CBD in Sports. Why Some Athletes Take CBD

Professional athletes constantly push their bodies to the limit — training hard, competing, and recovering from intense physical exertion. And all that hard work can come with mental strain, fatigue, soreness, and sometimes injury.

Cannabidiol (CBD) in sports is becoming a more well-accepted practice to support the mental and physical demands of athletes. From pros to regular active individuals, CBD oil and other products like gummies and topicals are a reliable way to support many health goals.

Let's take a closer look into the science-backed reasons why CBD oil could be a game-changer for sports performance and overall wellness.

What Is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant, particularly hemp, which became federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.

Unlike THC, CBD won’t get you “high,” but it has a range of benefits that may support physical and mental health, making it an appealing option for athletes.

How CBD Works in the Body

CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps maintain homeostasis (balance) of many physiological systems, from pain perception to inflammation, stress, and sleep.

This interaction with the ECS may explain why athletes find CBD helpful for managing recovery, reducing pain, and enhancing performance.

Key Benefits of CBD for Athletes

We mentioned how CBD interacts with the ECS to support balance in the body. Maintaining internal balance is key for gains and sharp performance on game day for athletes undergoing intense training and competition.

While CBD isn't meant to treat or manage any health conditions, research points to the benefits of CBD supplementation that may help with athletic performance and recovery.

Supports Healthy Muscle Recovery

Strenuous workouts can lead to microtears in muscle tissues, which are part of the natural muscle-building process. However, the excessive inflammation of building stronger muscles can slow recovery and lead to discomfort.

Some studies suggest that CBD may support a healthy inflammatory process through interactions with the ECS, which could help improve discomfort during recovery [1].

Support Mood and Healthy Stress Levels

Being physically prepared for an event is only half the battle — game-day anxiety and stress can take over our minds, putting unwanted pressure on us to perform.

Competition and training can often lead to stress. CBD is being studied for its potential to support a balanced stress response and mood. Some research found CBD may help the body maintain healthy cortisol and other stress hormones, improving focus and relaxation [2].

Less stress could also lead to a better game day.

Support Restful Sleep

Good sleep is so important for athletic performance and recovery.

One of the main reasons people seek out CBD is its potential to support deep relaxation, which may help improve sleep. Research even points to CBD working alongside other cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol) to support healthy sleep patterns [3].

Maintain a Healthy Immune System

There is no worse feeling than tirelessly training for a big event over months and then getting sick leading up to the big day. Recent studies show that CBD oil can help support your immune system and reduce the chances of getting sick [4].

What Is The Best CBD For Athletes To Use?

Broad-spectrum hemp-derived CBD products are generally the safest option for pro athletes, as they have no THC (the psychoactive compound found in cannabis) while still containing a range of cannabinoids and terpenes that support the endocannabinoid system.

When it comes to the types of CBD products available, you've got plenty of options.

CBD Gummies

CBD gummies are a favorite for a reason. They come in different flavors and potencies and are convenient and delicious.

The downside is that these CBD products might have a slower onset of effects because of digestion.

Some gummies could even contain high sugar levels, promoting inflammation. This is why you want to pay close attention to the ingredients of your CBD products to ensure they align with your health goals.

While gummies are a good option for long-term benefits, they may not be as effective for immediate relief as other products.

CBD Roll-Ons

Roll-ons and other CBD-based topicals are an excellent option for localized discomfort CBD. These topical products allow athletes to target specific areas of discomfort, such as sore muscles or joints. 

CBD is absorbed through the skin, interacting with endocannabinoid receptors, providing fast-acting effects.

VIIA Cooling Menthol Roll-On combines CBD with herbs like Arnica, Calendula, and St. John’s Wort for enhanced discomfort support.

CBD Oil

CBD oil or drops are a product staple. It's versatile, easy to use, and provides long-lasting effects.

CBD oil is typically taken sublingually (under the tongue), where it is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. For athletes, CBD oil can help with recovery, aches, and stress reduction.

Oils offer the advantage of tailoring the dosage to your needs, giving you control over how much you consume. CBD oil can be used before a workout to boost focus or after training to support recovery and relaxation. VIIA CBD Day Drops and VIIA CBD Night Drops are top recommendations for athletes. They highlight the benefits of hemp-derived CBD while ensuring the products are THC-free and safe to use for athletes.

Whatever product you choose, always ensure you have access to the certificate of analysis by a third-party lab to verify that it meets quality and safety standards. This will provide peace of mind that you're using a product that aligns with your fitness goals and keeps you compliant.

Risks of Using CBD for Athletes

CBD itself is generally considered safe for most people, including athletes, when used appropriately.

It’s a non-intoxicating compound. However, the main concern with CBD products isn’t the compound itself but rather how the product is produced and the THC levels.

Some CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, which could potentially show up on drug tests, even if the levels are below the legal limit of 0.3%.

That’s why it’s important to source your CBD from reputable brands that provide third-party testing results. This gives you peace of mind that the product is free from harmful contaminants and meets the necessary standards.

How Do Athletes Use CBD?

Athletes have several ways to use CBD, depending on what works best for them.

One popular option is CBD oil, where you place a few drops under your tongue for fast absorption and longer-lasting effects. CBD topicals like roll-ons or creams can be applied directly to the area for quick relief when dealing with sore muscles or joints.

And CBD gummies are easy and delicious, though they might take longer to kick in. If you're looking for quick action, CBD vapes allow you to inhale the vapor for rapid relief.

Regardless of your choice, it's always a good idea to start with a small dose and see how your body reacts. And don’t forget to check that your CBD is THC-free and meets any sports regulations you need to follow.

Resources:

1. Atalay, S., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2019). Antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of cannabidiol. Antioxidants, 9(1), 21.

2. Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Manzanares, J., & Marmar, C. R. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

3. Bonn-Miller, M. O., Feldner, M. T., Bynion, T. M., Eglit, G. M., Brunstetter, M., Kalaba, M., ... & Hennesy, M. (2024). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of the safety and effects of CBN with and without CBD on sleep quality. Experimental and clinical psychopharmacology, 32(3), 277.