These fruit-flavoured, chewy treats infused with cannabidiol (CBD) are becoming increasingly popular among athletes, from casual exercisers to professional competitors. But what’s behind this trend, and why are athletes incorporating CBD gummies into their recovery routines? A compound called CBD is found in the cannabis plant, but unlike its cousin THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), it doesn’t produce a “high.” Instead, CBD interacts with the body’s end cannabinoid system, which regulates various physiological processes, including pain perception, inflammation, and mood.
Gummies for athletes
CBD gummies offer several advantages, particularly appealing to athletes.
- Convenient and discreet- Gummies are easy to carry and consume, so they’re ideal for athletes on the go. Unlike oils or vapes, they don’t require any special equipment or preparation,
- Precise dosing- Each gummy contains a specific amount of CBD, allowing athletes to control their intake accurately.
- Tasty and enjoyable- Unlike some CBD products, gummies come in various flavours, making them a more pleasant experience.
- Long-lasting effects- The digestive process means CBD gummies’ effects last longer than other consumption methods.
Potential benefits for athletic recovery
Athletes are turning to CBD gummies for various reasons related to recovery and performance:
- Pain management
The primary reason athletes use CBD gummies is for pain relief. Intense training and competition lead to muscle soreness, joint pain, and other discomforts. CBD has shown promise in reducing pain perception, offering a natural to traditional pain medications.
- Reducing inflammation
Inflammation is a natural response to exercise-muscle damage, but excessive inflammation hinders recovery. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties, reduces inflammation, and speeds up recovery.
- Improving sleep quality
Athletic recovery depends on quality sleep, and athletes often struggle to sleep due to pain, stress, or pre-competition anxiety. Managing stress effectively with the best cbd for anxiety may contribute to better sleep and enhanced recovery.
- Managing stress and anxiety
Competitive sports can be mentally taxing. CBD has been shown to have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, which may help athletes manage pre-competition nerves or the stress of high-pressure situations.
- Neuroprotective properties
The potential neuroprotective properties of CBD are particularly interesting for athletes in contact sports. While more research is needed, some studies suggest CBD may help the brain from trauma-induced damage.
Considerations for athletes using CBD gummies
While CBD gummies are generally considered safe, there are some essential considerations for athletes.
- There are many places where CBD is legal, but the regulations vary. Athletes should check the legal status in their region and be aware of any restrictions imposed by their sport’s governing bodies.
- Not all CBD products are created equal. Athletes should choose high-quality, third-party tested CBD gummies to ensure they’re getting a pure product free from contaminants or THC.
- CBD can interact with certain medications. Athletes taking any prescribed drugs should consult with a healthcare professional before using CBD gummies.
- The optimal dosage of CBD varies from person to person. Initially, athletes increase their dose gradually while monitoring the effects.
As research into CBD’s effects on athletic recovery continues, some professional sports leagues have already relaxed their stance on CBD, recognizing its potential benefits for athletes.