It's not uncommon for athletes to put their bodies under more strain than their endocannabinoid system can take. Exogenous CBD may assist athletes in maintaining homeostasis and regaining control of their neurotransmitters.
Advantages of CBD for Athletes
Relieve Pain
Cannabis has been demonstrated to reduce pain, notably musculoskeletal pain from stiff joints and exercise. A 1:1 ratio of THC: CBD hasn't been thoroughly studied. For the time being, we have just biological plausibility and anecdotal evidence to go on. However, even if there isn't any conclusive proof, CBD appears to be useful in relieving pain for most athletes.
NSAID replacement
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 believed. Long-distance runners, in particular, are often cautioned against taking NSAIDs because of the higher risk of kidney damage they face. However, using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for a short period or regularly might increase your risk of stroke and heart attack.
As a result of these findings, several athletes have reduced or eliminated their NSAID usage to treat exercise-related discomfort. Neither cannabis nor cannabinoid-based products have been linked to any fatalities.
Opioid-free Alternative
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), opioids were responsible for over 42,000 deaths in the U.s. in 2016. Despite their effectiveness in treating pain, opioid analgesics (such as morphine, oxycontin, and codeine) carry a high risk of overdose fatality and addiction. Chronic pain therapy with cannabinoids – alone or in combination with other drugs – is less likely to cause dependence or death than opioids.
Reduce inflammation
A little Inflammation can help athletes make effective training adjustments. Too much inflammation impedes healing and diminishes athletic ability. CB2 receptors can be found in both the peripheral nervous system and the brain, but they're more prevalent in immunological tissues.
Settle your gut
It is common for endurance athletes to drop out of races due to the discomfort caused by inflammation in the large and small intestines. Dehydration and overheating (which are two of the most common causes of stomach problems in athletes) will not be resolved by CBD. Still, if you have existing inflammatory issues that lead to gut difficulties after or during exercise, CBD may be useful in lessening your symptoms. The colon contains CB1 and CB2 receptors. CB1 and CB2 receptor activation has been shown to alleviate colitis symptoms in animals.
Enhance the Quality of Your Sleep
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 experience a more restful night's sleep and an easier time going to sleep. Inhibition of adenosine absorption by CBD could be one explanation for this effect.
The breakdown of ATP causes the accumulation of adenosine in the brain. Inhibiting neurotransmitter release by adenosine binding slows down brain activity, making you feel calmer and allowing you to sleep. As you sleep, your body breaks down adenosine so that you wake up with low concentrations of adenosine.
Some people may also benefit from CBD's significant anti-anxiety properties, which may aid them in falling asleep and sleeping more soundly.