Sport Welcomes Cannabis - Professional and Olympic Athletes to use CBD

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) are removing cannabidiol (CBD) from their banned-substances list from January 1st 2018.

CBD is an non-intoxicating cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. WADA, who coordinate anti-doping policies globally for over 600 sports, including all of the Olympic sports, have approved use of this natural compound by professional and elite athletes.

This cannabinoid is in the spotlight worldwide, as awareness of its far-reaching health benefits is rapidly expanding.
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David Bearman, one of the most clinically knowledgeable physicians in the field of medicinal marijuana states, “CBD is a powerful anti-epileptic, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-nauseate, sleep aid, muscle relaxant, sedative and anti-proliferative”.

The World Health Organisation’s (WHO) recently released a report stating that CBD showed “no public health risks or abuse potential”.

Nick Osipczak, a former professional athlete (UFC) says, “CBD is perfect for athletes because it significantly speeds up recovery. Due to the intense and demanding training involved at the highest levels in sport, all athletes inevitably receive injuries at multiple points during their careers. CBD is anti-inflammatory, relieves pain and muscle spasms, and helps provide conditions for a deeper sleep. Some athletes are even using it to help with the anxiety that can come with competing at the highest level.

Elite athletes are generally well educated on nutrition – given the choice, with all other factors being equal, they will choose a natural supplement over a synthetic one every time.”

​Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS, found in all mammals, is a complex system that controls a variety of biological processes like appetite, immune responses, mood, and sleep.


There is growing evidence showing CBD can help repair the damage done to the brain from impact trauma, common in many sports such as the UFC and NFL. Studies are showing CBD can promote neurogenesis and contains neuroprotective properties.

By connecting with cannabinoid receptors found on cells throughout the body, CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, helping it in striving to achieve homeostasis - the body’s natural state of balance.After the US Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) shed light on the number of companies selling CBD products that contained inaccurate levels of the advertised cannabinoid, athletes are cautioned to use products only from trust-worthy suppliers.

“A lot of damage can be done to an athlete’s career after testing positive for a banned substance, and sometimes this is due to the negligence of the supplement manufacturer”, said Nick Osipczak. “I have known about the health benefits of hemp for many years. Athletes and their coaches deserve to be able to source CBD products that are 100% safe. My advice is to only buy CBD that has been grown organically, and that has been laboratory tested by independent bodies to ensure accurate CBD and THC content.”

With CBD set to become increasingly prevalent in sports from the start of 2018, it will be interesting to see the knock-on effect this has on the cannabis industry, as this is often the way supplements go on to become everyday house-hold products.