CBD is a popular wellness supplement in the UK. The compound is used in a number of food and dietary products and is suggested to help with a range of ailments to improve lifestyle. You might question, is CBD Oil Legal in the UK? The short answer is yes, but it does depend on an important factor. UK law states it has to be fit for human consumption to ensure it is safe and legal.

What is CBD oil?

CBD or cannabidiol is a compound that originates from cannabis plants. There are some common misconceptions surrounding CBD due to its association with its sister compound THC (the compound that gets you high). For CBD to be legal in the UK, products cannot contain more than 0.2% THC.

CBD oils are said to have an effect on the endocannabinoid system; this is the part of the body that controls cell signaling. Research suggests CBD balances this system and may offer pain relief and help with anxiety and depression, among other things.

While CBD products are popular in the wellness sector, there is a growing number of CBD supplements aimed at athletes to aid recovery and support performance.

So, is CBD legal in sport?

Currently, CBD is not listed on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list. This means that it is permitted for use in sport. However, all other products containing higher levels of THC are prohibited and have a reporting threshold when a drug test is carried out. If the test result shows even the tiniest amount of THC detected in urine, this will be marked as an Adverse Analytical Finding by the UK Anti-Doping agency. The consequences of doping are extensive, whether it was intentional or not. The UK Anti-Doping (UKDA) organisation also mentions that CBD products consumed by athletes are at their own risk.

If an athlete is considering using CBD products, there are many aspects to research before inadvertently consuming higher levels of THC than expected. As the industry is mostly unregulated, the manufacturing processes for some products may be different than others. To ensure an athlete uses the best CBD oil for sports, checking ingredients and lab results of products is advisable.

Does CBD oil work for sportspeople?

CBD is suggested to aid a range of ailments from pain, anxiety, and depression to inflammation and insomnia. For a sportsperson, this type of supplement is an ideal way to improve recovery times and support performance, and anecdotally, athletes say it can provide this relief to speed recovery.

Take a look at some of the most common uses of CBD for sports injury:

1. Sports massage using CBD

CBD oil for sports injuries can be administered in several ways. The most popular treatment for issues such as muscle soreness, chronic pain, and general injuries is topical. CBD is said to provide an anti-inflammatory effect and is becoming a popular addition to sports massage treatments as CBD is incorporated within the products administered directly to the skin. There is a selection of CBD sports creams for pre and post-workout applications that are suggested to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Deep tissue massage is a renowned way to support the recovery of sports injuries, and CBD is now used to treat issues such as muscle spasms, strains, sprains, and Achilles tendonitis. It is also used for treating everyday muscle aches and pains.

2. Pain relief for sports injuries

When an injury causes significant pain, relief is typically sought using medication and physiotherapy. While doctors say any injury should always be looked at by a professional, interim solutions such as CBD may provide pain relief. Products such as CBD infused patches, tinctures, and capsules are available to potentially support recovery.

3. CBD to improve energy levels

In the past, athletes and sportspeople consumed energy drinks and supplements to boost alertness. However, CBD products are suggested to offer a similar effect, and many products boast a natural way to improve energy levels. There is a significant amount of caffeine in typical energy drinks, which can have adverse reactions on the body, including increasing heart rate and tremors. Plus, there are withdrawal aspects of consuming large amounts. In contrast, a report by the World Health Organisation found there is no known public health risk when using CBD. It is said to be well-tolerated by people and animals.

What CBD dosage should be used for sports injuries?

One of the main grey areas when using CBD surrounds what CBD strength is best. Unfortunately, there is no hard and fast rule that covers everybody and the ailments they are treating. It can be challenging to be precise with dosage as different types of products have varying amounts, such as eating CBD gummies or applying CBD creams topically.

The best way to measure is generally by capsules or tinctures based on the volume. Many companies selling CBD products suggest starting with a low dose and monitoring how it affects you before moving onto higher doses. Some CBD products have guidelines and recommended doses on the product to help you administer effectively.

While CBD is considered safe to consume, there are also some side effects to be aware of. These are typically short-term and mild but could include diarrhoea, fatigue, and weight fluctuations. It is also best to seek medical advice if you are taking medication to ensure CBD does not interact with your prescription.

CBD and sports

CBD oils could be a good alternative for other medicinal products to support recovery and training stress. There is still a lot of research that needs to be completed in this area. Still, the main takeaway for athletes considering using CBD products is to ensure they are purchased from a reputable and lab-tested company. This will provide the ingredients and THC levels in each CBD product to ensure they are suitable for use and won’t affect any ability to compete.

Anecdotal evidence suggests CBD benefits the body in many ways. If it can help with pain relief, reducing inflammation, and aiding sleep, it naturally provides an effective solution for professional athletes.