The use of CBD in sports is not new, as it has catalyzed the interests of many athletes at different levels in recent years. But a study claimed to be the first of its kind has tried to assess how topical CBD can help elite athletes manage pain.
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is a popular cannabinoid in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, it does not produce psychoactive effects, and research has demonstrated its ability to treat pain through its analgesic properties.
Researchers from Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport collaborated with the Tiger Research Group (TRG), a Dallas-based private organization dedicated to advancing cannabinoid therapy through education and research, to investigate the impact of topical CBD on elite athletes.
The results of the study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research late last month found that using CBD to treat lower extremity pain did not lead to any severe adverse reactions that required medical attention.
Although 30% of the participants reported minor adverse effects that did not hinder their ability to complete the study, the remaining 70% tolerated the treatment without experiencing any negative side effects.
The authors of this study claim that it is the first of its kind as it is focused on elite athletes, who are at a higher risk of sustaining injuries that could lead to disability.
The researchers selected 20 former athletes who played professional sports for 3-10 years, including American…