With Forbes announcing that leading cannabis researchers BDS Analytics and Arcview Market Research, have predicted that the CBD market as a whole could bypass the $20 billion mark by 2024, who can really say that they’re surprised? With CBD enhanced products being praised by celebrities and readily available for purchase both online and in-store, in addition to the U.S. National Institutes of Health pouring a whopping $3 million into multiple studies researching the effects of CBD as a pain relief alternative since 2019, the sky really is the limit. But what exactly is CBD and how can it benefit you as an athlete? We all understand that recovery as an athlete is tough. The physical pain, the disrupted sleep pattern, the negative headspace. CBD can help support with all of that, and today we’re going to explore how…
What is Cannabidiol?
To put it simply, Cannabidiol (or CBD as it’s more commonly known) is an active compound of many which can be found in the cannabis plant. Within cannabis, there are many different types of active compounds. The most commonly known is Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC to you and me. This compound, in particular, contains psychoactive properties which causes the brain to release dopamine and puts you in a state of euphoria and causes you to feel “stoned”. Unfortunately, THC does have some reported side effects such as hallucinations, delusions and anxiety. CBD on the other hand, is non-psychoactive but has similar medical benefits to THC which allows us to reap all of the benefits without feeling “high”.
What products can contain CBD?
CBD can be found in products of all shapes and sizes. From creams and lotions to capsules and pills to oils and concentrated extracts known as tinctures. The versatility of CBD allows you as an individual to feel comfortable and confident in the delivery of treatment. With it being found in a multitude of products you can find one that works for you. Whether you would rather ingest, rub, soak or spray, a quick Google search means it won’t be long before you find a product suited to you.
What are some of the benefits of CBD?
Generally speaking, CBD can help support with both physical and mental health. From stimulating hair growth, treating inflammation and supporting with sleep disorders, CBD’s benefits really knows no bounds.
Anxiety
Across multiple social media platforms, it has recently come to light that many celebrities use CBD to help manage anxiety. It’s no secret that medicine from all around the globe has utilised the cannabis plant for many years to heal physical ailments, so how can it really support with anxiety? The research around this topic is preliminary but it is believed that CBD helps relieve symptoms of anxiety by working with your endocannabinoid system, which has a big impact on your mood and relaxation. In a study undertaken in New Zealand, looking at Cannabidiol prescription in clinical practice, “78.1–79.2% of participants reported improvements in anxiety symptoms” after the first 60 days of taking CBD.(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7330185/) Before we can work on our bodies, we need to work on our minds and ensure they are fighting fit.
Sleep
When it comes to sleep, CBD cannot only help regulate your sleeping pattern but it can also help you have a more peaceful night to feel rejuvenated and refreshed in the morning – and some users report that this is from the get-go! CBD may also help to lower stress hormones that could result in you feeling restless or cause a disruption in your sleeping pattern. A Cross-Sectional Study of Cannabidiol Users (https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/can.2018.0006) explains that individuals are using CBD as a “specific therapy for multiple diverse medical conditions” including sleep disorders and anxiety. As well as setting you up for the next day, sleep also aids with muscle recovery which is great news for after a tough workout! The more time you’re asleep, the longer your body has to heal.
Repair
As well as supporting with on-going health conditions, CBD can also help you as an athlete. After a hard workout, there’s nothing worse than tight, tired muscles. You’ve done your warm up and you’ve done your cool down, so how can CBD help? When you work out, you’re causing microscopic damage to your muscle fibres which become inflamed, as this triggers your bodies natural reaction to repair itself. From the outside, we don’t see any of this hard work but can certainly feel it! No matter how fit you are or how many times you’ve done a particular workout, you sometimes become sore or stiff. This is your body’s way of healing. CBD can enhance muscle recovery by stimulating the blood flow to the affected areas acting as a perfect post-exercise boost. A CBD muscle relief warming gel does this by creating a warm and relaxing sensation. To take your recovery to the next level, try the CBD muscle relief warming gel from hemp futures to aid recovery. We’ll see you back in the gym in no time.
If you are going to try CBD, be sure to discuss this with your doctor, because it may not mix well with certain medications that you could already be prescribed. Do your research and make sure you do what feels right for you because after all, your body is a temple.
