CBD is making waves among professional athletes and sports enthusiasts. The cannabinoid has been shown to have an array of therapeutic effects that can benefit athletes. Most notably, these effects include accelerated recovery, pain relief, improved sleep, and reduced stress levels.
Professional athletes across all fields, including boxing, MMA, and football, are embracing CBD for these properties. CBD for MMA fighters has proven especially popular, with the likes of Nate Diaz advocating for the use of the cannabinoid in the sport.
Since WADA (the World Anti-Doping Agency) lifted its ban on CBD, many professional athletes have turned to CBD oil as a natural remedy. This includes boxers.
Boxing is an intense sport that takes a huge toll on the body and mind. The impact of inflammation, pain, and injuries can significantly affect a boxer’s training and performance.
Recently, more pro boxers are realizing how effective the best CBD oil can be in addressing these issues. Below, we explore why professional boxers use CBD products.
What Professional Boxers Use CBD Products
As discussed, the CBD for MMA market is vast, with fighters like Nate Diaz being especially vocal about their use of CBD. Matt Hughes and Jonny Bones are another two MMA fighters often linked to cannabis and CBD.
Many professional boxers have also turned to CBD for its therapeutic properties. But two in particular are very vocal about their personal use of CBD and how it has helped advance their careers: Teofimo Lopez and Shannon Briggs.
Lopez is a 20-year-old Honduran-American lightweight boxer who turned pro in 2016. He participated in the 2016 Olympics and has several US Junior Tournament victories and a 2015 Golden Globe Championship behind his name. The boxer has been using CBD for several years to enhance his training and for quick recovery times. He uses CBD topicals to relieve sore muscles and oral CBD oil to relieve pain and relax.
Shannon Briggs is a veteran heavyweight with a 25-year career to his name. He is a two-time world champion and was set to be one of the all-time greats until he was suspended for six months in 2017 for excess testosterone in his system.
CBD has played a major role in Briggs’ comeback. He uses CBD for a few reasons, most notably, for its mood-enhancing properties, which help manage his depression and enhance metabolism, which helped him lose 160 pounds. Moreover, he has stated that he prefers to use natural remedies like CBD rather than medications that may be addictive.
How CBD Can Benefit Boxers
CBD is a natural remedy that can be used in various ways and benefit all sorts of people. Recently, athletes are discovering just how beneficial the cannabinoid can be for performance and recovery.
Some athletes claim that CBD improves speed, power, and agility, but little scientific evidence supports these claims. Nonetheless, many are convinced of CBD’s benefits whether it’s CBD for MMA fighters, boxers, or other athletes.
Boxing, in particular, has recently seen a surge in CBD use. Here are a few of the ways CBD may benefit boxers.
Pain Management
CBD is commonly touted for its pain-relieving potential. The anti-inflammatory properties contained in the cannabinoid may reduce swelling and help relieve pain in joints and muscles. CBD topicals, such as creams and salves, may be especially useful for treating pain. Topicals are applied directly to the affected area and provide targeted relief.
Reduces Stress and Anxiety
Pre-match anxiety often causes unwanted nerves that could affect performance. Moreover, the stress of competing professionally can take a toll on mental and physical health. Research suggests that CBD may instill a sense of calm in people, lowering stress levels.
Improves Sleep
A good night’s rest is essential for boxers since sleep helps people to heal, rejuvenate, and replenish. Without enough quality sleep, it’s difficult for the body to recover and affects focus and mental clarity; it’s difficult to function when you’re sleep-deprived. CBD products combined with melatonin may be especially useful in regulating sleep patterns, helping boxers sleep better and recover more quickly.
Faster Recovery
Thanks to CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties, one of the key benefits of the cannabinoid for boxers relates to injuries. But not only does it help ease inflammation, it may also help reduce muscle spasms, leading to quicker recovery times.
Final Thoughts on Why Professional Boxers Use CBD Products
CBD use for professional boxers is on the rise. The cannabinoid has huge potential for athletes thanks to its many therapeutic properties. Specifically, CBD products can help with pain management, stress relief, and improved sleep.
CBD is an excellent alternative to opioids and other prescription medication and provides boxers with a natural remedy for dealing with the mental and physical stresses of their sport.