What’s the History of CBD & Its Introduction to Sports?

After decades of cannabis bans and restrictions, you might think CBD’s healthful benefits were recently discovered. Nope!

Cannabidiol has been a cherished therapeutic for thousands of years, dating all the way back to BC. Whoa. So, what’s CBD’s history? When was it first used in sports?

What’s the History of CBD?

Here’s what we know about hemp oil throughout history...

In 2737 BC, Chinese Emperor, Sheng Neng, drank cannabis-infused tea to help with memory loss, rheumatism, and gout. Add some CBD oil to your tea, too!

In 1839, Irish physician and medical researcher, William B. O’Shaughnessy, published a controversial study, which described the beneficial effects of cannabis and its potential medical applications. O’Shaughnessy’s in-depth study opened the door for the discovery of cannabinoids.

In the early 1900s, Queen Victoria used CBD to relieve menstrual cramps—the liquid Midol of that period, for periods. Give it a try!

In 1940, British chemist, Robert S. Cahn, discovered a fully formed cannabinoid, Cannabinol (CBN).

In 1942, American chemist, Roger Adams, successfully isolated the first cannabinoid, Cannabidiol (CBD) as well as discovered Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

In 1963, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam's advanced research of cannabinoids revealed the distinct differences between THC’s euphoric effects and CBD’s therapeutic effects.

In 1978, New Mexico passed the Controlled Substances Therapeutic Research Act, which legally recognized cannabis as a medical therapeutic.

In 1996, California passed Proposition 215, becoming the first state in the nation to legalize marijuana. Woot!

In 1998 - 2000, Oregon, Alaska, Washington, Maine, Hawaii, Nevada, and Colorado followed suit. Patients in these states now had legal access to medical cannabis. However, 2 out of 3 Americans still considered it a “gateway drug” and opposed the legalization of cannabis despite the growing awareness of medicinal health benefits from cannabinoids (CBD and THC).

In 2018, the following landmark events occurred, changing the public’s perception of cannabis:

• The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD.

• The FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based, prescription medication for seizures.

In 2022, CBD supplement sales are skyrocketing, with analysts predicting the CBD market’s value at 22 billion by this year. Cannabidiol has become a health-enhancing gamechanger for people from all walks of life, including professional athletes.

Which brings us to sports...

What’s the History of CBD in Sports?

Despite cannabidiol usage dating all the way back to BC, CBD’s introduction into sports is fairly recent...

In 1999, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) was founded to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs by professional athletes. The most controversial substance was cannabis, which included CBD.

In 2017, WADA removed CBD from its list of banned substances. Finally, athletes, worldwide, could experience the therapeutic benefits of CBD, enjoyed thousands of years ago by Sheng Neng and Queen Victoria. What took so long, right?

Today, many athletes have turned to CBD as their go-to sports supplement to improve athletic training results and recovery time.

Why Should Athletes Use CBD for Sports?

Whether you’re an amateur or professional athlete, CBD can help you achieve your goals a lot easier. Cannabidiol positively (and naturally) affects how your body functions and feels plus improves your state of mind.

Here’s how CBD supplements can help you achieve your sports goals:

• Alleviates muscle and joint pain.

• Relieves inflammation.

• Assists with mood, energy, and sleep.

• Promotes healthy bones.

• Supports gastrointestinal health.

Even if you don’t have a single athletic bone in your body, CBD will help you look and feel incredible.

“A woman’s health is her capital.” ~ Harriet Beecher Stowe

Which CBD products will you use to achieve your goals? Will you try CBD in your tea?