What Does CBD Do for Athletes

Are you an athlete and curious about CBD? You probably are, or on the way of becoming one if you’re reading this blog. Or you might just be curious! So here’s what you need to know…

 

Athletes put a large amount of stress on their bodies, both resulting in good and bad effects. When training, stress stimulates adaptation and increases performance, but overtime, strenuous physical activity can lead to injuries and pain.

 

Managing pain and injuries can be quite complex, current ways of healing discomfort can also cause severe issues in your future health. CBD has been around for a while and curiosity is rising, should you be considering it?

 

Most people are always looking and curious for the next new thing that can help to maintain our wellbeing, this includes athletes. Are CBD products right for you? There’s a lot to consider, so sit back and take time to read!

 

Is CBD legal in the UK?

 

Yes, it is.

 

CBD is legal in the UK, however the CBD oil UK law states that the product has to meet a certain criteria to be lawfully available for human consumption. CBD doesn’t have any mind-altering effects, therefore the Home Office has no specific reason to restrict its use. 

Here’s a couple of things to keep in mind:

• They can only be derived from EU-approved strains of industrial hemp, which calls for no more than 0.2% of THC.
• CBD produce has to be made by manufacturers who have managed to apply for Novel Foods authorisation from the UK Food Standards Agency. (FSA) by March 31, 2021.

Commencing on the 13th of February 2020, any brand new product on the market requires a Novel Food application. Before this, they required a validated submission or approved Novel Food application by the 31st March 2020.

In regards to legality outside of the sports world, cannabis laws are constantly evolving and changing.

 

There are over 115 identified cannabinoids produced naturally by the cannabis plant, differentiating themselves from THC due to a diverse chemical structure. It is very complex to extract solely CBD from the cannabis plant, therefore oils or extracts contain a mix of compounds, all deriving from the cannabis plant.

 

Even though CBD is permitted according to the World Anti-Doping Agency, all the rest of the cannabinoids are still not permitted in competition. It’s crucial for athletes to understand that CBD products could contain banned cannabinoid components, for example THC, therefore they should always seek to use CBD oil that is purified, or made from CBD isolate as opposed to extract.

 

The basics of CBD

 

Athletes can legally use CBD, what does this mean exactly? It’s not that simple, as they must make sure their CBD oil or supplements does not contain more than 0.2% THC, which is the psychoactive element in cannabis.

 

It is crucial to train correctly, warming up before exercise, having a nutritious diet, and taking the right sport supplements, this all decreases the chances of inflammation and pain.

 

Benefits of using CBD

 

• Quality of sleep
• Calm
• Balance
• Healthy lifestyle
• Maintains wellbeing 
• Dietary maintenance

 

How to use CBD

 

It’s simple!

CBD oil is the most common way of intake, you can also ingest it through pills and capsules. Furthermore, you can also apply topical creams and lotions, containing CBD isolate.

 

Every person will experience effects differently. Oils are used sublingually allowing for fast absorption into the bloodstream as they bypass the digestive system. Capsules and edibles do take longer to have effect as they have to be digested. Topical creams and lotions benefit the muscles, joints and skin. Inhalation is the most rapid, followed by sublingual oil.

 

How much CBD should I use?

 

It is generally recommended to start slow, and with time gradually increase the amount based on the results and effects you experience.

 

Research about CBD suggests that by leveraging the endocannabinoid system it is possible for people to have an improved quality of sleep, general wellbeing and a healthier lifestyle.