CBD or cannabidiol has been getting attention from athletes of various sports (recommended source). It is not surprising since it makes it easier to manage pain, give better sleep, and provide faster recovery.
Cyclists can also enjoy these many benefits. So, if you are a cyclist, continue reading to learn more about cannabidiol and its wonders for cyclists.
Ways to Use Cannabidiol
You can use cannabidiol in various ways, such as pills, oils, and capsules. You can also see it as a crucial ingredient in recovery beverages, drops, lotions, tinctures, edibles, and creams.
However, ingested cannabidiol such as oil, edibles, and capsules take longer to see the effect because your body needs to digest it first. On the other hand, creams take effect faster compared to edibles.
Nonetheless, cannabidiol drops placed under the tongue take effect faster. However, inhaling it through vaping is still the quickest way.
Moreover, according to a study, it has reported that cannabidiol used for seizure treatment related to epilepsy is better absorbed by the body when consumed with foods high in fat.
The participants in the study were asked to consume a meal high in fat before taking cannabidiol. The researchers then discovered that the absorption is 14 times better than the participants who took cannabidiol without consuming a high-fat meal.
Lastly, it’s also good to know that cannabidiol can be cannabidiol full-spectrum or cannabidiol isolate. The former means that products have cannabidiol and other components from the main plant.
Therefore, there is a small THC amount. Meanwhile, the latter has only pure cannabidiol in its products.
The Amount You Must Use
Aside from epilepsy, further studies are still needed to determine the use of cannabidiol. Moreover, it is unknown what dose can provide sound effects to individuals.
Additionally, there are few regulations for cannabidiol products because they are categorized as supplements. Nevertheless, it is recommended to begin with a very low dose and slowly increase it depending on its effects on your body.
Cannabidiol Legality for Athletes
Cannabidiol has been taken off from the prohibited substance list by the World Anti-Doping Agency at the start of 2018, and this applies during and outside the competition. Therefore, cannabidiol is allowed by law to be used by athletes.
However, it would be best to keep in mind that using cannabidiol is allowed, but THC is still not allowed in games. For example, Lauren Goss, a triathlete, was banned for six months by the US Anti-Doping Agency because there was some THC content in her blood.
She said this was due to the cannabidiol cream she was using to treat her injury. Therefore, if you are using full-spectrum cannabidiol, you always have to remember that it has THC.
Conclusion
Finally, CBD is indeed promising to many athletes, including cyclists. Although more evidence is needed, there have been no risks from it so far.
However, it is not yet known how CBD works when it comes to treating body conditions such as inflammation and the appropriate dose for it.
Additionally, you must also be cautious if you decide to compete in tournaments while taking CBD because some cannabidiol products have THC. Therefore, you must be diligent and well-informed about what you’re consuming or using.
