Everything you need to know about CBD oil

We’re taking a closer look at the definition of CBD actually is, before going into the advantages to your health, fitness and performance in sports.

What exactly is CBD?

Are you sure it’s a medicine? Is it a medicine? No, it’s a ‘recovery super-supplement’ – and no, it won’t get you high. CBD, or cannabidiol is the latest craze on the block for mainstream recovery and, like so many other get-fit-quick supplements, there is plenty of hype about CBD. The ingredient is one of the more than 100 chemical components (known as cannabinoids) of Cannabis.

In the UK the UK, the government has categorised CBD as a “new food’. CBD is available in a variety of forms such as CBD oil UK, drops as well as creams, sprays, drinks and gummies.

The list of supposed benefits is extensive with improved sleeping, less inflammation in the body, pain and anxiety reduction high among them. Some brands have also recommended that CBD may reduce the severity and frequency of seizures. It can also protect the brain, help maintain healthy skin, relieve nausea, enhance the cardiovascular system and reduce weight.

CBD & Elite Athletes

There’s backing from professional athletes as well, having WADA approved it, including the support of athletes all the way from UFC to triathlon, golf and rugby. Former players of the NFL where opioids are been widely used as painkillershave been vocal in favor of CBD.

Despite the lack of evidence to support CBD benefits on humans – most studies examine the effects on rats this market boomed by the conclusion of the decade. The industry within the UK alone will amount to PS1bn by 2025.

The CMC could be considered to be part of an international cannabis marijuana lobby that could have helped to drive sales, however, a myriad of stories of the benefits also explain the growth.

Benefits of CBD

Larger doses of CBD have been found to regulate neurotransmitters inside the body. It can also help with various anxiety-related disorders. While we’re still in need of further studies, we know that CBD stimulates the neurons of the brain. This causes an increase of dopamine released. This increases not only levels of energy but also the mood.

CBD may also help to calm the central nervous system according to numerous studies.

Recent research has revealed that CBD could reduce pain and inflammation. It does so by influencing the endocannabinoid-receptor system which is part of the nerve system to relieve the pain by releasing neurotransmitters.

Keep an eye out for THC

However however, the NHS warns on its website: ‘Some cannabis-based products can be bought on the internet, without prescription. It’s likely that the majority of these items… will contain THC and are not safe to use.’

The THC issue is a thorny one to the CBD market. In the past, many have thought that the law was open to interpretation on allowable amounts below 0.2 percent (which isn’t enough to cause an effect) and have included the psychoactive component in their CBD products.

Sports bodies, including UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and the US Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) recommend caution.

‘Despite the permitted status of CBD the product still poses the risk to athletes according to UKAD. The athletes must be aware of the possibility of inadvertently taking an CBD product with a higher THC concentration than what they are used to or contains an additional cannabinoid that sports organizations prohibit.’

Can all cannabinoids be legalized in sport?

In addition to CBD All cannabinoids other than CBD are not allowed in sports. And, USADA says they can stay in your system long after using them. It also claims it is almost impossible to obtain pure CBD extract or oil from the cannabis plant.

Confused? There’s more. The World Health Organization (WHO) declares that CBD is generally well-tolerated with a very good health profile’. However the Harvard Medical School publication claimed nausea, fatigue and irritability are possible adverse reactions.

Although CBD still has a lot of supporters and has a lot of potential, it doesn’t come cheap.

As a result, until scientists undertake more studies of a larger scale in the future, the benefits of CBD are likely to be largely speculative. But that’s not to say it won’t work for you.

Many have reported impressive results from regular CBD usage. If you’re interested in CBD, make sure you increase the dose gradually. Don’t be too disheartened if it doesn’t completely improve your health and fitness.