It's not uncommon for athletes to experience more stress on their bodies than their endocannabinoid systems can handle. Exogenous CBD can help athletes maintain homeostasis and regain control of their neurotransmitters.

CBD Benefits for Athletes

relief the pain

Marijuana has been shown to reduce pain, especially joint stiffness and musculoskeletal pain from exercise. The 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD has not been thoroughly studied. Currently, we only have biological plausibility and anecdotal evidence. However, even without any hard evidence, CBD appears to help relieve pain in most athletes.

Alternatives to NSAIDs

Although athletes have long used NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium as over-the-counter pain relievers, recent research suggests they are not as safe as previously thought. Distance runners, in particular, are often warned against taking NSAIDs because they face a higher risk of kidney damage. However, short-term or regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may increase the risk of stroke and heart attack.

Because of these findings, some athletes have reduced or eliminated the use of NSAIDs to treat exercise-related discomfort. Neither cannabis nor cannabinoid-based products were associated with any of the deaths.

Opioid-Free Alternatives

Opioids are responsible for more than 42,000 deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2016. Although opioid analgesics (such as morphine, oxycondine, and codeine) are effective in treating pain, overdose carries a high risk of death and addiction. Compared with opioids, chronic pain treatment with cannabinoids alone or in combination with other drugs is less likely to lead to dependence or death.

reduce inflammation

A little inflammation can help athletes make effective training adjustments. Too much inflammation can hinder healing and reduce exercise capacity. CB2 receptors can be found in the peripheral nervous system and brain, but they are more prevalent in immune tissue.

settle your stomach

It is common for endurance athletes to withdraw from competition due to discomfort caused by inflammation of the large and small intestines. CBD does not address dehydration and overheating (two of the most common causes of stomach problems in athletes). Nonetheless, if you have inflammatory issues that make your gut difficult after or during exercise, CBD may help reduce your symptoms. The colon contains CB1 and CB2 receptors. Activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors has been shown to reduce symptoms of colitis in animals.

Improve sleep quality

One of the best strategies for athletes to improve their training is to get more and better sleep. According to athletes who use CBD, they have a more restful night's sleep and fall asleep more easily. The inhibition of adenosine absorption by CBD may be one explanation for this effect.

The breakdown of ATP leads to the accumulation of adenosine in the brain. Inhibiting neurotransmitter release through adenosine binding slows brain activity, making you feel calmer and allow you to fall asleep. Your body breaks down adenosine when you sleep, so you wake up with low levels of adenosine.

Some people may also benefit from CBD's significant anti-anxiety properties, which may help them fall asleep and sleep better.