Cannabidiol, or CBD, is being more widely recognized as a tool to improve health and wellness on many different levels. People from all walks of life are exploring the benefits of this safe, non-habit-forming, plant-derived ingredient. CBD pain relief rubs and oils are increasingly becoming the pain reliever of choice for athletes. CBD’s recent declassification as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) means that more athletes can benefit from CBD’s anti-inflammatory benefits.
Until 2018, CBD was on WADA’s prohibited substances list, mainly because of its association with cannabis which contains the hypnotic tetrahydrocannabinol known colloquially as THC. However, when sourced correctly, hemp-derived CBD contains 0.3% THC and has absolutely no hypnotic effects whatsoever. Instead, it provides a much-needed relief from inflammation and has also been shown to decrease stress and anxiety.
How does CBD work?
CBD accesses the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the human body. The ECS is a fairly recent discovery, only becoming understood in the early 1990s. The ECS is thought to be crucial in regulating inflammatory responses throughout the body, including immune system activity. It’s also found to be an important factor in regulating appetite, sleep, and stress levels: especially those which contribute to anxiety.
CBD is derived from hemp, the male, non-flowering plant that contains very little THC. CBD has binding properties with the CB2 receptors of the ECS system, which promote healing by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress chemicals. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune and gastrointestinal system. CBD oil for pain relief is particularly effective in topical form because the ECS receptors are accessed quickly through the skin.
THC, on the other hand, is derived from cannabis, the female flowering plant which is associated with the psychotropic effects of smoking cannabis. Cannabis is still classified as a Schedule I drug by the DEA, on-par with substances such as heroin and methamphetamines. THC has binding properties with CB1 receptors which are present in the brain and throughout the body.
People who use CBD often report a “CBD glow,” where they feel more relaxed, creative, and open. However, they do not have to experience the hypnotic effects associated with THC and can use CBD oil for pain management while they go about their daily activities.
What can CBD do for athletes?
In clinical studies, CBD pain relief rubs have shown a reduction in inflammation and swelling, especially to injured areas. For athletes, this is a huge benefit, especially after being injured or a particularly strenuous workout. Athletes are finding not only relief from joint and muscle pain but also from common issues such as plantar fasciitis.
Another benefit CBD can give athletes is regulated sleep. Many people report that using CBD improves the quality and length of their sleep cycle. Some doctors link this to a reduction in anxiety and pain, but others link it directly to those CB2 receptors that regulate sleep.
Athletes have also reported an increase in their energy levels, which is a huge factor in preparing for and performing in any sort of competition. This, coupled with better sleep cycles, gives athletes a boost in confidence and performance.
Positions of major athletic associations
Fortunately, major athletic associations have realized the benefits of CBD for whole-health reasons, not just athletic reasons, and have taken steps to legalize CBD use for all athletes.
The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 was signed into law in December, and this declassified hemp as a Schedule I drug, opening the many possibilities for its usage in CBD products and other commercial byproducts such as paper, textiles, and rope.
Shortly after the passage of this bill in Congress, WADA also removed hemp-derived CBD from its prohibited substances list. Unfortunately, the NCAA still maintains its position that “Any substance that is chemically related to one of the above classes [which includes marijuana], even if it is not listed as an example, is also banned!”
The NFL is considering changes to their banned substances list, including cannabis and CBD, but they cannot make changes to their list until 2021. The NBA, in contrast, seems to have left cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids on their banned substances list while taking out language about substances chemically related to them for their 2019 contract.
The MLB only tests athletes if there is cause, and punishes minimally if they are over the THC threshold of 50 ml. Since CBD contains almost no THC, then it is not part of the banned performance-enhancing substances list.
