CBD for Athletes: What You Should Know

Ricky Fowler, Rob Gronkowski, Klay Thompson, and Megan Rapinoe are just four of many famous athletes that use CBD to help recover after practice.

CBD is becoming quite popular among athletes and fitness lovers all over. It is said to help with sleep, anxiety, and even sore muscles after a workout.

If you are struggling with muscle pain, CBD might be able to help.

Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about CBD for athletes.

What Is CBD?

CBD is one of many cannabinoids taken from the Cannabis sativa plant. The two most common cannabinoids used today are CBD and THC. Though, they have very different effects.

CBD is known for its calming properties that can aid in restful sleep and pain management. It is not psychoactive, and you can find it in a variety of forms such as gummies, oils, lotions, and pills.

The Legality of CBD for Athletes

As of 2022, cannabidiol or CBD is legal for athletes to use according to the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances. Yet, the psychoactive cannabinoid THC is still prohibited.

Taking CBD should not affect the results of any drug test, as long as the product contains no THC. One way to make sure of this is to only buy CBD isolate instead of full-spectrum CBD.

Can CBD Help Sore Muscles After a Workout?

After a workout athletes can choose to take CBD orally to try to reduce pain over their entire bodies. Yet, if they feel pain in one specific spot, topical CBD can target the affected area to relieve muscle pain faster. Some of the best CBD energy gummies can give you energy boost and beat fatigue without making you feel jittery and anxious.

CBD relieves pain for many athletes despite having little research done on its effects. Whether you decide to use an edible or CBD topical balm you are likely to feel relief from sore muscles after a workout.

The Benefits of CBD for Athletes

CBD has several benefits that can help athletes recover and perform better each day. From dealing with sore muscles to achieving better sleep, CBD may help with an array of problems affecting how you play.

Alternative to NSAIDs and Opioids

Long-term use of over-the-counter NSAIDs or opioids can lead to major health problems. Because of this, many athletes are trying to find safer alternatives to relieve workout pain.

Some use CBD as that alternative. So far, CBD has not been found to have any serious adverse effects after use. This makes it a valuable substitute for NSAID and opioid use.

Improve Sleep

Getting good sleep is imperative when you have a long day of athletics ahead of you. Restful sleep allows our bodies to recharge, repair tissue, and even grow muscle.

The use of CBD can aid in getting a good night’s sleep. It may lead to slowing down brain activity, making you feel calmer, and helping you fall asleep. It’s possible that it also helps with feelings of anxiety.

Try CBD

If you often have sore muscles after a workout, and you are looking for a new way to recover, CBD could be for you. Even though more research needs doing, CBD shows much promise in aiding muscle recovery.

When you want to learn more about the benefits of CBD, check out the rest of my healthy living page to find similar articles to this one.