In January 2018, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed cannabidiol (CBD) from the list of substances prohibited for athletes after thorough consultation with experts. The evidence so far shows that CBD could also benefit athletes without affecting their results.

CBD is a natural extract from the flowers of Cannabis sativa L. with a low THC content, which is neither psychoactive nor toxic. Due to its many therapeutic potentials, it is used to help with inflammation, pain, anxiety, depression, dementia, epilepsy, diabetes, cancer and other diseases and problems. Its potential has also been recognized by athletes, as it alleviates the problems they face. Because they did not want to give up the benefits that CBD brings them, they pressured the WADA agency some time ago to remove CBD from the list of prohibited substances. In January of this year, they finally succeeded.

In a press statement, WADA Director Olivier Niggli said that the annual review of prohibited substances also includes an extensive consultation with all interested parties, which lasts a whole nine months. In doing so, experts examine sources such as scientific and medical research, trends, and data collected by law enforcement agencies and pharmaceutical companies to get ahead of anyone trying to fool the system.

And yet, based on the information so far, they found that CBD - in contrast to other cannabinoids, such as THC, for example - does not belong on the mentioned list. Both natural and synthetic CBD are now also allowed to be used by athletes. In addition, WADA warns to be careful when choosing CBD preparations, because those obtained from natural extracts may also contain different percentages of THC, which is still prohibited. It is therefore important that athletes choose a CBD preparation without THC or with the minimum amount still allowed by WADA to relieve pain, inflammation, injuries and other ailments.

Why are more and more athletes resorting to CBD preparations?
Different degrees of evidence reveal that CBD calms and protects the nervous system and has a positive effect on the heart, brain and peripheral vascular system, which in turn accelerates the recovery of muscles and other tissues tired from physical exertion.

Cannabidiol also shows good potential in eliminating sleep disorders, which has a positive effect on both regeneration and the creation of muscle mass. Training and proper nutrition are not all we need to build muscle mass and thus strength, speed... Rest and quality sleep are also necessary. Muscles are created and regenerated during rest, and most intensively during sleep.

CBD also has anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, which – in contrast to synthetic anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving preparations – have no significant side effects. Since in professional sports there is no lack of inflammation and pain in muscles, knees, ankles, back, neck... the consumption of natural preparations with as few health consequences as possible is most welcome.

Falls and blows often leave consequences on the bones as well. But even in the case of fractures, CBD holds great promise. Researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv University found that CBD in bone cells stimulates the activity of an enzyme called lysylhydroxylase, which promotes bone healing.

Since research has shown that cannabidiol has neuroprotective and even neuroregenerative effects, it also helps to calm problems caused by damage to the nervous system. Thus, CBD is becoming more and more interesting especially for athletes who, due to the nature of their sport, often suffer head impacts/injuries. Research has shown that as many as 96 percent of former NFL players suffer from a neurodegenerative disease known as chronic traumatic encephalopathy caused by repeated blows to the head. Symptoms of this disease include problems with concentration and memory, headaches, depression and other mood disorders, and dementia. Research so far shows that cannabidiol has good potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.

With CBD, movement becomes a pleasure again - whether it is for daily leisure and work activities or even for top-class sports.

Text:  Adriana Dolinar, Ph.D.Vet.Med., the president Associations for the Awakening of the Whole Man and an external employee of the information center - Zadravje.net.
Source: https://www.zazdravje.net/zdrava-medicina/cbd-odslej-dovoljen-tudi-sportnikom/