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Benefits of CBD for Combat Sports Athletes

Benefits of CBD for Combat Sports

Taylor Saipe |

In the high-impact world of combat sports and MMA, athletes are no strangers to pain, inflammation, and muscle soreness.


The quest for effective pain management and injury healing methods is constant. Enter CBD, a natural remedy gaining traction for its myriad health benefits, including inflammation reduction and natural pain relief.


The use of CBD for combat sports is not just a trend but a significant shift towards holistic healing and wellness.

Professional Boxer training

CBD's Role in Recovery and Healing

CBD Explained: What Should You Know?

CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound found in cannabis and hemp. It doesn't cause the "high" associated with cannabis, as it doesn't contain THC. 


CBD products, including CBD oil and other CBD supplements, interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, playing a crucial role in regulating pain, sleep, and immune-system responses. This interaction aids in stress reduction, sleep improvement, and anti-anxiety, making it a valuable asset in post-workout recovery.


You know how combat sports athletes constantly deal with the brutal impact on their bodies, right?


Intense training sessions and fierce competitions often lead to a slew of injuries, muscle aches, and utter exhaustion. Now, imagine a solution that stands out in aiding recovery and healing. 


Enter CBD!


This gem, derived from cannabis, is making waves for its powerful anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. CBD may help kick pain and inflammation to the curb without the mind-altering effects tied with THC.

So, why not blend CBD into the recovery routine?


Doing this, athletes stand a chance to supercharge their body’s natural healing rhythm, ensuring they bounce back faster and more effectively post-training or bouts. 

“CBD works with the body's endocannabinoid system to reduce inflammation, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep—all crucial for athletes' recovery.” - Joe Rogan

Exploring the Different Types of CBD

Understanding the different types of CBD is crucial for athletes who seek to harness its potential benefits.


There are primarily three types: 

  • Isolate - Isolate is the purest form of CBD, devoid of any other cannabis compounds.


  • Broad Spectrum - Broad Spectrum contains a range of other cannabinoids and compounds, but is entirely THC-free.


  • Full Spectrum - Full Spectrum, on the other hand, includes all the natural compounds of the cannabis plant, including a trace amount of THC.


MMA Fight

Note: Hey martial arts athletes, we totally suggest going for Broad Spectrum or Isolate CBD. This way, you're making sure there’s zero chance of any THC popping up in a drug test, keeping you all clear and in line with sports rules. No worries about eligibility or breaking any regulations!

Exploring Different CBD Products Suited to Combat Sports

Navigating the world of CBD can be overwhelming with the plethora of products available. For athletes, it's essential to choose products that align with their specific needs and training routines.


Pre-Game Products: Pre-game CBD products are designed to enhance workout performance, providing the focus and energy needed for intensive training sessions.


Post-Game Products: Post-game CBD products aid in post-workout recovery, helping to reduce muscle soreness and inflammation.


CBD Heat Activation: CBD heat activation products are perfect for warming up muscles before workouts, ensuring they are ready for the strain of exercise. This is applied topically using a cream or balm.


Pre-Workout Oil: Pre-workout oils can be a great addition to the pre-workout routine, offering added energy and stamina. sublingual use of CBD involves placing a few drops of CBD oil under your tongue it has been until absorbed.


CBD Freeze Products: CBD freeze products are ideal for targeting specific areas of pain and inflammation, providing localized relief. These are generally topically applied using a cream, balm or lotion.


Delving into CBD Oil

CBD Oil is one of the most popular forms of CBD for combat sports athletes. It's easy to dose and can be taken alone or added to food and beverages for easy incorporation into the daily routine. Athletes report benefits including improved sleep quality, faster recovery times, and reduced inflammation and pain.


Each type of product offers unique benefits, and athletes can use them in combination to create a comprehensive wellness regimen.

Hemp Extract and CBD Dosage

Hemp extract, another term you might come across, refers to the oil extracted from the seeds, stalks, and flowers of the hemp plant, which contains CBD among other cannabinoids.


Proper CBD dosage is crucial for maximizing the benefits of CBD products. It's always best to start with a low dose and gradually increase until the desired effects are achieved. 


Athletes should consult a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage based on their specific needs and goals.

CBD Product Chart for Specific Needs of Combat Athletes

The world of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) and combat sports has seen a notable increase in the endorsement and use of Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound derived from the cannabis plant. 


This surge in popularity is significantly attributed to the vocal support from high-profile figures within the MMA community.

Advocates for CBD in MMA and Combat Sports:

1. Joe Rogan

- Position: Renowned MMA Commentator and Ex fighter


- Advocacy: Joe Rogan stands out as a prominent advocate for CBD use. On various platforms, he consistently highlights the numerous health and wellness benefits that CBD offers. Rogan discusses how CBD can potentially enhance athletic performance and provide therapeutic benefits, aiding in faster recovery and alleviating physical discomfort. 


- Impact: His influential voice has contributed to the growing interest and exploration of CBD within the combat sports community.

Joe Rogan Commentating
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-60239263

2. Nate Diaz

– Position: Professional MMA Fighter


– Advocacy: Nate Diaz, a respected figure in the MMA world, has also expressed support for CBD. His endorsement emphasizes the role of CBD in enhancing recovery processes, which is crucial for athletes involved in high-intensity sports like MMA.

