Cannabis, a herbaceous plant widely known for its recreational use, is garnering increasing attention for specific cannabinoids found within it. These cannabinoids are being explored for potential medical and athletic benefits.
Cannabis Sativa contains more than 140 different cannabinoids, and it can be cultivated to produce "hemp" and "marijuana." Legally, the distinction between the two lies in the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. THC is the main psychoactive compound, but hemp contains less than 0.2-0.3% THC, making it non-psychoactive.
One particular cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), found in non-psychoactive hemp, is of interest due to its proposed anxiolytic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, as well as anecdotal reports of improved sleep. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) removed CBD from the prohibited list in 2018, leading to a surge in CBD use among athletes. However, safety concerns and unanswered questions need to be addressed before CBD can become a routine supplement for athletes.
Safety Concerns and Anti-Doping Risk Factors
CBD supplements in low doses seem to have a reasonable side effect profile, but long-term safety studies in athletic populations are lacking. Higher doses have been associated with potential liver toxicity. Additionally, athletes need to be aware of the complex anti-doping regulations, as all cannabinoids except CBD remain prohibited. There's a risk of other cannabinoids, including THC, being present in CBD products, leading to Anti-Doping Rule Violations.
Evidence of Potential Benefits on Pain, Sleep, and Neuroprotection
CBD's potential benefits on pain, sleep, and neuroprotection are still inconclusive. While some studies show promise, others report no significant effects. More research is needed, particularly in athletic contexts, before CBD can be recommended as an alternative to standard pain medication or a sleep aid for athletes.
Concussion
CBD's potential for preventing and aiding recovery from mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as concussions, has been suggested, but research is limited to animal studies. Human studies are crucial to understanding CBD's effects on TBI, especially for athletes at risk of brain injuries.
Summary and Future Directions
CBD has become a popular supplement among athletes for sleep, anxiety, recovery, and potential TBI benefits. However, uncertainty surrounding its safety profile and the risk of inadvertent Anti-Doping Rule Violations raises caution. Researchers should conduct further studies to assess risks, safety of chronic use, and CBD's efficacy in addressing purported benefits for athletes.
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Scientific References
- Kasper, A. M., Sparks, S. A., Hooks, M., Skeer, M., Webb, B., Nia, H., Morton, J. P., & Close, G. L. (2020). High Prevalence of Cannabidiol Use Within Male Professional Rugby Union and League Players: A Quest for Pain Relief and Enhanced Recovery. International journal of sport nutrition and exercise metabolism, 1–8. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/ijsnem.2020-0151
- Dahlgren, M. K., Sagar, K. A., Smith, R. T., Lambros, A. M., Kuppe, M. K., & Gruber, S. A. (2020). Recreational cannabis use impairs driving performance in the absence of acute intoxication. Drug and alcohol dependence, 208, 107771. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2019.107771
- Gurley, B. J., Murphy, T. P., Gul, W., Walker, L. A., & ElSohly, M. (2020). Content versus Label Claims in Cannabidiol (CBD)-Containing Products Obtained from Commercial Outlets in the State of Mississippi. Journal of dietary supplements, 17(5), 599–607. https://doi.org/10.1080/19390211.2020.1766634
- Cochrane-Snyman, K. C., Cruz, C., Morales, J., & Coles, M. (2021). The Effects of Cannabidiol Oil on Noninvasive Measures of Muscle Damage in Men. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 10.1249/MSS.0000000000002606. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000002606
- McCartney, D., Benson, M.J., Desbrow, B. et al. Cannabidiol and Sports Performance: a Narrative Review of Relevant Evidence and Recommendations for Future Research.Sports Med - Open 6, 27 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40798-020-00251-0
- Close, G. L., Kasper, A. M., & Morton, J. P. (2019). From Paper to Podium: Quantifying the Translational Potential of Performance Nutrition Research. Sports medicine (Auckland, N.Z.), 49(Suppl 1), 25–37. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-018-1005-2
