CBD and sport – benefits for performance and regeneration  

Regular physical activity, whether through sport or targeted exercise, plays a crucial role in maintaining and promoting health. Sport is not only good for physical fitness, but also has a positive impact on mental health and quality of life.   

In recent years, one particular development has gained popularity in the world of sport and fitness: the use of CBD, a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant, as a potential aid for athletes. 

Based on previous studies, the following potential benefits of CBD in conjunction with sports can be identified: 

• • Better recovery, e.g. through improvement of sleep latency, sleep continuity, subjective sleep quality and reduction of nightmares and insomnia (anxiolytic) 
  • Stress reduction and well-being in competitive situations (stress situations), in particular due to the anxiolytic and antidepressant effect   
  • Relaxation of the muscles after physical exertion   
  • CBD can help to alleviate inflammation and, in particular, to cope more quickly with the muscle breakdown caused by running, jumping or frequent, rapid changes of direction and the resulting inflammation.  
  • Pain relief after high physical exertion 

The influence of CBD on the endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for maintaining homeostasis, leads to changes on a physiological and cognitive level. For example, CBD can contribute to improved muscle recovery by reducing inflammation and promoting better sleep, which allows athletes to regenerate more efficiently between training sessions or competitions. Due to its anxiolytic and stress-reducing properties, CBD can also contribute to mental recovery and promote a sense of calm and mental well-being. It is particularly helpful for (professional) athletes to manage their stress levels in this way in order to achieve optimal performance.  

The World Anti-Doping Agency, which is responsible for controlling banned substances in sport worldwide, has removed pure CBD (must not contain THC) from the list of banned substances for professional athletes. This means that you can also consume approved CBD products before upcoming competitions without having to reckon with the consequences of possible doping.   

It should be noted that randomized controlled trials with placebo are also necessary in this area in order to test and verify the acute and chronic effects of different dosages. 

 

---