Share

Why the use of CBD in MMA continues to grow

All around the world MMA fighters are turning to CBD oil to help with healing and recovery – but what is the CBD hype and how did this movement get started?

It’s no secret that the sport of mixed martial arts is one of the most deadly and punishing on the planet. With many athletes training up to three times a day in the arts of wrestling, boxing, Muay-Thai, and Jiu-Jitsu, it can have a massive effect on fighters physical health in the build-up to a fight. So with all these physical stresses, how are fighters getting to the cage in one piece? The latest answer from fight camps around the globe is the use of CBD oil.

What exactly is CBD oil?

CBD is one of a number of compounds known as cannabinoids, that are found inside the cannabis plant. Marijuana contains the chemicals THC and CBD, but these compounds both have a very different effect on its user.

THC is known for producing the mind-altering state, or high it produces when broken down by heat, and ingested in the body. For example when smoking the plant or cooking it in foods. Unlike THC, CBD is not at all psychoactive. This means that it does not change the state of mind of the person who uses it. It does, however, produce some significant changes in the body, and has been found to have some very useful medical benefits.

How can CBD benefit a fighter?

Many fighters have found that using CBD can offer a number benefits, namely, in providing a natural pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, that can assist their body’s recovery process, in both the build-up and aftermath of a fight. Many of the sports top athletes even claim that CBD has quickened their healing time, and is much more effective than other ‘old school’ methods of recovery.

Longtime advocate of CBD, Nate Diaz has been at the forefront of the substance’s use for a number of years. Most notably in his post-fight press conference where he openly vaped and talked about his experience with cannabidiol.

“It helps with the healing process and inflammation, stuff like that,” said Diaz. “So you want to get these for before and after the fights, training. It’ll make your life a better place.”

Former UFC heavyweight champion, Cain Velasquez has also spoken about how well CBD works for him while training and recovering from injury.

“It’s the only thing that allows me to still train, and I’m not taking a harmful painkiller into my body that I’ll later become addicted to,” he said. “I don’t know how everyone is going to feel about me saying this, but this is just one of the hard facts we as fighters have to go through. In the past, in the NFL, players have gotten addicted to painkillers. I don’t want to be an addict of some sort.”

With top fighters such as the Diaz brothers, Bas Rutten, and Cain Velasquez all endorsing this alternative treatment, it is no surprise that as of January 2018 the Word Anti-Doping Agency has removed CBD from the list of banned substances. This could remove the stigma surrounding cannabidiol, and give all MMA competitors the chance to use it without risking their careers or reputations.

Are there any side effects?

While some users have reported side effects such as tiredness, drowsiness and dry mouth, it seems the negative effects of the substance are in fact very limited. Ultimately, the natural ingredients of this painkiller could prove to be far more beneficial for people, than those that are chemically made.

In conclusion it would appear that in many circumstances CBD is a much safer and healthier way to treat pain in comparison to traditional pain killers.

Why not give CBD products a try?

For more information on CBD to buy high-quality CBD for yourself, check out the link below.

Join Our WhatsApp Group

Join our UFC WhatsApp fan group and discuss the latest UFC events and news