The use of CBD among athletes is becoming extensive. The Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018 (the “2018 Farm Bill”) exempted “hemp” from the definition of “marijuana” so that cannabinoids derived from hemp are no longer controlled substances under federal law. The law sets the THC limit for hemp at “not more than 0.3 [percent] on a dry weight basis.” So, CBD derived from hemp is legal under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

The legalization and resulting production and commercialization of CBD has fueled a race to study their properties, benefits and risks for health and performance in athletes. CBD manufacturers looking for new market opportunities are making big investments in the sports nutrition market, signing up athlete endorsements and trying to capitalize on growing acceptance of cannabidiol’s anti-inflammatory properties among premier sports stars.

From three-time PGA Tour champion Scott McCarron to former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski, athletes are being tapped by CBD producers to grab attention in a global sector projected to be worth an estimated $81.5 billion by 2023 (Statista).

Further, according to ResearchandMarkets.com, the global dietary supplements market size is expected to reach $327.4 billion by 2030. The market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.9 percent. Much of that growth will be attributed to the CBD category and the various delivery systems offered.

One of the key drivers for CBD products is the pain associated with intense training. I have been an endurance athlete for almost 40 years and understand the pain associated with training and the constant drive for improvement. Athletes challenge their bodies which stimulates adaptation and increased performance. That said, physical trauma and prolonged wear and tear also lead to injuries and pain. Current methods of pain management can have both short- and long-term health risks. Chronic use of over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, pose extreme health risks. Moreover, we are in the midst of an opioid epidemic that kills thousands annually.

With more than 11,000 published medical and scientific studies, the scientific community is beginning to realize the true potential and benefits of CBD. Regardless of athletic level, CBD for recovery and enhanced performance is being realized by athletes of all kinds. In fact, recent studies indicate that CBD has unique anti-inflammatory properties, improving both rest and rates of recovery.

Moreover, in addition to its anti-inflammatory properties, CBD has a modulating effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This system is an extensive internal signaling system. Under normal circumstances, ECS is moderated by sleep, diet, exercise, stress and other factors. Typically, the body creates its own cannabinoids within the ECS to regulate a wide variety of signals and responses. However, research has shown that the addition of CBD to your regimen may aid and enhance the regulation of this system, maintaining physical and neuronal homeostasis, while offering a wide range of potential benefits including:

• Improved pain management
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Regulation of fatigue
• Reduced joint inflammation
• Improved recovery
• Reduced oxidative stress
• Increased healthy sleep

Furthermore, aside from its health benefits, hemp-derived CBD contains all 20 amino acids, making it a complete protein. Additionally, CBD contains other beneficial nutrients, including omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, B complex vitamins and iron.

A Wide Range of Delivery Systems

CBD is typically offered in powders, oils and liquids. There are a wide range of CBD delivery systems, including tablets, capsules, food products, oral sprays, tinctures, vapor products, creams and topicals, beverages, Quick Melt lozenges, gummies and chews. Like with any food, supplement or medication, CBD gets absorbed into the body but the amount of CBD that is absorbed will differ depending on the delivery system as follows: • Sublingual: Administration under the tongue is the most common way to take CBD oil. Putting CBD oil under the tongue sends the molecule directly into your bloodstream through the mucus membranes allowing the compounds to interact with the endocannabinoid system more quickly.

• Ingestion: When CBD is swallowed it needs to be digested and processed through the liver before going into the bloodstream. The bioavailability is good but not as great as sublingual. Examples of Ingested CBD delivery systems are gummies, capsules, tablets, beverages and foods.

• Inhalation: Vaping offers the highest level of bioavailability. The vapor is absorbed into the bloodstream through the lungs for immediate effect.

• Topical: Bioavailability is not the best, but because topicals are spot specific, they work well for their specific application.

It is essential to buy from retailers that stock products that have been made with the highest quality control standards and are backed by third party lab testing. The third party lab should provide a detailed Certificate of Analysis (CoA), including exact micro and heavy metal data (not ranges).

When determining which CBD delivery system is best, consider your needs and personal preference. Also consider your lifestyle and which delivery system is best for your particular objectives. A single delivery system may suffice for some, but many CBD users choose to combine two or more delivery systems.

CBD Oil and Hemp Oil

CBD is a cannabinoid extracted from the hemp plants stems, leaves and flowers. CBD oil often contains additional cannabinoid fractions and terpenes. CBD oil is mostly labeled as full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp oil.

Hemp oil is pressed from seeds, and may contain traces of cannabinoids and terpenes, but not enough to be beneficial. Hemp oil is commonly used in skin care products to help with different skin conditions.

Full spectrum hemp oil is the processed oil extracted from the hemp plant. The “full spectrum” refers to the “complete chemistry” that includes terpenes, cannabinoid fractions and the CBD. Full spectrum oil is typically between 84–88 percent CBD with less than 0.3 percent THC.

Broad spectrum is like full spectrum and contains 0 percent THC.

Full spectrum hemp can be further processed into CBD Isolate. Isolate is a powder that is better than 99 percent CBD. There are no terpenes or cannabinoid fractions.

The emergence of CBD could mark a major turning point in how athletes recover from training and manage both occasional and chronic pain. There is still much to learn about how CBD works and how athletes can best utilize it.

Although CBD is not a banned substance for athletes, there is still potential risk for athletes. Motivated by potential quick profits, the natural products industry has had a history of rogue manufacturers producing products with misleading label information. Athletes must be cognizant of THC levels and other banned substances where there may be a risk for a doping violation. It is in the athlete’s best interests to do due diligence and thoroughly research in an effort to find a reputable brand.

The current science indicates that CBD offers great potential benefits and few risks, including improved recovery and less pain, reduced inflammation and improved sleep. If an athlete realizes any of these benefits, then athletic performance is likely to improve. And, most importantly, if athletes take CBD instead of NSAIDS, opioids and prescription sleep aids, this is an even bigger victory. VR

References

www.statista.com
www.researchandmarkets.com

Mark Becker is a senior account manager for Vivion Inc, a raw materials distributor, based in Vernon, CA. He has worked as a natural products sales and marketing executive for 20 years. Becker has written more than 300 articles and has hosted or been a guest on more than 500 radio shows. He obtained a bachelor’s in journalism from Long Beach State University and did his master’s work in communications at Cal State Fullerton. For more than 35 years he has participated in numerous endurance events, including more than 150 triathlons of Olympic distance or longer, 103 marathons and numerous other events including ultramarathons and rough water swims from Alcatraz to the mainland. He has relied on a comprehensive dietary supplement regimen to support his athletic, professional and personal endeavors. Follow Mark Becker on Facebook at www.facebook.com/marklbecker/posts/387591877933686#!/energyatlast. Follow him on Twitter at http://twitter.com/#!/becker_mark. For more information, access www.vivioninc.com, www.alliedbionutrition.com or www.EnergyatLast.com.