Many athletes are using CBD pills to cope with physical and mental stressors. Let us find out if Olympic athletes can do so as well.
Why do athletes need CBD?
No matter which sports they play, athletes put a lot of stress on their bodies. Their routines are not only physically demanding but also mentally taxing. From state to national to international, it just gets harder to cope for the player. So, they turn towards medicines and products that can help them with pain, injuries, and stress. Many athletes, often unsatisfied with the results of painkillers and other pharmaceutical drugs, go down the CBD route. And those preparing for the Olympics are no exception.
So, what is CBD?
Cannabidiol is a compound derived from cannabis and hemp plants. The word ‘cannabis’ could ring some warning bells, especially regarding side effects and addiction. But CBD is considered a safe cannabinoid since it does not induce hallucinating effects in users. That property is unlike other cannabis derivatives such as Delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which are psychoactive.
Is CBD legal?
There is no need to worry about the safety of CBD. So, is purchasing and using it allowed? It all depends on the country you are in. While some have entirely or partially deregulated it, others have banned it. For instance, in the United States, CBD derived from hemp plants is legal as long as the THC content is below a particular limit. At present, this threshold is at 0.3 percent. That is, however, only the federal picture. Some states, such as Idaho, Iowa, and South Dakota, do not permit it. Similar is the case in Japan, where the Tokyo Olympics, 2021 was held.
How should CBD be used?
Cannabidiol is all the rage in the current market. Shelves of various online and physical stores consist of CBD products. But as we will find later, not all of them are suitable for athletes. So, it is crucial to choose certified products to ensure you get what you want. While the risks of using this drug are pretty low, taking the correct dosage is vital. That can vary from one person to another. It also depends on what effects are desirable. But as a general rule, 10-400 milligrams work best for most people. For athletes, it is likely on the higher end of this range.
What benefits does it provide to athletes?
As mentioned before, athletes train day and night to prepare for competitions. And since most sports are tough on their bodies, they experience much pain, significantly when injured. CBD relieves their aches to a large extent. For many, chewing on a gummy or taking a drop of tincture has proved to be a life-changing experience. Aside from physical health, the mental health benefits of this popular herb also convince athletes to try it out. Many users claim that CBD reduces anxiety, enhances focus, and improves sleep quality. Some studies back these up as well. Both physical and mental health benefits provided by CBD are thus essential for an athlete to perform their best.
Is CBD allowed in sports?
Every professional sports league has its own set of rules. So, even if the country or state permits the use of CBD, the league organizations can regulate it. Since cannabis is a sensitive issue, many prefer to ban it altogether. The reasons for the prohibition often include the following:
- CBD heightens performance levels.
- Cannabidiol can impact cognitive abilities during a match.
- Its use can affect the players’ role model-like image.
Leagues like the National Football League (NFL), Major League Basketball (MLB), National Basketball Association (NBA), etc., have the ban in place today. But some other leagues allow its use without restrictions. Many National Hockey League (NHL) athletes, PGA tour participants, and some tennis players use and endorse CBD.
Is Cannabidiol allowed in the Olympics?
For almost every serious athlete, the Olympics is the dream. Not only is it unique in its merit but also its laws. So, it is critical to understand the rules of Olympic gameplay before taking part in it. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) determines the legality of any drugs, including CBD, in the Olympics. Put into play in 1999 by the International Olympic Committee, WADA is responsible for regulating doping products. Every year, the agency releases a list of banned substances. Up until 2017, all cannabinoids were on this list. However, an updated list came out in 2018 that did not include the drug. Thus, players preparing for the Olympics and participating in the events can use it. The explanation behind lifting the ban is the research that found CBD as non-cannabimimetic. Although cannabidiol shares some properties with cannabis, they do not have similar pharmacological effects. But not all products available in the market fit the WADA standards. Many of them contain other prohibited cannabinoids. So, it is necessary to look for ones that only consist of CBD isolate. For instance, athletes must steer clear of whole and broad-spectrum extract products.
Conclusion
So, is using CBD cherry gummies a good idea? As far as the current rules are concerned, its use is allowed in the Olympics. Many professional players and previous Olympic champions accepted that decision. So, if an athlete preparing for the Olympics or any other sports leagues that allow CBD wishes to use it, they can. But before making such choices, it is critical to consult a healthcare provider. That will ensure safety individually and help find the correct dosage.
