Consumption of drugs and food supplements is highly debated in professional sports.
Substances that can potentially change performance have been traditionally banned, and their use is punished by disqualification and fines. CBD has been a gray zone in this regard. On the one hand, evidence suggests that CBD positively affects inflammation and pain, which are common concerns among athletes. On the other hand, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) does not list CBD as a prohibited substance.
This ambiguity raises many questions among athletes. Can they consume CBD? How can it affect their health? And, more importantly, is it ethical to use CBD to improve recovery and overall health? Below, you can find answers to these pressing questions.
What Is CBD and Does It Cause the High?
CBD is the abbreviation for cannabidiol – one of the most well-researched and popular substances found in cannabis. Unlike tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), CBD does not cause the high and has no addictive properties. However, it has proven therapeutic properties, helping with the following conditions:
- Anxiety;
- Stress;
- Insomnia;
- Inflammation;
- Pain;
- Seizures.
These characteristics made CBD a hot topic in the wellness community, so it is not surprising that it also caught athletes’ attention. Professional sports are extremely demanding, with athletes often experiencing chronic pain, inflammation, and stress. So, athletes are always on the lookout for…
