Athletes and Sportspeople Turn to Cannabidiol to Relieve Pain and Anxiety

Why do athletes seem drawn to CBD? There is a vast amount of informal evidence, personal experiences, and a growing body of clinical research suggesting that the cannabis compound may be beneficial for symptoms such as pain and anxiety.

A growing number of athletes are using and endorsing CBD products for this reason.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of over 100 compounds known as cannabinoids found in the Cannabis plant.

It is one of the most common compounds - second only to Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Unlike THC, however, CBD does not cause the high that is often associated with Cannabis.

It has been found that cannabinoids from the Cannabis plant can interact with receptors in our body, naturally reserved for endogenous cannabinoids (or endocannabinoids).

Together, they are known as the endocannabinoid system. They are believed to modulate various physiological and neurological processes, such as pain and mood control, appetite, and immune system functions.

What symptoms can CBD help with?

Although research is still limited, there is a growing number of clinical trials and analyses demonstrating that CBD may be useful in treating a variety of symptoms and diseases. Among these are pain, stress, and anxiety.

Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions faced by modern society.

It has been found that CBD interacts with CB1 receptors and serotonin, leading to an increase in the development of natural substances anandamide and serotonin.

These naturally occurring compounds are known to regulate feelings of anxiety and depression.

Pain, caused by various diseases or health conditions, is also often cited as the reason for using CBD.

It has been found that the compound's interaction with the endocannabinoid system interferes with pain reception.

The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD mean that the substance is often added to topical treatments.

What is the connection between athletes and CBD?

Several athletes and sportspeople have announced their use of CBD. Many have even endorsed specific CBD brands, such as professional golfer Bubba Watson and MMA fighter Jessica-Rose Clark.

Along with BMXing, FMXing, surfing, skateboarding, and many other sports professionals, they have endorsed cbdMD.

Multiple Masters winner Bubba Watson stated: "I have personally felt the benefits of cbdMD products. cbdMD is the safest on the market, and I am proud to partner with them to help millions feel better."

The pain relief potential of CBD can be utilized locally through topical lotions for muscle pain.

Some users also report pain relief after taking the cannabinoid sublingually in the form of oil drops or orally, via capsules and edibles.

Being an athlete at the professional level can undoubtedly also be very anxiety-inducing.

Many athletes may also benefit from the compound's anxiety relief potential.

CBD and Sports Regulation

Sports regulatory bodies are also becoming more lenient regarding Cannabis compounds.

In 2017, the World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances.

Other sports policy-making bodies soon followed suit.

However, some are still against the use of CBD products due to current sector regulations.

Although this remains an issue in most countries with a growing CBD market, it has apparently not deterred many athletes as they maintain their trust in the brands they endorse.