- Medyczna Marihuana
- 0 likes
- 546 views
- 0 comments
THE LATEST CBD RESEARCH ON ATHLETES
*This will take you 4 minutes to read. Enjoy!
Most serious athletes turn to supplements at some point to improve their performance. Athletes competing in international tournaments must take medications that won't sideline them and comply with anti-doping regulations.
Recently, many of these individuals have begun using cannabinoids, primarily for injuries. Marijuana oils, ointments, and dried herbs also accelerate recovery, improve sleep, and reduce muscle pain.
Although many organizations consider one of the main cannabinoids in cannabis, THC, to be an illegal substance, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) allows the use of pure CBD isolate (cannabidiol). It is a non-intoxicating cannabinoid with neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-anxiety properties.
Recently, CBD products from companies such as cbdMP and FourfiveCBD have been increasingly popular among both recreational and competitive athletes.
CBD Reduces Inflammation and Pain Relief
In 2020, Sports Medicine published an article on the latest research. One of the key findings is that CBD can help reduce inflammation associated with tissue damage and alleviate neuropathic pain caused by injury and nerve damage. This signals an important benefit for athletes who prefer disciplines that require long-term endurance, as long-distance training is often associated with inflammation and irritation of peripheral nerves.
CBD Protects the Digestive Tract from Damage
These sports medicine studies also demonstrated that CBD has a natural ability to protect the stomach and intestines. Highly physically active individuals who regularly engage in strenuous workouts reduce the supply of oxygen and nutrients to the digestive tract. The stress this places on the digestive tract can negatively impact exercise performance and recovery due to vomiting, nausea, and inadequate nutrient absorption. Studies have shown that CBD can reduce tissue damage and restore intestinal permeability.
Another important finding of new research is the evidence that CBD can support bone health and help accelerate bone tissue regeneration after fractures.
CBD Positively Affects Pre-Competition Anxiety
A major tournament is a stressful event for any athlete. Many of these individuals use medical marijuana, with a low THC content, to reduce anxiety before important competitions. Anxiety causes sleep problems, increases the body's energy expenditure, and impairs nutrition. CBD has long been known to alleviate anxiety in stressful situations.
Marijuana and Its Neuroprotective Properties for Brain Protection
A 2020 study published in Pharmacological Research highlighted the neuroprotective properties of cannabidiol and its enormous potential against concussion-induced damage. People who participate in impact sports may, after prolonged periods, struggle with harmful, long-term complications such as neuronal damage.
Researchers have demonstrated that CBD oil can help treat pain, aggressive behavior, and depression associated with traumatic brain injury. Studies in mice have shown that CBD oil helps prevent neuronal damage in the prefrontal cortex of the brain. Cannabidiol also inhibits oxidative stress and inflammation in the nervous system, providing neuroprotective benefits.
The researchers' findings are very promising because there are currently few effective pharmacological therapies available for treating mild traumatic brain injury. Repeated traumatic brain injury, often occurring in contact sports, can lead to chronic neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
CBD Benefits Sleep and Recovery
The above study also demonstrated the positive effect of marijuana's cannabidiol on improving sleep. Studies on mice have shown that CBD can be both an effective, natural sleep aid and aiding in the recovery process during the night.
Furthermore, scientists have proven that CBD administered in small amounts can promote insomnia, while higher doses have a calming effect and induce deep, restorative sleep. Both properties can be beneficial, although solid sleep is paramount when an important fight or match is approaching.
An Athlete on CBD
For Stu Kam, a jiu-jitsu athlete and owner of ATH Organics, CBD gummies are part of his supplementation regimen.
"As a Brazilian athlete and jiu-jitsu competitor, CBD is a cornerstone of my training program, helping me recover and especially rest," Kam says. "I take a 25-milligram CBD gummy every night to help me fall asleep after training. Before, when I wasn't using CBD, I had trouble sleeping after training, which ultimately led to poor recovery. Since taking CBD, I've noticed much deeper sleep and the ability to train at my full potential the next day."
In 2019, Aurora Cannabis teamed up with the UFC to develop clinical trials on CBD, athlete well-being, and recovery, and more studies are sure to follow. We can expect more research in this space in the near future.
Source: Leafly.com

Comments (0)