Does CBD affect sports performance?

CBD has already been proven to enhance the desire to play sports. More and more sports clubs are interested in the product and want to know whether CBD can improve athletes' quality of life and performance. Numerous studies are being carried out on the subject to confirm the benefits of CBD in sport.

Over the past ten years, cannabidiol or CBD, one of the many active compounds present in the cannabis plant, fascinates scientists who want to determine all its therapeutic effects, and at every level. Whether in the medical sector, with the powerful effects observed on the symptoms of serious illnesses, or in the sporting sector.

Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, another of the plant's euphoric active compounds that made it famous, CBD has no psychoactive effects. It can therefore be enjoyed by everyone, at any time of day.

But what about CBD in sport? What are the effects of CBD in sport, whether at high level or for individuals? How and when can CBD affect our sporting activity?

The founders of French e-shop 321 CBD explain how CBD affects sport at different levels.

Does CBD improve sporting performance?

First of all, it's important to note that in 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed the cannabinoid CBD from its list of banned substances. Athletes can therefore consume CBD without fear, but must nevertheless be careful to consume CBD that does not contain THC.

This advance proves that CBD is not at all harmful to athletes, nor does it increase their performance abnormally.

To date, no study has concretely proven that cannabidiol (CBD) has any performance-enhancing effects on sport. CBD affects other aspects of a sportsman's life, whether he's a top-level athlete or simply an amateur. Let's take a look at these other effects.

CBD after sport helps recovery

Noting that CBD is not a sports performance enhancer in general, many athletes use it to improve sleep, relieve pain and act on muscle recovery. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD softens delayed muscle soreness and acts on pain and immobility.

Moreover, CBD's sleep-enhancing properties have already convinced many patients suffering from illnesses such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Indeed, CBD has relaxing properties that help insomnia, REM sleep behavior disorder and excessive daytime sleepiness.

As sleep is vital for muscle recovery, this effect is much appreciated by athletes, who sleep better and therefore maximize their chances of performing better the next day.

CBD has cardiovascular benefits

The cardiovascular benefits are numerous and very promising for athletes in general. In fact, a 2017 study measured the effects of CBD administration on cardiovascular activities on 9 healthy men.

The results show that CBD reduces blood pressure and maintains stable cardiac output. Further research is needed to establish whether CBD has a role in the treatment of cardiovascular disorders, nevertheless, this research highlights CBD's anxiolytic effect, as do many other studies.

CBD boosts mental health

The consumption of CBD’CBD oil for example, has proved to be a powerful anxiolytic for calming and soothing people who often find themselves in situations of intense stress, and for those suffering from anxiety disorders.

High-level sport can be just as stressful and anxiety-provoking as an office job. The stakes and pressure are so high that players are constantly on the lookout for gentle remedies.

While some turn to medicinal products, others compensate for this stress by doping to guarantee superior performance. As doping products are banned in sport, these players face consequences that can tarnish their image as well as their entire career.

In order to calm psychological tensions, reduce stress caused by pressure and avoid dangerous play with illicit products, players in many sports have taken to consuming CBD.

In fact, numerous UFC athletes have been studied by a Canadian research university while taking CBD on a regular basis (2 doses a day). The results concerning their state of mind as well as their psychological performance, just as important as their physical performance, is stabilized and much less likely to falter.

In addition, the state of well-being brought on by CBD consumption sharpens athletes' concentration and reduces the number of physical injuries. The anxiolytic effect of CBD is beneficial whether you're a keen sportsman or an armchair athlete.

For quality products that comply with French regulations, consult the online store 321 CBD.

Sources :

• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/cbd-athletes-performance-research-1.5154882
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7338332/
• https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/cbd-athletes-performance-research-1.5154882
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5470879/