Which sports could CBD help you perform better in?

With many athletes reporting its benefits for aiding recovery, Cannabis Health rounds up just some of the sports in which CBD could help you up your game.

Athletes are always looking for the next big thing in sports recovery. Whether that’s isotonic drinks, ice baths or compression garments, the market for products guaranteeing a faster recovery and enhanced performance is big business.

One product gaining traction is CBD, which research suggests can help boost performance in a range of sports, from athletics and martial arts to rugby and triathlon.

Effects range from helping sportspeople relax and get a good night’s sleep to aiding recovery from injury, thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties.

These are just a few of the sports in which athletes have hailed the benefits of CBD.

Boxing

Boxer Anthony Fowler won bronze at the 2013 World Championships and gold at the Commonwealth Games in 2014, before qualifying for the Rio Olympics in 2016.

And he puts a certain degree of success down to his use of CBD, which he says aids his rest and recovery process, as well as helping overcome the pain from a jaw injury.

He said: “I got punched in the jaw and was in a lot of pain, I couldn’t close my mouth, couldn’t eat. My girlfriend at the time suggested I try the CBD.

“I put it under my tongue and within 30 mins my jaw felt better. I’ve taken morphine and all kinds of painkillers over the years and it worked better than any of them.”

Triathlon

Josh Holman is an Ironman triathlete and World Championship qualifier who has been using CBD as part of his daily routine for nearly a year.

He says: “After reading several research-led articles on the benefits of CBD for athletes, I have been using it and seeing great benefits from doing so.

“As someone who has always struggled with sleep, I take CBD oil before bed to help me switch off and relax, which in turn helps my muscles to recover quicker post-workout!

“When training at such a high intensity, sleep is crucial to your recovery, which is why it has been so useful for me.”

Golf

While golf may not be thought of as an especially grueling sport physically, it can take its toll mentally on players.

Professional players are using CBD oil for preparation through good sleep and also for faster recovery post-round. Many also talk of sharper focus and a calmness when they play.

Meanwhile amateurs can benefit from CBD’s relaxing properties, helping to reduce nervousness and leading to improved focus and concentration.

Running

As well as offering important anti-inflammatory properties, CBD can also be beneficial for long distance runners who want to stave off the physical and mental strains.

The endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors which control the body’s ability to achieve normal healthy bodily functions, produces a natural compound called anadamide, which is associated with regulating pain, and is thought to be responsible what is known as ‘the runners’ high’.

CBD works against the enzyme responsible for the breakdown of anandamide – staving off the effects of pain and tiredness for longer.

With its famed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties, as well as the ability to calm and destress users, it’s no wonder CBD is finding its way into the kitbags of a range of sports enthusiasts.