CBD Products for Athletes
Whether you run, lift weights, or play sports, you know that exercise is great for you, but it can also come with a lot of inflammation and pain. You may also know that over-the-counter (OTC) medications like ibuprofen can help relieve this pain, but these drugs have their own side effects. What if you could use a natural product instead? That’s where CBD comes in.
As an athlete, you might be dealing with plantar fasciitis, runner’s knee, tennis elbow, back pain, or even carpal tunnel syndrome after playing pickleball for hours on end. The good news is that CBD could help.
Let’s run through exactly what CBD is and how this plant-based treatment may be exactly what you need to stay on top of your game.
What is CBD?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol, a naturally occurring compound found in the cannabis plant. CBD is just one of many cannabinoids found in cannabis, including THC, the psychoactive component best known for the “high” people get with marijuana.
However, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it doesn’t make you feel high or impaired when consumed, even in large doses. This means that CBD products are ideal for the athlete and weekend warrior seeking the medicinal benefits of cannabis without any serious negative side effects.
Because CBD is not associated with any psychoactive side effects, it is legal in all 50 states. CBD is even legal for professional athletes to take in their sports, according to the U.S Anti-Doping Agency.
What CBD is not
As discussed, CBD is not psychoactive, meaning it does not make you feel high or impaired when consumed. CBD is also non-addictive and does not interact with other medications you may be taking. In short, CBD is not THC. Therefore it is legal, does not impair performance and is non-addictive.
Why Athletes Should Consider CBD Products
If you’re an athlete who’s looking for a natural way to deal with inflammation and pain, CBD products may be right for you. CBD may help relieve a variety of symptoms, including:
- Post-workout soreness
- Back pain
- Stiff joints
- Pulled muscles
- And more
If you’ve ever experienced any of the above symptoms, then you’re familiar with the seemingly endless cycle of ice packs, heat therapy, and OTC medications. Whether you’re an athlete, engage in intense workouts or are otherwise active, you may benefit from CBD.
The following activities are just examples of some activities that may lead to pain and inflammation, thereby benefiting from CBD products:
- Weightlifting
- Swimming
- Martial arts
- HIIT Workouts
- Tennis
- Pickleball
- Jogging
- Golf
How Does CBD Work?
After consuming CBD, this cannabinoid interacts with specific receptors found throughout the central nervous system and immune system. These interactions cause changes in nerve impulses, inflammation and pain response at the cellular level.
CBD has cumulative effects, meaning that the longer you utilize it the better its effects will be. This is partly because CBD works by blocking the enzymes that your body uses to break down cannabinoids in the body. This is a relatively slow process when compared to how your body would use THC, which is why THC results in an almost immediate “high,” and CBD takes a bit more time to be effective.
The Negatives
There are only a few drawbacks to using CBD products as an athlete, but they are worth mentioning. First, CBD is not as effective as THC when it comes to relieving inflammation and pain. However, because THC leads to impairment and is illegal in many states, CBD is a preferable option for athletes.
Second, CBD can cause some minor side effects such as dry mouth and drowsiness. However, these side effects are usually mild and disappear after a short while. Most people do not notice these symptoms at all.
Finally, CBD can be slightly more expensive when compared to OTC products. However, CBD is all-natural and may also work better than these products, making it the superior choice.
Overall, CBD products offer a safe, natural way to deal with inflammation and pain that doesn’t have many negative associations.
The Bias Against CBD
Unfortunately, there is still a fair bit of bias against CBD products. This is likely due to the fact that people confuse it with THC, which is more well-known and has psychoactive properties. Many individuals fail to realize that CBD – while stemming from the same cannabis plant – is a completely different cannabinoid than THC.
Because of this stigma, many people still don’t consider CBD products as much as they need to and often don’t investigate the benefits. Many of these individuals believe that CBD is simply a new fad and isn’t actually effective. However, there are many different studies that show the effectiveness of CBD among athletes.
CBD Products Athletes Should Consider
CBD products are available in a variety of forms, including:
- Oils
- Edibles
- Capsules
- Creams
Oils are one of the most popular forms of CBD, as they are easy to use and offer a high dose of CBD in each serving. They are taken under the tongue and come in a variety of flavors.
Edibles are also popular, as they are discreet and long-lasting, while capsules are perfect for people who want a precise dosage of CBD.
Creams are perfect for athletes who experience inflammation and pain in localized areas. They can be applied directly to the skin for fast relief.
No matter what form you choose, make sure to do your research to find a reputable and trustworthy brand. Not all CBD products are created equal and some may not be effective.
Your Trusted CBD Partner
If you’re an athlete, you want what’s best for your body. We do, too. That’s why we only offer the highest-quality CBD products that are backed by science and third-party tested. Whether you’re looking for a cream, oil, or capsule, we have a wide range of options to suit your needs.
Rather than getting boxed into selling products that might not be as effective, we carry eight different brands of CBD products for you to choose from. Visit our shop and talk to our knowledgeable staff to see which products are right for your specific needs.
If you’re looking for a safe, natural way to relieve inflammation, shop our online store today.
