CBD in Brooklyn is growing in acceptance for athlete wellness and recovery, aligning with changing perceptions around cannabis-related products. It also could set a precedent for other teams and leagues considering similar sponsorships, highlighting the intersection of sports, health, and business in new and evolving ways.
This trend comes amid changing attitudes and perceptions around cannabis, as well as emerging research suggesting potential benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) for athlete health and wellness.
The Rise of CBD in Sports
Whereas cannabis was once considered taboo in pro sports, CBD is now gaining traction for its purported ability to aid recovery, reduce inflammation and pain, improve sleep quality, and relieve anxiety without causing impairment. With recreational and medicinal marijuana legalization expanding rapidly across the US, the stigma around cannabis-derived products like CBD is diminishing. Players and teams are becoming more receptive to CBD, setting the stage for major league sponsorships to occur more frequently.
This sponsorship deal highlights the evolving intersection of sports, business, and attitudes around cannabis. As CBD moves into the mainstream and gains credibility through clinical research, teams and leagues appear more willing to partner with CBD companies. The changing tide reflects shifting generational attitudes as sports embrace new attitudes towards cannabis and athlete wellness.
CBD Use for Athlete Recovery
CBD (cannabidiol), a non-psychoactive compound found in cannabis, is gaining popularity among professional athletes for its potential benefits in recovery and wellness. It’s appealing for athletes because it may help relieve pain, reduce inflammation, improve sleep quality, and alleviate anxiety without causing impairment.
Research indicates CBD may have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. A study on rats found that CBD injections reduced pain response, while another study showed CBD lowered chronic inflammation. Sleep is critical for athlete recovery, and some evidence suggests CBD may help improve sleep duration and quality.
While more clinical trials on humans are still needed, many athletes already use CBD and report positive effects on recovery. As CBD acceptance grows in sports, more athletes are turning to it for an edge in addressing the physical toll their bodies endure.
The Science Behind CBD
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of over 100 chemical compounds called cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive compound in cannabis, CBD does not produce a high or intoxicating effect.
Research on CBD is still in the early stages, but some studies suggest it may have therapeutic benefits for conditions like pain, anxiety, epilepsy, and inflammation. CBD is believed to work by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates various processes like mood, pain perception, immunity, and sleep.
Some potential benefits of CBD for athletes include:
- Reducing exercise-induced inflammation and pain
- Limiting muscle soreness and facilitating recovery
- Improving sleep quality
- Alleviating symptoms of anxiety or stress
However, most research is limited to animal studies and small human trials and more rigorous clinical studies are needed to confirm CBD’s efficacy and safety for athletes. There are also concerns about CBD products’ purity and dosage accuracy. CBD can contain traces of THC, which could lead to a positive drug test result. The long-term impacts of CBD use are still unknown as well.
Legally, CBD derived from hemp containing less than 0.3% THC is allowed under federal law. The World Anti-Doping Agency removed CBD from its prohibited substances list in 2018, though THC remains banned.
CBD in Brooklyn is Major
CBD in Brooklyn sponsorships are starting to make major inroads across professional sports. Several high-profile deals have brought CBD companies together with major league teams and athletes.
The BIG3 basketball league signed Binger Labs as its official CBD partner. The 3-on-3 basketball league founded by Ice Cube includes many former NBA players. These deals represent a seismic shift as major sports leagues and teams embrace the growing CBD industry. Many more partnerships are likely on the horizon.
The Future of CBD in Brooklyn
The CBD pro sports connection seems poised for growth in the years ahead. As attitudes continue to shift and more research emerges on the benefits of CBD, we’re likely to see more teams and leagues striking sponsorship deals and integrating CBD products into their training regimens. The NBA and CBD partnerships will help destigmatize CBD use in athletics with more teams and leagues jumping on board. With more educational resources and accessibility, CBD and cannabis products will become as common as other supplements and recovery modalities for professional athletes.
There will be growing calls for sports leagues to update their cannabis policies and relax restrictions on CBD use to keep pace with legalization trends. Major retailers will sell CBD products endorsed by athletes and targeted towards active consumers. Overall, the sports world appears ready to embrace CBD’s therapeutic potential. But work is still required to fully integrate CBD into training routines responsibly, transparently, and equitably.
Read more about CBD, sports, and culture here.
