Cannabis and cannabis-related products are becoming much more prevalent and accepted in Canada. This acceptance has led to a deeper exploration of cannabis, and what the drug can do to help athletes. While cannabis in its psychoactive form remains illegal both in and out of competition, there is an emerging cannabis-related product called cannabidiol that is showing benefits for runners. It is suggested that cannabidiol can lessen inflammation and improve recovery time.

Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive property that is found in cannabis plants, and is the key ingredient for the medicinal properties of cannabis. Cannabidiol, also known as CBD oil, is extremely low in THC, therefore doesn’t produce a high. THC is the chemical compound in cannabis that is responsible for the high experienced when using the drug. CBD oil is listed on Global DRO (Drug Reference Online) as legal out of competition and conditional in competition. This means that while training it’s perfectly fine to use as a recovery tool.

Running is a high impact sport. If not monitored carefully, pounding the pavement can produce injury. One of the suggested benefits of CBD oil is reduction of inflammation. Anti-inflammatory properties are great for injury prevention as they reduce the pain and swelling that can be caused by rigorous activity.

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CBD oil is also high in antioxidants which are suggested to aid the immune system. Getting sick can put a hold on training, or even worse, racing. Consistency is the key to running, so taking preventative measures to avoid sickness is always recommended.

CBD oil is legal in Canada with a medical marijuana prescription and can be found at dispensaries across the country. Cannabidiol is commonly found in topical or capsule form. Using it topically is primarily suggested for joint pain. Other ways of getting CBD oil into your diet are by adding it to smoothies in its liquid form.

Using CBD oil as a recovery tool is a relatively new frontier, therefore, not extensively reviewed. Despite its novelty, CBD oil is regarded as a very safe product and if interested, something for runners to consider trying in their recovery routines.