Off the world anti-doping list since 2018, CBD use is increasingly common among high-performance athletes due to its benefits.
Since 2018 the cannabidiol (CBD) it is no longer on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned substances list. With that, the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics last year were the first Olympic events to release the use of the resource.
This shift has come about thanks to advanced discoveries about the benefits of CBD, particularly for high-performance athletes living with pain and anxiety. “CBD can help athletes during sports because it reduces anxiety, in the end it has an anti-inflammatory and anti-pain factor, that is, it acts against pain”, explains Dr. Renato Anghinah, professor at the USP School of Medicine and CMO (Chief Medical Officer) at HempMeds.
According to the doctor, more and more athletes are starting to use cannabidiol, which has made this practice recurring in the reality and daily life of this sport. He recalls that corticosteroids were widely used in the sports world, but were banned by anti-doping agencies. Today, cannabidiol plays this role. “I always like to say that cannabidiol is likely to be the steroid of the 21st century,” comments Renato.
medical cannabis
Science has already demonstrated the benefits and quality of life that medical cannabis can bring to patients and high-performance athletes, as highlighted by neurosurgeon and founder of the WeCann Academy (Center for Studies in Endocannabinoid Medicine), Dr. Patrizia Montagner. “Many of them had already run out of different therapeutic alternatives, without success,” she reveals.
The neurosurgeon explains that isolated CBD (i.e. separated from THC) has no psychotropic effects and does not cause chemical dependence. “However, the progress of this therapy collides with stigma and lack of information, which results in losses for those suffering from a variety of diseases, many of them severe, refractory and disabling,” says Patricia.
The substance is effective in treating various diseases, such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, autism spectrum disorder, anxiety disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer associated symptoms, among others. More recently, its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect has been discovered, which shows that CBD is also promising for patients with chronic pain, such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia.
Benefits of CBD for Athletes
Not just for people with chronic diseases, recent findings on CBD’s therapeutic effects are also beneficial for high-performance athletes. The substance is effective in the treatment of pain and injuries, which are part of the routine of athletes. “CBD can contribute to the physical performance of athletes, improve the treatment of musculoskeletal and tendon injuries, and reduce pain and inflammation caused during training,” says Dr. Patrizia.
The doctor explains that, from the anti-inflammatory functions of CBD, the athlete can benefit from muscle regeneration. In modalities like triathlon and cycling, for example, which tend to be over-trained and have insufficient recovery time, a state of poor performance and chronic fatigue is common, as the neurosurgeon points out. In these cases, the substance can relieve symptoms and contribute to good sports performance.
Mental health
Patricia explains that athletes often suffer from anxiety and insomnia due to training load and emotional pressure. Medical cannabis treatment can help, as its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective potentials help you sleep and reduce stress and anxiety.
“The feeling not only of relaxation, but also of decreasing anxiety, improving sleep disturbances and relieving pain are some of the characteristics that CBD has shown,” comments Dr. Renato. According to the neurosurgeon, Dr. Patricia, CBD and THC phytocannabinoids combine anxiolytic and antidepressant properties capable of bringing a feeling of well-being.
As the doctor pointed out, a study from the Department of Psychology at the University of British Columbia brings together research showing the potential of cannabis in self-managing anxiety and depression. “The findings include the minimization of psychiatric disorders associated with chronic pain, suggesting an increase in positive perceptions and a decrease in negative experiences related to this clinical setting,” adds Patricia.
How can CBD be consumed
According to doctors, the active ingredient in cannabis can be ingested through oil (in drops), in capsules, in inhalation form or even in gummy candies. “Athletes should ensure that the CBD product contains no more than 0.3% THC, the psychostimulating substance in cannabis and responsible for the main effects of the drug marijuana,” warns Dr. Patrizia.
The imported oil has been authorized in Brazil since 2015. Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) is responsible for authorizing the import of cannabis-derived products for health treatment. “In 2019 Anvisa regulated the marketing of cannabis products in the country, since then there are already 19 registered products that can be purchased directly from pharmacies and drugstores through controlled medical prescriptions”, reveals the doctor.
“It is important to remember that athletes or anyone else wishing to benefit from the therapeutic effects of medical cannabis seek a qualified prescribing physician for this therapy so that they can receive safe guidelines and affirmative prescriptions,” concludes Patricia.
Source: Terra
Benjamin Smith is a fashion journalist and author at Gossipify, known for his coverage of the latest fashion trends and industry insights. He writes about clothing, shoes, accessories, and runway shows, providing in-depth analysis and unique perspectives. He’s respected for his ability to spot emerging designers and trends, and for providing practical fashion advice to readers.
