CBD in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
Written by Georgia Chapell & reviewed by Paul Holmes.
Mixed martial arts (MMA) and CBD are both becoming increasingly popular in recent years. Even more, the combination of both has also been growing in interest among fighters and sports enthusiasts alike.
CBD is a natural compound found within the cannabis plant and has become world-renowned for its potential health benefits, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, improved sleep and much more.
In the MMA world, fighters push their bodies to the limit, often suffering from physical injuries and mental stress. CBD has become an attractive alternative to traditional pain management and recovery methods.
Many top fighters including the likes of Nate Diaz and Yair Rodriguez have spoken out publicly about the use of CBD to aid in recovery, due to the demands of their sport.
CBD for MMA fighters: What are the potential benefits?
The use of CBD in MMA has also started to gain support from some clinical trials which we will delve into shortly, which have seen that CBD has the potential to help fighters manage their pain, reduce inflammation and improve overall wellness.
Yet, it’s important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential effects of CBD on the human body, especially in the context of intense physical activity:
1. Pain Relief: CBD has been shown to have the desired indication including possible pain-relieving effects of CBD. This could be beneficial for MMA fighters who often suffer from injuries and soreness as a result of their intense training regimens.
2. Improved Sleep: CBD has been conveyed to help improve sleep quality and duration, which is crucial for MMA fighters who need to recover from intense physical activity.
3. Reduced Anxiety: CBD has also been considered a promising ingredient which could help with anxiety and mood disorders from a recent study, this in turn might be helpful for fighters to reduce the anxiety that comes with competition.
4. Compliance with Anti-Doping Regulations: It is important for MMA fighters to know that although CBD is not prohibited, athletes should be aware that some CBD products may also contain THC and other cannabinoids that could result in a positive test for a prohibited cannabinoid.
Previously athletes couldn’t use CBD as it was listed as a WADA-prohibited substance. However, in 2018 they declared CBD exempt, meaning CBD is no longer prohibited for athletes.
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THC vs CBD in the MMA industry
While finding new ways to potentially manage pain in the MMA industry is great, one area of concern for MMA fighters is the presence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – the psychoactive component of marijuana.
While CBD products are legal in many countries, including the United States, it’s important to ensure the products you choose only contain trace amounts of THC, or none at all, as the World Anti-Doping Agency prohibits athletes from using marijuana or its derivatives.
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All of Naturecan’s products are created using industry-leading technology and undergo rigorous testing practices with third parties.
Our CBD Oil is a broad-spectrum distillate with non-detectable levels of THC (<0.01%). Derived exclusively from certified organic US-grown hemp plants, we never use isolates or man-made synthetic material – only ever natural, plant-based CBD.
CBD and MMA fighters: The verdict
To sum things up, while the newly formed relationship between CBD and MMA is still in its early stages, it’s clear that more and more fighters believe in CBD’s potential benefits as part of their training and recovery regime.
As the research on CBD and MMA is still in its infancy, we will start to gain a better understanding of CBD’s potential effects on the human body and its applications in the sporting world.
Until then, MMA fighters must be aware of the rules and regulations surrounding the use of CBD, along with making informed decisions about their health and wellness.
