More than 400 chemical components comprise cannabis, including 60 cannabinoids directly affecting our endocannabinoid, a neurotransmitter system.
For sports organizations, athletes, and scientists, the distinction between these substances—CBD and THC—and their impacts on performance are urgent issues; nevertheless, there has been very little research and study into the various effects of these substances.
One of the more than 100 naturally occurring cannabinoids in the cannabis plant is CBD. Even though there is little study on CBD, it can potentially treat various ailments, such as joint pain, inflammation, and sore muscles connected to athletic competition.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and CBD share many of the same potential advantages, although THC has psychoactive effects. For this reason, the potential usage of THCa is being increasingly explored. This does not produce any psychoactive effects until heated, meaning that THCa flower Florida (and products sourced from other areas) may have some important future potential in the world of sports.
Here are some reasons athletes from all sports are experimenting with CBD and what you should know about it based on what we currently know.
CBD Is a Non-Psychoactive Pain Reliever
According to research, CBD has the potential to ease pain and reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial for athletes engaging in strenuous exercise. THC can relieve pain but has specific undesirable side effects that could impair athletic performance.
A 2004 lab rat study found that THC does not appear to have the same short-term memory effects as CBD.
And unlike other painkillers like THC and opiates, CBD doesn't seem to have the potential for abuse or dependence, according to a 2018 report from the World Health Organization.
In fact, according to some studies, CBD may be utilized to treat opiate addiction as well as reliance on other drugs.
Since CBD technically acts on the same cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptors in the brain as THC, the term "non-psychoactive" is controversial in some medical circles.
The effects are different, however, and CBD won't make you high because it interacts differently with those receptors.
CBD Side Effects
CBD can cause mild adverse effects in some persons, but not many.
The most frequent negative consequences of CBD consumption, per research from 2017, are fatigue, diarrhea, weight changes, and appetite changes.
The Legality of CBD in Athletic Events
In 2018, the World Anti-Doping Organization delisted CBD from its list of drugs. With the notable exception of Major League Baseball, most major sports leagues, and athletic associations continue to forbid the use of THC.
If you choose CBD over full-spectrum products, taking CBD shouldn't result in a THC-positive test. Depending on the test type utilized, there have been occasional cases of persons testing positive for THC after ingesting CBD.
If you purchase CBD from an unreliable source, it is more likely to be contaminated or mislabeled.
You may want to avoid consuming CBD if you are an athlete who must submit to drug testing. If you decide to take it, choose a high-quality product by reading the labels and researching.
What You Should Know Before Consuming CBD
Because cannabis has analgesic qualities and endocannabinoids, which control hunger, emotions, and memory, more athletes are using cannabis as an alternative to painkillers.
As an athlete, burning calories during your period can be complemented by exploring the potential benefits of cannabis, offering a comprehensive approach to managing both physical exertion and menstrual discomfort.
While some athletes use CBD-based products to speed up recovery, soothe pain, and reduce stress, others utilize high THC content to sharpen their focus and perform better.
Cannabis is often used by athletes seeking respite from strenuous training regimens since it regulates fatigue and can ease both physical and emotional stress.
Athletes who eat the plant rather than smoke it can still benefit from it without the adverse side effects of smoking.
Even though CBD has natural origins and only a few minimal adverse effects, you should still consult a doctor before using it. It is particularly valid if you have a health issue or are taking medicine.
Some pharmaceuticals and CBD may interact, affecting how the body metabolizes these drugs. It is exceptionally accurate for medications that the liver processes.
If you're new to using CBD, start with minimal dosages and avoid taking it soon before a sporting event or other exercises. If you become accustomed to its effects, you can use greater doses and consider taking it before or during physical exercise.
You can experiment with various CBD applications and consumption methods. There are several CBD products besides the usual tinctures and capsules, like CBD coffee, pre-workout drinks, and muscle balms.
The same advantages as other ingestible forms of CBD are expected to be offered by topical CBD. According to a recent study published in an Italian medical journal, CBD balms may be used to treat psoriasis and scarring.
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Cannabis has a long history with sports, and throughout the world, many elite athletes have turned to it—and still do—to help them concentrate, unwind, and speed up their recovery from injuries.
Although there are still many unanswered questions regarding CBD and its effects on athletes, a preliminary study suggests that it, at the very least, merits more investigation. It might help athletes with pain.
Consult your doctor first to try CBD, especially if you take any drugs. Before taking more, start with a small dose to see how your body will react.
