The Rise of CBD in Combat Sport

From Brazilian jiu jitsu to MMA and boxing – combat sports athletes are embracing CBD oil in a big way. Dozens of fighters around the world are now sponsored by CBD brands, since the World Anti Doping Agency dropped its ban on the cannabis-derived substance two years ago.

Hemp – the cannabis plant – has been used as food  for millennia. Cannabis has long been used as a painkiller, but its side effects made it unacceptable – an illegal – in most modern cultures. Separating out the elements of cannabis into CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (the psychoactive part that gets you high), however, has revolutionised the substance.

With opioid-dependency being a real problem for combat athletes, CBD is a welcome alternative – WHO’s 2018 report stated that it doesn’t result in dependence or misuse.

How does it work?

CBD can affect dozens of processes in your central and nervous system, and here’s why:

Your body has a naturally occurring network of receptors (proteins that transmit signals) called the endocannabinoid system. This system regulates nearly every vital process in your body – including pain sensation, physical recovery, metabolism and cognitive processes.

CBD mimics the receptors, but in a more concentrated from – so it stands to reason that your natural endocannabinoid system will be enhanced if you introduce CBD to your body.

There’s also evidence that vigorous exercise can disrupt the balance of your endocannabinoid receptors. As combat sports have no ‘season’ and a relentless programme of high intensity training and fights, CBD is likely to help to redress that imbalance.

CBD may also have elements that promote healthy brain function. Because combat sport athletes are subjected to  trauma, it is important that they get ahead of and anticipate any injuries by being as prepared as possible.

How do you take it?

CBD oil is most common. It can be administered directly under the tongue with a dropper -although it doesn’t taste too good.

It can also be vaped, or applied in gels or lotions for topical application on sore muscles, or taken in tablet form.

Fighting fans

Combat athletes around the world are waking up to the potential of CBD. There are dozens of CBD sponsored fighters, and several professional fighters have started their own CBD companies. These are just a handful of CBD ambassadors:

Teófimo López – Professional Boxer

López takes CBD as a natural alternative to potentially addictive medications such as opioid painkillers. He prefers to use CBD in a cream form for topical applications that can be absorbed into muscles quickly. Lopez also uses CBD oil  to relax.

Shannon Briggs –Professional Boxer

CBD’s ability to enhance metabolism helped Briggs to lose 11 stone for his comeback – and he claims that it also saved his life. The mood-enhancing properties of CBD reduced the depression he had been battling from childhood. Having used opioid painkillers for years, he says he now prefers to use natural, non pharmaceutical methods to manage his pain.

Nate Diaz – MMA Professional

Nate openly vaped CBD at press conference when it was still technically a banned substance. Thanks to his and other athletes’ pressure World Anti Doping agency dropped the ban on CBD. Cannabis and THC are still banned.

Gordon Ryan Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) Champion

Gordon uses CBD oil ‘to relax after training and to prepare mentally and physically for the next session’.