Should Athletes Take CBD?
When it comes to health and fitness, CBD has started to make headlines. Athletes like Klay Thompson and Rob Gronkowski have endorsed its use in their own athletic careers. This may have you wondering whether it has a place in your health and wellness routine.
Should athletes take CBD? Is it legal to use before athlete events? Is it something that could help you in your own athletic pursuits? Keep reading for all you need to know.
Why would you want to use CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol. It is the second most prevalent of the active ingredients found in cannabis. It does not contain any psychoactive properties, unlike THC, which is the other major active ingredient in hemp. While studies are still being done, CBD has been reported to help with pain with only mild side effects. This is advantageous for those seeking to improve their health without harming their athletic game.
Is CBD legal for athletic events?
If you love the idea of CBD, but you’re worried about jeopardizing your athletic career, you’ll be relieved to hear that CBD was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances in 2018.
That said, you should still double-check with your organization. While CBD does not contain THC, there have been some cases where people have tested positive for THC after using CBD products. Why is this? Well, in all likelihood, the CBD was likely contaminated or mislabeled.
This is why it’s essential that you only use CBD from safe and reliable sources. Regardless of whether or not you are drug-tested, you want to make sure you know what you are putting in your body. Read product labels and do your research. High-quality is always the way to go – even if you have to pay more for it!
Why should I consider CBD?
Often, injuries or inflammation prompts athletes to turn to pain medication. If you’re looking for a natural alternative to medicine, CBD may help. CBD is both a natural and non-addictive product.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that “CBD exhibits no effects indicative of any abuse or dependence potential…To date, there is no evidence of public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.”
Consider using this product in place of opioids and other prescription drugs with the approval of your doctor. This is especially important if you take other medications as CBD has the potential to alter the way your body breaks down these medicines.
Final thoughts
Is CBD for the athlete in you? Only you can tell! CBD still has a lot of unknowns, and it’s being explored in studies every single day. That said, all current studies have indicated that it’s worth pursuing through additional research. Just make sure you include your doctor in the conversation about CBD. They can help you start with the right dose and ensure that it doesn’t mix poorly with medications that you’re taking.