There is an array of CBD products for athletes currently on the rise in the marketplace. From gummies to topical creams, an athlete has a lot of options they could choose from. But what are the effects of these products? Moreover, are they as effective as advertised?
And the most critical question for athletes: will be using these CBD products make them fail their drug tests or impair their playing?
There are as many questions as there are CBD products available in the market. But to ease your fears, we’ve rounded up everything you need to know about CBD products for athletes.
What is CBD?
Before we dive further into the discussion, it’s best to know about the material we are talking about here. Cannabidiol is one of the many active cannabinoid compounds extracted from the cannabis plant. Also known as CBD, cannabidiol has so many claims to fame: pain management, anti-nausea, and anti-inflammation, among many others. And sweetest of all: there are virtually no adverse side effects.
The bad reputation the cannabis plant is garnering from critics stems from the other cannabinoid compound extracted from another strain of the cannabis plant, THC. While CBD is extracted from hemp, its cousin THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, comes from the marijuana plant. Comparatively speaking, CBD has no psychoactive effects, while THC is responsible for the intoxicating effect.
As an athlete, you don’t want to mess with THC. It is the compound you have to stay away from, lest you want the nasty side effects like anxiety, intoxication, and irregular motor skills (definitely not something that will help with your performance).
CBD and THC interact directly with our endocannabinoid system. Both compounds mimic what natural cannabinoids in our bodies do and bind into receptors in our brain. These receptors would usually be in charge of keeping involuntary functions of our body, like temperature regulation and pain reception. Sometimes though, our bodies don’t produce enough cannabinoids. These external cannabinoids help in correcting this imbalance.
Depending on the location of the receptor in our brain, CBD or THC could help trigger pain management, appetite stimulation, and even manage inflammation. There are so many health benefits that researchers are still keen to find out and discover about these compounds.
As an athlete who undergoes rigorous training, you might be looking for alternatives for pain management. CBD is a great option, as it is organic with virtually no adverse side effects. The compound’s anaesthetic effect is great for pain management and helps you recover faster after gruelling training. Its anti-inflammatory effect is also great for the post-recovery treatment plans, to quickly speed up muscle recovery.
Factors to Consider in Choosing CBD Products for Athletes
As an athlete, the effects of CBD might sound very intriguing to you right now. But before making your first purchase, there are still some critical factors to consider.
- Third-Party Tested
When choosing a CBD product, make sure you check whether the item is third-party tested. That means someone from outside the company and with no bias towards the manufacturer has tested the product. Pay attention to the extraction process, whether the product has been extracted by chemical means, or if in the process chemicals had been used. As an athlete, it would be better to consume organic products and as few chemicals as possible to keep your body in top shape.
- THC-Free
Make sure that the product is entirely free of THC. As discussed earlier, THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effect of any cannabinoid extracted from the cannabis plant. Hemp-derived CBD and its products usually contain less than 0.3 per cent THC, which is why it doesn’t have an intoxicating effect. To err on the safe side, opt for THC-free products.
- Chemical-Free
Another factor to check is whether the product you are planning to buy is organic. Some manufacturers use chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers to grow their cannabis plants. Your body as an athlete is sacred. A CBD product exposed to these sorts of chemicals might be bad news to your body and athletic performance.
Best CBD Products for Athletes
Now that you know how to look for good quality CBD products, let’s dive into the products worth looking into. These are products that will help you perform better and keep your body in prime shape.
- CBD Gummies
CBD gummies and other edibles are great for athletes on the go. These edibles are quick to consume, fast-acting, and come in different flavours. This product is perfect for sports enthusiasts who need the immediate relief CBD oils could give but without the grassy aftertaste.
- CBD Topicals
Topical products come in a variety of forms. They could either be a balm, salve, or cream. Topicals are an excellent option for athletes who need to apply CBD to specific areas of their skin. In particular, topicals could be great for sores and inflammation. Just apply it over the area and let your skin absorb it.
- CBD Oil
One of the most popular types of CBD products on the market is CBD oil. CBD exists as an oil in its regular state, so this type of product is readily available. CBD oils are usually used as sublingual, meaning you have to place them under your tongue for fast absorption. This form is one of the most effective and quickest ways to consume CBD. Taking a dose after an intense workout could help speed up recovery periods due to CBD’s anti-inflammation effect.
- CBD Shots
CBD works wonders when used along with other natural compounds. Some people prefer the combination to address unique issues they have in their bodies. For example, taking CBD along with ginseng and caffeine could give you an energy boost without the nasty side effects energy drinks usually have. Some combinations, like pairing CBD with melatonin and valerian root, improve sleeping patterns and cycles. CBD shots are perfect for coffee and tea enthusiasts who want to try CBD infusion in their favorite drinks.
When choosing the best CBD products for athletes, there are many considerations to consider before making your first purchase. In Canada, student-athletes are not tested for THC. However, travelling to other countries for away games might be a problem.
Considering all these concerns, we’ve listed down three factors to consider before making your first purchase. Make sure that the CBD product of choice you are buying is THC-free, raised and manufactured organically, and tested by a third party for quality assurance. All these simple rubrics for choosing the right product are in place to keep you protected, whether legally or in terms of your health.
When it comes to products themselves, the top CBD products for athletes are usually the ones that are fast-acting and easy to find in the market. An athlete’s fast-paced life needs something highly effective that acts quickly. These products also vary depending on your athletic needs. Whether you are an athlete in training or recovery, this array of products will surely give you tons of medical benefits.
As an athlete, you might want to explore the role of CBD when it comes to pain management. This informative article on how CBD can help with injury recovery is a very great read.
