Athletes, Performance and CBD

Oct 17, 2019 | Blog, Sports & Fitness

Athletes, Performance and CBD

Athletes, performance and CBD.

The perception of CBD is changing. From The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) eliminating CBD from their list of banned substances to the growing voices of athletes willing to speak out about their own experiences with cannabinoids, CBD is gaining more acceptance among athletes.

Whether you are looking to start a fitness program or are a professional athlete training for an event, you are probably wondering if CBD is right for you. First, let’s answer a few questions.

The list of athletes endorsing CBD is growing. Here are just a few:

What is CBD?

CBD or cannabidiol is one of over 100 cannabinoids found in cannabis that is reported to offer various therapeutic benefits. Oil from industrial hemp plants has high levels of CBD while having low levels of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of marijuana). For this reason, it is non-psychoactive and can’t get you high.

Is CBD legal?

Not all CBD is legal, despite the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. Only CBD derived from industrial hemp containing less than 0.3% THC and produced by a licensed grower, consistent with federal and state regulations, is considered legal. Because local regulations may vary, CANVIVA recommends checking with your state government, local police department, or customs office for the most up-to-date information regarding the legality of CBD in your area.

Is CBD legal for athletes?

The short answer is YES. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from its list of banned substances in or out of competition in 2018. (Here is the 2019 WADA Prohibited List.)

However, CBD is the only cannabinoid removed from the list. THC (the psychoactive component of marijuana), synthetic cannabinoids, and all other natural cannabinoids are still prohibited in-competition.

Because everyone’s experience with CBD is different, CANVIVA recommends that if you are a subject to drug testing, you check the official regulations of your competition or sport to determine what is best for you.

Is CBD safe?

Chronic use of over-the-counter pain relievers, as well as the staggering opioid epidemic, has many sports professionals and enthusiasts alike looking for safe, natural, and effective solutions to help them stay healthy. The World Health Organization, in its 2018 report, recognizes that CBD is non-toxic, non-addicting, and generally safe.

In rare cases, some people have reported feeling tired, light-headed, or having a dry mouth. CBD may inhibit drug metabolism, therefore, CANVIVA recommends consulting a physician before using CBD products if you are taking any prescribed medications or have any concerns. Do not take if you are pregnant or nursing.

How does CBD work?

Cannabinoid receptors (CBr), along with endocannabinoids and enzymes, form the endocannabinoid system (ECS), our body’s primary regulatory system. Responsible for keeping our body functions in balance, our ECS affects everything from sleep, appetite, pain, inflammation, memory, mood, and reproduction. CBD is best known for inhibiting the enzyme FAAH, leading to an increase in the amount of a fatty acid neurotransmitter, called anandamide in the brain.

Interestingly enough, runner’s high, or the euphoria thought to come from endorphins is due in part to anandamide. This endocannabinoid is produced in our bodies and has a calming effect, among others.

Can CBD help sore muscles and joints or boost your performance?

If you are an athlete (or someone working on their overall fitness), you already know that participating in workouts or competitions comes with its share of aches and pains. And, your mental game can be as important as the physical game. 

While there is no one-size-fits-all method for improving your performance, there are some basic things you can do to make it more enjoyable and help you reach your goals:

  1. Warm up before working out and stretch after.
  2. Work on coordination.
  3. Keep your core strong.
  4. Stay hydrated. Avoid sugary sports drinks.
  5. Eat healthy.
  6. Get a good night’s sleep.
  7. Start slow and build up gradually.
  8. Pay attention to your body.
  9. Consider “rest & recovery” a part of training.
  10. Try CBD. Topicals like roll-ons or balms are perfect for before and after workouts. And, tinctures including RESTORE, REST, and FOCUS are easy to incorporate into your daily wellness regimen.

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