CBD in sport
Why is cannabidiol (CBD) the centre of interest for so many athletes, including professionals?
When looking for an answer to this question, it is necessary to analyse the benefits of CBD and its mechanisms of action in terms of muscle strain, physical and mental stress.
Physical exercise for people unfamiliar with the sport or who perform it at high intensity involves exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD). In general, this phenomenon allows for development through regeneration, growth of muscles, improvement of their strength and, therefore, adaptation to increased effort. It is a natural phenomenon. However, EIMD causes muscle dysfunction, soreness and initiates the often prolonged inflammation. Cannabidiol (CBD) has a strong anti-inflammatory effect, thus shortening muscle recovery time and reducing pain after exercise.
Traumatic brain injuries commonly occur in many disciplines, especially in contact sports - not only those leading to, e.g. full-blown concussion but also so-called mTBI (mild traumatic brain injury). When occurring frequently, these injuries can gradually lead to changes in neuronal functioning and microstructural damage, cognitive dysfunction, and behavioural modifications. Again, CBD exhibits neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and excitotoxicity (neuronal damage associated with excessive receptor activation and neurotransmitter release). Moreover, cannabidiol influences the formation of new nerve cells, stimulation of neuroplasticity - inhibiting neurodegeneration and restoring cognitive abilities.
Another less well-known effect of strenuous exercise is the changes taking place in the gastrointestinal tract. While prolonged exercise increases blood supply to skeletal muscles, the cardiopulmonary system and the skin, other organs and tissues are exposed to a reduced supply of oxygen and nutrients. It may result in decreased efficiency of the organism and post-exercise gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, emesis, abdominal pain or diarrhoea, as well as decreased absorption of nutrients. CBD has an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect which reduces damage to digestive tract tissues. Studies also show that it restores the normal permeability of intestinal mucosa, which improves impaired food absorption.
In psychological terms, for example, in the period before a competition, many athletes deal with stress related to performance (sports performance anxiety, SPA). This stress does not allow to use the full potential developed during training. Research has proven that CBD has an anti-anxiety effect, easing the psychological load, especially in situations of extreme stress - not only during sports competitions but also during public appearances, for example.
The need for proper, regenerative sleep is the basis for optimal functioning of the body. Unfortunately, it is not possible to "sleep in advance", so each of us must take care not only of the correct "dose" of sleep but also of its quality. In the case of athletes, the efficiency and ability to regenerate during sleep disorders decreases dramatically, and sleep deprivation itself is a frequent problem among this group of people. It may be related to training intensity, sport type, late practices, spa, caffeine use or 'pre-workouts'. Research shows that cannabidiol significantly improves sleep, its duration and depth, which is reflected in an improved sense of well-being, recovery. However, one group of researchers has shown that too small doses of CBD can cause wake-ups for some people, so it is vital to choose the correct dose and observe your own body.
It is worth noting that as of 2018, cannabidiol (CBD) has been removed by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) as well as the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) from the list of substances prohibited in competition or out of competition. Appreciated by sports ambassadors, especially MMA or American Football, it is thanks to the efforts of athletes such as Nate Diaz and the Denver team that these agencies have looked at the potential, benefits and safety of CBD use in all sports.
Fatouros I, Jamurtas A. Insights into the molecular etiology of exercise-induced inflammation: opportunities for optimizing performance. J Inflamm Res. 2016;9:175–86.
Kamins J, Giza C. Concussion—mild traumatic brain injury: Recoverable injury with potential for serious sequelae. Neurosurg Clin. 2016;27(4):441–52.
Campos A, Fogaça M, Sonego A, Guimarães F. Cannabidiol, neuroprotection and neuropsychiatric disorders. Pharmacol Res. 2016;112:119–27.
Mori M, Meyer E, Soares L, Milani H, Guimarães F, de Oliveira R. Cannabidiol reduces neuroinflammation and promotes neuroplasticity and functional recovery after brain ischemia. Prog Neuro-Psychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2017;75:94–105.
van Wijck K, Lenaerts K, Grootjans J, et al. Physiology and pathophysiology of splanchnic hypoperfusion and intestinal injury during exercise: Strategies for evaluation and prevention. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2012;303(2):G155–68.
Alhamoruni A, Wright K, Larvin M, O'sullivan S. Cannabinoids mediate opposing effects on inflammation-induced intestinal permeability. Br J Pharmacol. 2012;165(8):2598–610.
De Filippis D, Esposito G, Cirillo C, et al. Cannabidiol reduces intestinal inflammation through the control of neuroimmune axis. PLoS One. 2011;6(12):e28159.
Craft L, Magyar M, Becker B, Feltz D. The relationship between the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 and sport performance: A meta-analysis. J Sport Exerc Psychol. 2003;25(1):44–65.
Crippa J, Derenusson G, Ferrari T, et al. Neural basis of anxiolytic effects of cannabidiol (CBD) in generalized social anxiety disorder: a preliminary report. J Psychopharmacol. 2011;25(1):121–30.
Bergamaschi M, Queiroz R, Chagas M, et al. Cannabidiol reduces the anxiety induced by simulated public speaking in treatment-naive social phobia patients. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2011;36(6):1219–26.
Malhotra R. Sleep, recovery, and performance in sports. Neurol Clin. 2017;35(3):547–57.
Carlini E, Cunha J. Hypnotic and antiepileptic effects of cannabidiol. J Clin Pharmacol. 1981;21(S1):417S–27S.
Yi P, Hsiao Y, Tsai C, Jan T, Lu C, Chang F. Serotonergic system in the central nucleus of amygdala mediates cannabidiol-induced sleep alteration. Open Sleep J. 2008;1:58–68.