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CBD is a natural compound that is increasingly becoming mainstream. People from every walk of life trust its natural goodness to improve their health and wellness. From professionals to athletes, this cannabis-extracted compound has something for everyone. 

While the demand for CBD products is growing and finding the best CBD oil is somewhat challenging. You can find quality CBD products to enjoy the best cannabinoid experience by following a few simple tips.

The extreme workout and fatigue involved in playing basketball make its players highly vulnerable to injuries. A recent policy shift by the NBA has allowed basketball players to use CBD for their pains and injuries. 

NBA CBD Policy

NBA abandons decades-old strict no CBD policy and changes its stance towards this non-intoxicating cannabis compound. The leagues suspended testing CBD first time in March 2020 when play halted in the early days of the outbreak of the Coronavirus pandemic. The following season NBA again agreed not to randomly test players for marijuana, a continuation of the policy in place for the COVID-19 bubble. 

However, the players will undergo testing for growth hormone and performance enhancers, along with drugs of abuse such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and opiates.

Why is CBD becoming increasingly popular among basketball players? What benefits can they get from this policy change? Let us discuss them briefly.

CBD and Basketball

Basketball is a high-paced game that requires players to demonstrate both physical and mental toughness. The high-acceleration movements players make during this sport can impact the health of their muscles. They need a supplement to help them recover from muscle fatigue and pain quickly.

Several athletes in the sport endorse and support the use of CBD for rest and recovery, and it presses the need for decriminalization. A few of the big names of the game, such as Lamar Odom and Al Harrington, have publicly stated they use CBD. 

The appeal of the compound comes from its potential to help players recover after tough competitions and prepare for strenuous workouts. The ability of CBD to work with the endocannabinoid system of the body – which manages homeostasis, makes it an indispensable natural recovery supplement. 

It works with the endocannabinoid system receptors responsible for regulating mood, pain, and more. CBD improves the overall wellness of the body by interacting with those receptors.  

CBD for Athletes

CBD athletes are individuals who use this botanical compound to get relief from pain and muscle damage resulting from extreme physical exertion. The number of federations and international sports institutions eliminating Cannabidiol from the list of prohibited substances has encouraged extensive and extensive use among athletes. 

The scientific evidence confirms CBD has the potential to help athletes to recover from fatigue and muscle damage. More research is required to explain the role of CBD in sports performance. 

There are multiple benefits of Cannabidiol for athletes that are fuelling the demand for the compound among top-performing athletes. 

CBD Benefits for Athletes

Cannabidiol boasts neuroprotective, analgesic, anxiolytic, and pain-relieving properties, which are suitable for athletes. It helps them to recover during regular training and competitions. 

A 2018 report from World Health Organization notes CBD does not cause dependence – unlike other pain-relieving substances. CBD is a non-psychoactive substance and does not cause high, like THC. 

Some research also suggests CBD can be used to address opioid addiction and other substances with a risk of dependence.  

Cannabidiol for athletes helps them naturally improve their wellness and performance without causing dependence and other side effects. 

Final Thoughts

CBD, available both online and in local CBD shops, has the potential to help basketball players to overcome muscle fatigue and soreness. NBA suspended its policy of testing for CBD first time in history during the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, the league approved to continue no CBD testing for games during the 2020-21 season. Is CBD allowed in NBA? The answer is yes. As long as they do not shed their no-testing policy, the players can benefit from the natural healing potential of this cannabis-extracted compound.

Michael Levin is a CBD enthusiast, a researcher, writer and editor in the cannabis space, experienced CBD user and educator. He believes CBD can help improve our overall health and wellbeing.