Nate Diaz

3. Sean O'Malley

Position: Professional MMA Fighter


Advocacy: Sean O'Malley, a professional fighter, is another prominent figure who has openly shared his positive experiences with CBD. He utilizes CBD as a crucial component in his recovery and pain management regimen. Like many other athletes, O'Malley's use of CBD has significantly aided in his recovery process and management of pain, allowing him to maintain optimal physical condition.


Impact: His personal testament adds to the growing body of anecdotal evidence supporting CBD's role in enhancing recovery and managing pain for athletes, further bolstering the movement towards widespread acceptance and use of CBD in sports.

Sean O
https://www.ufc.com/news/sugar-sean-omalley-career-highlights-rise-to-the-title-bantamweight

4. Mike Tyson

Position: Former Professional Boxer


Advocacy: Mike Tyson, a legendary figure in the world of boxing, has not only expressed his support for CBD but has also ventured into the cannabis industry. 


Impact: Tyson’s establishment of his own cannabis company, Tyson Ranch, highlights his significant contribution to the cannabis and CBD industry. His advocacy for CBD and cannabis resonates with many, adding substantial weight to the movement towards widespread acceptance and use of these products. 

Mike Tyson

5. Teófimo López:

Position: Professional Boxer


Advocacy: Teófimo López, a celebrated professional boxer, actively chooses CBD as a natural alternative to potentially addictive medications. He particularly favors CBD in cream form for its quick absorption into the muscles, aiding in efficient recovery and relaxation. Additionally, López uses CBD oil to enhance relaxation, further showcasing his support for CBD as a beneficial supplement for athletes.

Understanding the Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system in the body that plays a crucial role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including sleep, mood, appetite, and memory. CBD interacts with the ECS, helping to keep the body in balance, which is vital for optimal athletic performance and recovery.

    CBD and Athletic Performance

    CBD’s role in enhancing athletic performance is gaining recognition. It aids in stress reduction, sleep improvement, and inflammation reduction, all of which are essential for peak athletic performance. Moreover, CBD’s anti-anxiety properties help athletes stay focused and calm, both in training and competition. 

    CBD in Accordance with WADA Guidelines for Martial Arts

    The question of the legality of CBD use is pertinent for athletes who seek natural remedies for recovery and pain management.

    The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), which oversees drug use in various sports, including martial arts, has taken a clear stance on this issue.


    As of January 1, 2018, WADA removed CBD from its list of prohibited substances, allowing athletes to use it without facing any sanctions. It's crucial to note, however, that only CBD has been permitted.


    Other cannabinoids, such as THC, remain on the prohibited list, and athletes must ensure that their CBD products do not contain any trace of these banned substances.

    CBD for Enhanced Sleep Quality

    In the demanding realm of combat sports, athletes grapple with substantial physical and mental strain, often resulting in sleep issues and insufficient recovery.


    Adequate sleep is paramount for these individuals, contributing significantly to muscle recuperation, mental acuity, and overall enhanced performance. CBD aids in stabilising sleep cycles by engaging with the body's endocannabinoid system, potentially augmenting sleep quality and duration. This ensures athletes attain the restorative sleep indispensable for peak recovery and performance.


    Additionally, by diminishing anxiety and stress, CBD further bolsters sleep quality, thereby enhancing mental and physical well-being and aiding in comprehensive recovery and performance enhancement for combat sports athletes.

      Conclusion: CBD and Combat Sports

      In conclusion, the synergy between CBD and combat sports is clear. From aiding in fast recovery to providing natural pain relief and reducing inflammation, CBD emerges as a comprehensive solution for athletes. Its role in enhancing sleep, reducing anxiety, and supporting overall health and wellness makes it a valuable addition to the athletic training and recovery regimen.

      Shop CBD via our, partner Crush Organics

      FAQ Section for CBD in Martial Arts

      Is CBD illegal in boxing?

      As discussed CBD is not considered illegal in boxing. It was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) list of prohibited substances in 2018. However, it's always best to check the latest regulations as they can change.

      Can CBD help with brain damage for fighters?

      Research on CBD's effects on brain damage is still in the early stages. Some studies suggest that CBD may help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain, which could potentially be beneficial for fighters. However, more research is needed to draw definitive conclusions.

      Is CBD classed as performance enhancing?

      CBD is not classified as a performance-enhancing substance by WADA. It's generally used for its potential to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation and recovery rather than enhance athletic performance.

      Is CBD classified as a drug in the UK?

      In the UK, CBD is not classified as a controlled drug. It is legal as long as it contains no more than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

      Does CBD make you less aggressive?

      There is no conclusive evidence to suggest that CBD directly impacts aggression. It may help reduce anxiety and improve mood, which could indirectly lead to a reduction in aggressive behavior.

      Does CBD make you feel different?

      CBD does not produce a stoned like THC does. Users report feeling more relaxed, calm, and focused, but it affects everyone differently. It's important to start with a low dose and monitor your reactions.

      Can too much CBD worsen anxiety in sports?

      While CBD is often used to alleviate anxiety, excessive use or high doses may lead to increased anxiety or other side effects in some individuals. It's crucial to use it in moderation and consult a healthcare professional for appropriate dosing.