People who play sports are constantly looking for ways to gain an edge, but can NCAA athletes use CBD?
Hemp extracts are rich in compounds that many people find beneficial. These products are used for everything from pain management to sleep aids, as their benefits are unique to the individual.
As CBD became popular with the general public, athletes started to take notice. Before long, athletes throughout the country started turning to CBD to enhance their workout routines and assist with recovery.
CBD is now widely embraced by many professional athletes. Football star Derrick Morgan swears by CBD, and Olympic champion Gabby Douglas openly praises CBD for its many benefits. Mike Tyson loves CBD so much that he went as far as starting his own brand “Tyson Ranch”.
Though CBD has made its way into the hearts of professional athletes, many people still wonder whether or not these products are accepted in college sports.
A lot of the finest athletes earn their names in their college years. This formative time in an athletes life will determine their early professional standing. If they perform at their peak they can earn a name for themselves, hone their skills, and potentially get recruited.
College athletes will do just about anything they can to improve their game. The pressure is immense, and people sometimes turn to dangerous drugs to gain an edge. The NCAA is aware of this temptation, and has set forth regulations to prevent any unfair advantages.
Some prohibited substances are obvious, but what about CBD?
Is CBD Legal?
The production of hemp was prohibited in the U.S for almost a century. Though humans have been using hemp for over 10,000 years, there were political and economic motivations to make it illegal.
In 2018, the 2018 Farm Bill was passed. This made it legal to sell and consume hemp products that contain 0.3% THC or less.
The Differences Between CBD and Marijuana
It’s important to understand the difference between CBD and Marijuana. When athletes utilize CBD, they aren’t getting “high”.
Marijuana and hemp contain similar sets of compounds, but in different concentrations. Marijuana contains high concentrations of THC and small amounts of CBD. Hemp, on the other hand, is rich in CBD and has less than 0.3% THC.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in marijuana that’s responsible for making the user feel “high”. Because CBD has such a minuscule amount of THC, it does not elicit any psychoactive reaction.
What is the NCAA?
The National Collegiate Athletic Association is an organization that is committed to the wellbeing and life-long success of college athletes. This member-led group creates and enforces many of the regulations that govern college sports.
The NCAA maintains a list of banned drugs and updates it every year. CBD is not on this list, but THC is, so it’s important for athletes to make sure they’re using CBD products that don’t contain any THC.
CBD in College Sports
College sports are the proving ground for many athletes. It’s how they prove to recruiters that they have what it takes to make it in the big leagues. There are countless products marketed to college athletes that claim to help them gain an edge, but many are filled with chemicals or insane servings of supplements.
Athletes love CBD because it provides them with a wealth of natural benefits from the hemp plant. Though they have to be diligent about using THC-free products, a large number of college athletes use CBD as a way to perform at their peak.
CBD in Professional Sports
Professional athletes seem to be much more vocal about their love of CBD. When you’re at the point in your career when you’re making millions of dollars per year, you’re allowed to shake things up a bit.
Some people still have a misinformed prejudice towards CBD because they don’t understand the difference between hemp and marijuana. This causes some athletes, especially those at a college-level, to shy away from being public about their CBD use.
Fortunately, many professionals are very open, and help to influence the public perception in a positive way.
Why Athletes Love CBD
CBD oil is loaded with beneficial compounds from the hemp plant, and provides athletes with a wealth of benefits. The human body contains a series of neurotransmitters called the endocannabinoid system. When you consume CBD, it indirectly interfaces with both the CB1 and CB2 of the endocannabinoid system,
These cannabinoid receptors influence the central and peripheral nervous system. When Athletes utilize CBD they often feel they recover faster, have enhanced mental clarity, and are able to perform at their peak.
Whether you play at a college level, are a seasoned pro, or just play for the passion of it all, CBD can help.
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