CBD for Athletes – How CBD Can Boost Performance and Recovery

Pro athletes are embracing the CBD movement with open arms. Top men and women from a wide range of sports are finding themselves influencers for the hemp-based products.  Many use CBD to help get their mind straight before a competition and to recover faster to boost their overall performance. CBD is for athletes on all levels, from college football, baseball, soccer, and basketball players to NBA, WNBA, NFL, MLB, and MLS team members.

Use CBD for Sports to Reduce Pre-Game Jitters

Many athletes experience anxiety before a match, even pros. A former player for the Philadelphia Flyers, Michael Leighton, explained his jitters before his first pro game,

“My legs were shaking a little bit, I was nervous.”

Taking CBD before your performance can reduce the shakiness that can accompany pre-game jitters. Reducing anxious feelings gets the athlete’s head back in the match, improving their mental fitness, and boosting overall performance.

CBD for Sports Recovery

After a game or a tough workout with the team, an athlete’s muscles are sore and tired. CBD may reduce muscle inflammation, helping relieve the tension following competitions or a solid hour at the gym. In addition to tired muscles, CBD may help you relax your mind and fully unwind to help prepare you for a good nights’ sleep. Powerlifter, Tara Laferrara, told Men’s Health in March 2019,

“It basically manages and prevents my joint inflammation, that aching kind of feeling, that I’d get after a heavy lift day.”

In the same article, Dr. Perry Solomon explained,

“Broadly speaking, it does decrease inflammation when it’s rubbed on muscles as an ointment or taken orally.”

The body and the muscles and joints athletes push to their maximum repair and rejuvenate themselves while they’re in a dream-state. Hemp-based CBD products, such as full-strength premium oils and infused gummies, can improve the quality of your sleep, helping you hit REM sooner and potentially rest longer.

When it comes to sleep and anxiety, author Gretchen Lidicker explains to the HuffPost in a September 2018 article about insomnia,

“CBD appears to help with sleep because of its anti-anxiety properties and ability to promote relaxation.”

CBD for Athletes: Is it Legal?

CBD has come a long way over the past few years. At first, many sports organizations barred the cannabinoid, comparing it to the other well-known phytocannabinoid, THC. But research shows CBD doesn’t have any psychoactive effects or potential for abuse or dependence. The World Health Organization reported in June 2018,

“However, to date, there is no substantive evidence as to whether CBD is likely to cause THC-like psychoactive effects.”

Another organization that’s rules and guidelines are essential for athletes is the World Anti-Doping Agency or WADA. Their regulations include,

“All synthetic and naturally occurring cannabinoids are prohibited in-competition, except for cannabidiol (CBD).”

Many sports organizations around the world conform to WADA guidelines. S

CBD for Sports: Is it Ethical?

If the agency that oversees doping in the Olympics is okay with CBD for athletes, then it’s ethical. While CBD may promote good sleep, reduce inflammation, and calm nerves, the all-natural hemp-derived products are legal, available over the counter, without a prescription, and widely available for anyone 18 and older to use.

What’s the Best Method for Athletes to take CBD?

The best way to use CBD for sports recovery depends on why you’re taking it. The most common CBD for athletes is the topical application, such as salves and sports creams. These often contain CBD oil and other ingredients to complement the cannabinoids, such as beeswax for the texture and lavender oil for additional calming properties. To use these, just massage it into the sore areas, and you should feel relief in 20 to 30 minutes. Reapply, as necessary.

Athletes also use CBD tinctures. These hemp-derived oils absorb into the bloodstream through the veins under the tongue and have an onset time of 10 to 15 minutes and last between four and six hours. Tinctures can assist with anxious feelings, a peaceful sleep, and may help reduce muscle inflammation.

You can also vape CBD for quick results. Choose a flavored vape juice. Take a few puffs to relieve stress, reduce nervous jitters, or fall asleep a little faster using a safe, high-quality vaping device. You’ll feel the effects in a few short minutes. It will fade away quickly, within the hour. For further relief, take a few more puffs.

CBD-infused gummies are another way to take CBD. Most candies contain 10mg of CBD each. Start with one gummy and increase until you get the desired effect. These must go through digestion to work, which means the time of onset varies by person, ranging from 45 to 90 minutes. Like tinctures, edibles last about four to six hours.

Why Athletes Should Choose Broad Spectrum CBD

CBD is perfectly legal and ethical in the U.S. and in the international sports arena. But THC, which is found in small amounts (less than .3%) in hemp and derived from cannabis in large quantities, is not legal in any professional sports. In some cases, athletes that test positive for THC, face extreme repercussions, such as fines, drug counseling, suspensions, and even termination from their teams. Most players still face some consequences, which often include substance abuse treatment and steep penalties.

Broad spectrum CBD is THC-free. While it still contains the 498 other essential compounds found in hemp oil along with CBD, a broad spectrum product won’t lead to positive THC screenings and potentially harm an athlete’s career.

It’s clear why the CBD for athletes’ movement is going strong. The all-natural hemp-derived cannabinoid is ideal for soothing muscles, relaxing the mind, and getting a good nights’ sleep. Make sure to stock up on all methods of delivery. Purchase EZlief vape juice for fast, short-acting relief, tinctures to help fall asleep quicker, and a premium grade salve to massage into sore arms, legs, and shoulders.