Athletes put a lot of stress on their bodies which results in positive and negative effects. The stress from training stimulates adaptation and boosts performance, but physical trauma and wear and tear on sore muscles and joints can also lead to pain, and even injury. In search of improved (and safer) sports recovery and pain relief options, many people in sports industries are asking about CBD for athletes.

Chronic use of over-the-counter pain relievers (i.e. NSAIDs, like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium) poses a greater health risk than was previously known. Add to that opioid overdoses that claim tens of thousands of American lives annually, and it's little wonder that athletes are curious about cannabidiols’ (CBD) promises of pain relief and reduced inflammation without the risks associated with NSAIDs or opioids.

IS CBD LEGAL FOR ATHLETES?

Yes. Beginning in 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the The US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) removed CBD from the list of prohibited substances – in or out of competition. It is worth noting that ONLY CBD was removed from the prohibited list. THC, the psychoactive component of marijuana, is still prohibited in competition, in addition to synthetic cannabinoids. The specific wording is: “All natural and synthetic cannabinoids are prohibited, e.g.: In cannabis (hashish, marijuana) and cannabis products. Natural and synthetic tetrahydrocannabinols (THCs). Synthetic cannabinoids that mimic the effects of THC. Except: Cannabidiol.”

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF CBD FOR ATHLETES

Relieve Pain: Studies have shown cannabis is effective for reducing pain, including stiff joints and musculoskeletal pain from exercise. While there is little research on CBD alone, anecdotal evidence and biological plausibility suggest that CBD can be effective for to relieving pain for many athletes.

Alternative to NSAIDs: Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium may not be as safe as we once thought. Ultradistance athletes, in particular, are typically advised to avoid NSAIDs during long training sessions and events, due to increased risk of renal damage. But even if your training sessions are short, sustained or frequent use of NSAIDs may increase the risk for heart attack and stroke. Luckily, many athletes have found that the pain relieving effect of CBD can reduce or eliminate their need for use of NSAIDS for exercise-related pain, with minimal side effects. 

Alternative to Opioids: Opioid pain medications (i.e. morphine, codeine, oxycontin) are highly effective for pain management, but carry a significant risk of addiction and death by overdose. Cannabinoids may not be proven as effective as opioids for relieving acute, high-intensity pain, but could prove effective for long-term pain management with far less risk of dependence or accidental death.

Reduce inflammation: Too much inflammation hinders recovery and hurts athletic performance. CBD helps reduce inflammation by binding to CB2 receptors to help dial down the response when your immune system sounds the alarm after a hard workout.

Settle your gut: CBD can't solve stomach problems from dehydration and overheating (two major causes for athletes), but if you have underlying inflammation issues that contribute to gut problems during or after exercise, CBD may prove effective for reducing your symptoms. 

Improve Sleep Quality: Getting more and better sleep is one of the best ways an athlete can increase their training gains. Athletes who consume CBD report greater ease falling asleep and more restful sleep quality. 

Why KND Labs for Athletic CBD?

Here at KND Labs, we prides ourselves on being an enterprise-level supplier and best-in-class producer of all hemp extracts. We support top CPG companies and our CBD can be found in a wide variety of supplements. We are the leader in certifications and compliance , and our facilities practice stringent records and traceability throughout the entire manufacturing process and adhere to some of the strictest manufacturing certifications. This has earned us the trust of supply chain partners supporting recognized consumer brands throughout the athletic industry.