A promising body of clinical research suggests CBD (cannabidiol) may be a powerful compound in the fight against inflammation, offering potential relief for athletes and recreational sports enthusiasts. Derived from the industrial hemp plant, cannabidiol is a major non-psychoactive cannabinoid. It does not produce a high like THC (marijuana), making it even more appealing to athletes.
The Connection Between Inflammation and Pain
Inflammation is the body’s immune system's protective response to tissue injury. For athletes, inflammation is usually the result of muscles, ligaments, tendons and joints being overused or strained due to intense exercise. Microscopic tears in your muscle fibers and other injuries from exercise trigger the immune system’s release of immune-producing cells. This inflammation is the reason athletes experience DOMS (delayed-onset muscle soreness).
Inflammation underlies all pain in the body. Athletes addressing inflammation are also addressing pain.
How Does CBD Reduce Inflammation?
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) regulates the body’s systems, including the immune system. The ECS has CB1 and CB2 receptors that interact with cannabinoids produced by the body (endogenous) or introduced to it through other means (exogenous), like food and beverages.
CBD interacts mainly with CB2 receptors, which are activated when inflammation develops. The ECS tries to restore homeostasis (balance) by reducing inflammation. The CB2 receptors are found throughout the body, mainly in the peripheral immune system.
Most clinical studies to date have involved animals and not humans, so much of the evidence showing cannabidiol reduces inflammation is anecdotal. However, some cannabidiol actions that medical researchers have identified may reduce inflammation.
• May activate CB2 receptors to reduce the immune response that produces inflammation
• Has been shown to act as an antioxidant, reducing tissue damage due to free radicals
• May reduce the synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds called cytokines and prostaglandins, released to produce inflammation when the body is injured
Additional Reasons Athletes Use CBD
As an athlete, there are other reasons you may find cannabidiol beneficial.
• Sleep quality – Athletes need regular, high-quality sleep to promote wellness and physical recovery. Studies have found CBD may promote quality sleep by inhibiting the reuptake of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a brain modulator, leading to feelings of calm.
• Stress and anxiety – Athletes are under a lot of stress to achieve success. Cannabidiol has been shown to help reduce pre-performance feelings of stress and anxiety.
• General wellness – CBD is one of over 140 cannabinoids in the hemp plant, but hemp also contains terpenes and flavonoids. These compounds are believed to work synergistically in the body, a phenomenon known as the “entourage effect.” This effect suggests that combining these compounds may be more effective than when used individually, helping increase energy and promote general wellness.
Best CBD Products for Athletes
Cannabinoid products are made in three spectrums.
• Full spectrum – extract contains all the hemp plant cannabinoids, including less than .3% THC
• Broad spectrum - extract contains all the hemp plant cannabinoids except for THC, which is removed during production; products are THC-free or may contain a trace of THC
• Isolate – extract is pure CBD in powder or crystal form
Products for athletes include CBD oil, tinctures, gummies, softgels, capsules, and topicals. Some are formulated to address specific purposes, like improving sleep or reducing inflammation. When shopping for cannabidiol products that meet your needs, also consider potencies, which can vary widely from 5mg to more than 50 mg per serving.
