The use of cannabis in sport has become a subject of interest, especially when it comes to the properties of CBD (cannabidiol), which since 2018 is no longer on the list of prohibited substances. Let’s look at how CBD has been used by athletes and the potential benefits for recovery:

Muscle Recovery

The intense physical exertion faced by athletes can lead to fatigue and muscle inflammation. CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that can help with post-workout muscle recovery by reducing pain and inflammation.

Neuroprotection and Anxiety

Playing sports can cause stress and anxiety in athletes. CBD has anxiolytic and neuroprotective properties that can help reduce anxiety and promote a sense of calm during training and competition.

Analgesic

CBD also has analgesic properties, which means it can help relieve muscle and joint pain associated with intense training.

However, more scientific evidence in specific sports-related populations is needed to confirm these effects. 

Future research in the field of sports science and medicine should focus on understanding the role of CBD in physiological mechanisms such as inflammatory cascade, neuroprotection, analgesic and anxiolytic pathways, muscle augmentation and neuromechanical function. Preliminary preclinical evidence also suggests that CBD may protect against gastrointestinal damage associated with inflammation and promote sports performance. 

References: 

• [2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8369499/
• [3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7338332/