in the UK.
The THC level should always be below 0.02%, and this can be confirmed through third-party lab testing, and this information should be available to consumers through a CBD certificate of analysis.
In addition, for athletes concerned about passing drug tests, note that CBD will not show up on a drug test, but THC will. Therefore, provided your CBD product does not contain high levels of THC, there should be no risk to athletes.
In short, CBD is legal for athletes, but THC is not – so check your CBD’s certificate of analysis! TAYCO has them listed on our website for your review.
Potential Health Benefits of CBD for Workouts
CBD alleviates workout-induced pain
Pain is the main side effect associated with workouts. Unless you only engage in low-energy forms of exercise, such as yoga, you are bound to experience a degree of pain after each workout.
Now, multiple anecdotal and scientific studies have confirmed that cannabidiol might relieve pain. CBD alleviates pain by interacting with the body's pain receptors that are spread throughout the endocannabinoid system. And the best part is that the substance is effective against both nociceptive and neuropathic pain.
Nociceptive pain refers to the form of pain induced by physical injury or strain to muscles and joints. Common triggers include energy-intensive workouts and car accidents. On the other hand, neuropathic pain refers to the pain that affects the body's nervous system. It often results from chronic illnesses, such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, endometriosis, etc.
CBD reduces DOMS
Delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS) is a special kind of pain that sets in between 1 and 3 days after engaging in a rigorous exercise. DOMS is common among people who follow erratic workout routines. Although DOMS eventually disappears on its own, it could deal a massive blow to your workout schedule while it lasts.
Thankfully, the pain-relieving benefits of CBD can come in handy in reducing the severity of DOMS. CBD might also reduce DOMS by relieving muscle tension. As a muscle relaxant, CBD mimics the effects of conventional drugs like Valium. Of course, the substance offers an added benefit in that you won’t experience the common side effects associated with prescription muscle relaxants, such as sedation, confusion, and trembling.
What's more, you can boost CBDs muscle-recovery benefits by pairing the compound with Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators (SARMs). SARMs are powerful drugs that deliver effects similar to those of testosterone. Remember to read more info on SARMS Canada before pairing the drug with CBD.
CBD alleviates inflammation
Initially, workout-induced inflammation was mostly managed by applying ice to the inflamed areas. But ice proved to be less effective as it delivered short-lasting benefits.
Then came non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). NSAIDs came with a cocktail of benefits, including managing inflammation, pain, fever, and blood clots. Unfortunately, most NSAIDs became infamous for their ability to trigger a host of unpleasant side effects.
If you are looking for an effective anti-inflammatory drug that induces minimal side effects, you should consider CBD. CBD relieves inflammation by reducing the levels and activity of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The substance also exerts its anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting T cell proliferation, inducing T cell apoptosis, and increasing blood flow to the affected areas. Increased blood flow to the inflamed tissues helps to clear out the cellular debris as well as damaged proteins and by-products of muscle activity, such as lactic acid, from the sites.
CBD boosts your energy levels
You need adequate energy to carry out your workouts successfully. Much of that energy comes from the food that you eat. However, conditions like nausea might make it difficult to eat normally, thereby depriving your body of the much-required energy. And that's where cannabidiol comes in.
CBD, in conjunction with the primary psychoactive cannabis compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), can clear the feelings of nausea, making it more comfortable to eat or take your regular workout supplements. When consumed, THC interacts with certain regions of the brain that control the body's reward system.
That explains why recreational cannabis users tend to derive maximum pleasure from the activities that naturally make humans happy. Examples of such activities include working out, eating, traveling, and having sex.
On its part, CBD modulates the effects of THC, preventing risks of overdose.
CBD aids sleep
A good nights sleep increases daytime concentration, which translates to heightened productivity. Adequate sleep can also enhance your athletic performance as well as reduce the risks of depression and chronic illnesses like heart disease and obesity.
Sadly, millions of professional athletes and fitness buffs around the world grapple with various sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
Luckily, this is one area where CBD might help immensely.
Cannabidiol aids sleep by shortening sleep latency. CBD is also associated with increased sleep duration. Another way CBD might aid your sleep is by reducing rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
REM sleep is a period during sleep when much of the dreaming happens. During this period, people often experience nightmares, which could adversely affect their sleep duration. So, by reducing REM sleep, CBD subsequently reduces the number and intensity of your dreams, which translates to longer and more peaceful sleep.
How to choose the best CBD oil for athletes
The biggest concern for professional athletes looking to add CBD to their routine should always be quality, as this will ensure legal THC levels.
There are three types of CBD products available:
Full-spectrum contains CBD, other beneficial cannabinoids and legal levels of THC.
Broad-spectrum contains CBD and other beneficial cannabinoids but no THC.
Isolate contains just the cannabidiol compounds.
For peace of mind, athletes should choose either an isolate or broad-spectrum product. This will minimize the risk of accidentally ingesting THC.
Alongside clear and transparent labeling, CBD sellers should also offer third-party lab testing and a certificate of analysis (COA) for every batch of CBD. This will show the concentration of each cannabinoid in the product, so you can be sure you aren’t taking a product with high levels of THC.
Athletes should also think about the types of products that would work best for them.
CBD oil is the most common way to add it to your daily routine. The drops are placed under the tongue and absorbed through the tiny blood vessels and will get to work fast.
CBD capsules are similar to a vitamin supplement and are absorbed through the digestive system, which means a lower bioavailability.
CBD muscle balms are applied directly to the skin and activate cannabinoid receptors in the skin, but do not absorb into the bloodstream.
Where can you find quality CBD from a TRUSTED BRAND?
TAYCO stands out from the rest of the market because we take pride in producing 100% Solventess CBD oil for the healthiest option for athletes and anyone into fitness overall.
Some Oil retailers produce CBD with harsh solvents that help them cut production corners and can prove to be extremely toxic -- these are the brands that give CBD a bad name.
TAYCo uses a proprietary system that uses Low Heat & Pressure to extract CBD from our hemp flower. This means we avoid all the harsh solvents and get you the good and healthy stuff.
If you're interested in learning more, please don't hesitate to contact us via email or phone, so we can help guide you on dosage and the right TAYCo CBD product for you!