Cannabis and cannabis products in sports: much more than just a supplement.
Meaning, purpose and possible applications for athletes.
When it comes to treating competitive athletes, hemp and cannabis products have long been an essential part of the sports medicine and physical therapist suitcase: to support regeneration, but also to quickly restore a healthy physique from injuries. Or against the internal stress that often comes with the need to go in for professional sports. So far, everything is clear. On the other hand, the question of which cannabis products are specifically used in what form is not easy to answer. This depends on the sport and its doping rules, as well as the legislation of the respective country. However, the good news is that everyone can agree with CBD.
The intoxicating image of cannabis is considered obsolete not only in pain relief, psychotherapy and cancer treatment. Even ambitious athletes, whose physical health is a basic requirement, for whom even a daily diet often follows a strict plan, cannabis is just as recognized as a protein shake for training.
Most athletes rely on non-THC supplements. This is mandatory in the country where it is permitted by law. But even where cannabis and THC are legalized, CBD is more likely to be used. On the one hand, this is due to the unwanted effects of THC on the mind, and on the other, to the rules regarding doping and prohibited substances. Very few professional leagues in well-known sports have the same leeway as the NHL’s North American Hockey League. THC is still on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Banned Substance List. CBD, on the other hand, was delisted in 2018. A solution that likely has a large share in the rapidly growing demand for CBD among athletes, as well as outside of competitive sports, where doping is not an issue anyway, is generating growing acceptance. The question remains: what is CBD for? Where doping is not an issue anyway, which is shaping the growing acceptance.
CBD for trauma.
CBD hemp products have a great reputation, especially in (full) contact and occasional sports (like hockey, martial arts, football, or handball). The reason is simple: this is where the risk of injury is most apparent. Since CBD can provide anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain relieving properties, it is the best alternative to conventional pain relievers for many athletes. It is administered either as an oil or as an ointment on the body.
CBD for regeneration.
The use of CBD in a sports context is in no way limited to acute pain relief, immediate injury, or inflammation. Quite the opposite. The benefits of CBD, thanks to which the cannabinoid is also used outside of sports, are even more noticeable in the context of a challenging training plan and / or with regular physical activity, keyword: regeneration. Just as important as sports training are intermediate phases in which the body can recover or recover from stress. Although this time is also called the resting phase, the term is misleading.
During this time, a lot happens in the body. It is then that the important processes that first of all provide effective, sustainable increase in performance and success in training are triggered: nutrient reserves are replenished, cellular tissue is renewed, training patterns are absorbed at the neural level, organs, cardiovascular system and enzyme equipment are restored. adapted to the load level. These processes are essential for training success or fundamental athletic development. If the body cannot regenerate (for example, due to overtraining), nutrient deficiencies arise, the risk of injury increases and the immune system becomes more susceptible to all diseases.
CBD can make a valuable contribution to these phases of regeneration. The potentially anti-inflammatory effect of CBD oil can support cell defense and thus promote effective muscle regeneration.
Good sleep for good work.
A healthy diet appropriate for the workload and adequate and adequate sleep are also important for effective regeneration. With the latter, CBD can also make a positive contribution and is also recommended for sleep disturbances, anxiety and stress. The current research situation suggests that CBD does not have a direct effect on sleep or fatigue, but does promote stress reduction and physical relaxation. This is especially beneficial for athletes who are exposed to high pressure during exercise or other psychological stress.
Not just for professionals.
For most nutritional supplements, it is critical for athletes to know which nutrients and how much are right for your workout – and at what point in time they need to enter the body in order to best contribute to the desired training success. Indeed, mistakes in selection or dosage can change the desired result.
On the other hand, handling and using CBD is much easier: CBD oil, approved as a dietary supplement, is dripped under the tongue in the morning and evening – that’s all. The dosage is individual. However, since CBD is considered to be largely free of side effects, you can feel free to approach the ideal dosage.