Ever since the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) took CBD off its banned list, some have asked: can CBD improve sport performance? If this seems like ironic timing, it’s because it is: April 20th or in pop-culture terms “4/20”. Whatever your official views are on the subject, outside of caffeine and cigarettes, cannabis is one of the most used drugs in the world along with an abundant history that spans centuries. It’s used for recreational use as well as being broken down for it’s molecular function and structure for medical advancements and aid – which begs the question:

Can CBD Improve Sport Performance?

We need to break down how CBD can improve sport performance with the distinction between CBD and THC. Can CBD improve sport performance by reducing self reported fatigue? Can CBD improve sport performance by aiding in muscle hypertrophy? Can CBD improve sport performance via measurements of power or strength? 

The Difference Between CBD and THC

According to the San Antonio Recovery Center and other institutions, CBD and THC are found in cannabis plants. However CBD is an extract that is found in oils and extracts while THC is the main psychoactive in marijuana. With the primary focus of the conversation revolved around performance, psychoactives immediately are removed from further discussion. Let’s discuss next whether CBD can improve sport performance by measurements of muscle hypertrophy.

CBD and Muscle Hypertrophy

The process of hypertrophy, or muscle building, requires a stimulus sufficient enough for inflammation. The supercompensation theory or general adaptation theory brough by Seyle suggests that a period of a stimulus being introduced, followed by a inflammation perdiod, and then a supercompensation period (where performance increases) is a method to how we can build muscle, strength, and improve performance measurements. How can CBD improve sport performance through muscle hypertrophy lies within its effects to the inflammation process and cellular pathways to anabolic stimulation. 

Over the counter anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen are throught to help those with excessive inflammation. Research by Trappe and colleagues demonstrated that “ibuprofen blunted the protein synthesis response that is normally seen after the type of exercise used in this study (eccentric training); surprisingly, acetaminophen also had a similar effect on protein metabolism.” Can CBD improve sport performance via muscle hypertrophy considering it is not an anti-inflammatory? Yes it can. 

Breaking down the cannaboid system, hints of future research revolve around the activation of multiple cannabinoid receptors and how it can improve oxidative (mitochondrial) metabolism, insulin sensitivity, satellite cell growth, muscle anabolism, and promising ways to stimulate muscle metabolism and muscle cell growth. Pathways of mTOR, an anabolic cellular pathway for building muscle, was found to not be affected with CBD use with rats. Creatine kinase and myoglobin measurements in blood concentration showed no significant changes in how sore a person felt after resistance training – even though the study suggested oral consumption prior to training rather than after could impact results and conflicting results say there are no effects regardless of the time.

CBD and Strength & Power

Can CBD improve sports performance through strength? Some research suggests while others indicat it is inconclusive. One study suggests that CBD consumption did improve 1RM back squat but not counter movement jump (CMJ) performance with the idea that subjects were not able to train for any power specificity. A second study looked at both cannabis and CBD groups and witnessed improvements to anerobic power output and muscular strength. Two notable studies with female athletes did not find any improvements in similar areas while answering the question can CBD improve sport performance. 

Verdict

How can CBD improve sports performance is still in it’s infancy and limited as it relates to research. Limited studies have been produced with highlly experienced athletes or individuals with high training ages. Since 2018 and WADA’s decision to have CBD removed from its banned substances list has research bouncing back and forth whether there’s any improvement in aerobic or anaerobic capacities. My final verdict lies in how you want to use CBD and how much you believe in it.

CBD can improve sport performance if you feel that CBD is going to help reduce your stress, anxiety, or help you with soreness. The research still needs to be developed and the effects on the cellular pathways is irrefutable. To find out more information related to CBD, I highly recommend visiting freebdy to learn more. How you manage your wellness and recovery is an important source towards your performance – just like improving your sleep.