Many athletes around the world consume CBD products because it is a valuable aid to sports recovery. Before, during or after your sessions, CBD acts directly on the muscles to recover much faster. According to some studies, CBD is known to relieve joint and muscle pain caused by exercise. It also reduces stress before a competition and is a powerful anti-inflammatory in case of injury. It improves sleep quality by preventing insomnia and waking up energised.
Benefits of CBD before and after sport
Some studies have shown that CBD interacts with certain receptors in the brain that regulate the perception of pain and inflammation. According to some top athletes, taking CBD would be useful before and after intensive sports practice and would provide a natural alternative to traditional anti-inflammatories and analgesics, without the risk of addiction.
Before a sports session: CBD would help you to perform better by preparing your mind and helping you to concentrate better. It has positive effects on stress and anxiety reduction and provides a boost of energy.
After a sports session: CBD is a valuable aid to sports recovery, it reduces the recovery time between each session, reducing inflammation, cramps and aches. It also accelerates the healing process in case of injury and improves the quality of sleep, which indirectly leads to a better physical and mental recovery.
CBD in the sports world helps to avoid dependence on painkillers and opioids, which is unfortunately all too common in this field. Sportsmen and women regularly suffer from severe pain and CBD is a natural alternative to avoid addiction to traditional analgesics and opioids.
Consumption and dosage of CBD for athletes
CBD exists in several forms and some are preferred by athletes such as :
CBD oil: Orally or sublingually, in the form of drops, oil or capsules to be swallowed, before or after exercise. Also as a skin application, in the form of a massage, on painful areas after exercise.
CBD cream and balm: Applied locally to painful areas, in the form of a massage, they help to relieve pain.
It is advisable to consume CBD oil 30 minutes before your sporting activity in the form of drops (3 to 4 drops under the tongue and kept in the mouth for more than 30 seconds). You can also take it after your session or 1 hour before bedtime to promote sleep. You can use the oils, creams or balms after the first appearance of muscle or joint pain.
What about sports legislation regarding CBD?
Since January 1, 2018, WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) has removed CBD or Cannabidiol from the list of doping products, banned in sports competition. Numerous studies highlight the effectiveness and benefits of CBD on recovery without side effects or psychoactivity and without risk to the athletes’ career. On the other hand, it is important to specify that it is only isolated CBD, THC remains strictly prohibited.